STCW Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)

Overall rationale and objectives of Course

This is an obligatory short course for every Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch and related seafarer duties as set by the IMO STCW Convention.

This course aims to provide the training on operational use of ECDIS. It is intended to provide the knowledge, skill and understanding of ECDIS and electronic charts to a thorough extent needed to safely navigate ships. The primary means of navigation will be considered as the ECDIS. This course emphasises both the application and the learning of ECDIS in a variety of underway contexts.

This course is designed to meet the STCW Code requirements in the use of ECDIS, as they apply to Tables A-II/1, A-II/2 ad A-II/3 and subsequent revised guidelines pertaining to training and assessment in the operational use of ECDIS as part of watch keeping on board the vessel.

Overall Learning Outcomes

LO1 : Identify the principles of Electronic Charts and the use of display information

LO2 : Interpret and analyse the data information obtained from ECDIS and related sub-topics

LO3 : Manage operational procedures, system files and record data

LO4 : Perform appropriate calculations to ensure safe navigation.

Minimum / suggested entry requirements

This course is open to all seafarers who are to serve as OIC Navigational Watch Officers or related seafarer duties on board sea-going merchant ships.

There are no strict prerequisites for entry. This course requires a basic knowledge of IT practice and a working knowledge of written and spoken English. Candidates are assumed to have basic computer skills in order to ease participation in the course.

Students must be 18 years of age or older.