SAFETY4SEA Focus - Q1 2018

6 SAFETY 4SEA I issue 01 I Q1 2018 safety4sea.com ARTICLE ECDIS training and implied by STCW. The course is provided to ensure that the naviga- tors learn to use ECDIS and can apply it in all aspects of navigation, including the knowledge, understan- ding and proficiency to transfer that skill to the particular ECDIS system(s) actually encountered on board, prior to taking over naviga- tional duties. It is a five-day course which includes simulator based training and evaluation also. What is familiarization or type spe- cific training? Familiarization is the process re- quired to become familiar with any onboard ECDIS (including backup), in order to assure and demon- strate competency onboard with any specific ship’s ECDIS installation, prior to taking charge of a naviga- tional watch. This may be achieved through a training session from competent trainer (usually provided by ECDIS equipment manufacturer) and company established familiari- zation procedure. Some industry stakeholders (eg. some major oil companies) require the officers as- signed with bridge watch duties to be certified for ECDIS type specific course. There is no ”official” format of this training so far. As familiari- zation guidance, Nautical Institute published the Industry Recommen- dations for ECDIS Training (2012) with extended checklists in order to check OOW familiarization with on- board installed system. This prac- tice is commonly followed and has become an “industry standard”. All the above aim to verify that those going to use the ECDIS equip- ment are well prepared. As most ECDIS related incidents are caused by inadequate use of equipment and/or wrong setting parameters, the value of training and familiariza- tion is of primary importance. T he transition from tradi- tional paper navigation to e-navigation using positioning systems, electronic chart displays, and sophisticated bridge systems is already a fact as shipping indus- try quickly incorporated this mod- ern technology as part of vessels’ equipment and day by day opera- tions. However, seafarers, espe- cially those with dedicated bridge watchkeeping duties, strive to catch up with the modern technology and follow a different path of approach to bridge watch keeping routine. The new STCW requirements, which came into force on January 1, 2017, consist the frame for the e- Navigation training standards which are supported and assisted by the industry practice and experience for further awareness. From 1 Janu- ary 2017 onwards, all masters and officers serving on ships fitted with ECDIS certificated under chapter II of the STCW Convention, should have undertaken appropriate Ge- neric ECDIS training (which may be based upon IMO model course 1.27), meeting the competence require- ments of the 2010 Manila Amend- ments to the STCW Convention and ISM Code. Additionally, regulation I/14, paragraph 1.5 of the STCW Convention, as well as sections 6.3 and 6.5 of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, requires companies to ensure seafarers are provided with familiarization or type specific training. A ship safety management system should include familiarization with the ECDIS equip- ment fitted, including its backup arrangements, sensors and related peripherals. What is the Generic Training? This training is a pre-require- ment for executing the duties of Officer of the watch. The IMO Model course 1.27 is to ensure that naviga- tors understand ECDIS in the con- text of navigation and can demon- strate all competencies contained in