Report on the application and also use of ECDIS. A MAIB and also DMAIB joint research study on ECDIS usage from the viewpoint of experts.
Summary:
In examinations of groundings considering that 2008 in which Electronic Chart Display and also Information Systems (ECDIS) were the key ways of navigating, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and also Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board (DMAIB) recognized an inequality in between the means ECDIS was made use of and also the objective of efficiency requirements and also system style. This triggered the MAIB and also the DMAIB to examine ECDIS make use of from the viewpoint of experts.
The objective of the research study was to create an understanding of the functional application and also use of ECDIS and also assistance future ECDIS style, training approaches and also the growth of ideal techniques. The research study complied with a qualitative approach, mainly based upon semi-structured meetings with 155 ECDIS individuals and also monitoring information collected in between February and also July 2018 throughout sea trips in European waters on 31 ships of numerous kinds.
The complete record is readily available for download listed below and also the crucial searchings for are summed up in the Executive Summary.
Joint declaration by Oessur Hilduberg, Head of the DMAIB and also Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, MAIB:
“Investigation of groundings considering that 2008 have actually continuously revealed that where ECDIS was the key ways of navigating it was not being made use of to its complete capacity. There was a considerable inequality in between the objective of the efficiency requirements and also system developers, and also the means the watchkeepers were making use of the system. This research study laid out to comprehend whether the searchings for of crash examinations can be theorized as standing for the bigger aquatic market and also, if so, why.
“Unsurprisingly, the research study discovered a vast range of ECDIS assimilation and also use, and also individuals were consentaneous that the real-time positioning given by ECDIS was a significant factor to risk-free navigating. However, afterwards the photo was grim. Despite remaining in solution for virtually 20 years ECDIS could, at best, be called remaining in its execution stage. Specifically, the majority of the computerized features made to inform the watchkeeper to foreshadowing threats were challenging to make use of and also did not have the granularity for navigating in pilotage waters. The following high dud price worn down self-confidence in the automated caution, and also the majority of drivers disabled the alarm systems or neglected notifies.
“To be a reliable device for risk-free navigating, ECDIS requires a high level of driver input however numerous watchkeepers showed up to have actually restricted understanding of the systems they were making use of, and also generally just utilized them to the degree they really felt essential. Current system imperfections, worsened by minimal bathymetry information, ensure navigating tough and also do not augur well for future automation of the navigating feature.
“The study does not make specific recommendations but is intended to act as a catalyst for change. Improvements can be made at every level, from the agile setting of performance standards, through human-centred design to ensure users interface effectively with complex technological systems, down to operator training and the setting of procedures and best practice. Most importantly, if improvements are to be made, digital navigation needs to become the primary means of navigation across the industry.”
Sea News, September 2
