ECDIS Generic IMO 1.27

The purpose of this course is to meet the training requirements in STCW, as amended, for the operational use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS).

This 40-hour course, S007, provides trainees with the knowledge, skill, and understanding of ECDIS and electronic charts to the thorough extent needed to safely navigate vessels whose primary means of navigation is ECDIS. The course emphasizes both the application and learning of ECDIS in a variety of underway contexts. This is achieved through sophisticated navigation simulation that provides each trainee with unrestrained access to own ship operations integrated with a complete type-approved ECDIS with numerous chart formats installed.

This course covers all of the training areas presented in the original version of IMO Model Course 1.27, The Operational Use of ECDIS. This course also covers the training areas in the MC 1.27, as revised in 2010 and proposed for adoption by IMO in 2011. Specifically, this course meets the ECDIS training requirements of STCW, as amended in 2010. The course meets the ECDIS competence for the Operational Level (Table A-II/1), stated as “Use of ECDIS to maintain the safety of navigation,” and for the Management Level (Table A-II/2), stated as “Maintain the safety of navigation through the use of ECDIS and associated navigation systems to assist command decision making.” Furthermore, this course closely follows the guidance on ECDIS training described in STCW Table B-I/12 paragraphs 36 through 66, as amended. 

This course can be undertaken using one of four systems that Resolve has in house; Transas, Sperry VMFT, NACOS 100, NACOS Platinum.

• Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code
• Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code

In so doing, this course aims to satisfy the current USCG training requirement in line with Tasks 4.1A and 4.2A in NVIC 12-14 and also tasks 6.1A through 6.7A in NIVC 10-14.

Those who successfully complete this course should be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skill, and understanding of ECDIS navigation and electronic charts to undertake the duties of a navigational watch officer defined by STCW Code, as amended. This knowledge, skill, and understanding should include Column 1 ECDIS competencies of Tables A-II, but is not limited to:

• Knowledge of the capability and limitations of ECDIS operations, and all indicated sub-topics
• Proficiency in operation, interpretation, and analysis of information obtained from ECDIS, and all indicated sub-topics
• Management of operational procedures, system files and data, and all indicated sub-topics

Documentary evidence will be issued to trainees who successfully complete this course indicating that the holder has completed training in the navigational use and operation of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) based one specifications listed in “Scope”, above. See document wording in “Sample Certificate of Course Completion” at the end of this submission package.

The outcome of this course will be achieved through various methods, including simulation-based classroom and laboratory training, such that each trainee is provided unshared access to a type-approved ECDIS with ENC data for all required hours of practice and assessment in a controlled visual underway navigational environment.

Methods of distance learning or computer-based training may be used to supplement the familiarization stages of this course, but will not be substituted any documented hours of attendance, nor for the underway assessment of proficiency.

Consistent with STCW, the evaluation plan that follows addresses instrument-related competencies along with proficiencies on an integration of ECDIS with navigational practices. It is consistent with the intent of STCW that demonstration of skills and practical understanding is determined by direct observation, while knowledge and theoretical understanding are determined through written examination in a variety of question styles.

Students will pass this course by scoring a 70% or above on each, a 25 question written exam and a practical exam. Students are also required to attend each day, participate in class exercises and complete all assignments.