Navigational Technologies & Ecdis Proficiency Training Course

Introduction

In the era of advanced maritime operations, mastering Navigational Technologies & ECDIS Proficiency is absolutely vital for modern seafarers, fleet operators, and maritime professionals seeking to ensure safe passage, optimize routing, and enhance situational awareness. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip masters, navigating officers, shore-based operations personnel, maritime trainers, and bridge teams with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for advanced use of electronic charts, navigation systems, and digital navigation tools. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) functionality, integrated bridge systems, satellite navigation advancements, and the strategic implications of leveraging digital technology for efficient and precise navigation. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, international regulatory compliance (STCW, SOLAS), and real-world scenarios pertinent to complex navigational challenges, empowering you to operate cutting-edge bridge systems with confidence and competence.

This digital navigation skills course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond traditional paper charts towards a proactive, technology-driven approach to maritime navigation. Mastering ECDIS chart management, implementing effective passage planning using digital tools, and understanding strategies for integrating GNSS and radar information are indispensable for preventing groundings, optimizing fuel consumption, improving collision avoidance, and ensuring regulatory adherence. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic bridge system operation and maritime digital navigation, positioning your organization at the forefront of safe and efficient global shipping and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced operational performance and reduced navigational risk.

Target Audience

• Vessel Masters & Chief Officers
• Navigating Officers & Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW)
• Shore-based Operations & Marine Superintendents
• Pilots & Port Navigators
• Maritime Trainers & Instructors
• Marine Surveyors & Inspectors
• Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of modern navigational technologies and their integration.
• Learn the comprehensive functionality and operational requirements of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).
• Master advanced techniques for passage planning and execution using ECDIS.
• Develop proficiency in managing and updating electronic navigational charts (ENCs) and other digital data.
• Explore best practices for integrating Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with other bridge equipment.
• Understand the principles and advanced use of radar and Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) in conjunction with ECDIS.
• Learn about robust strategies for maintaining navigational safety and situational awareness in a digital environment.
• Identify the critical aspects of cybersecurity for navigational systems.
• Develop skills in managing alarms, indications, and system failures on integrated bridge systems.
• Understand the regulatory framework (STCW, SOLAS) governing the use of ECDIS and digital navigation.
• Explore strategies for optimizing fuel consumption and voyage efficiency through precise navigation.
• Drive the implementation of best practices for human-machine interface (HMI) and bridge resource management (BRM) with digital tools.
• Position yourself as a highly competent user of advanced navigational technologies, enhancing safety and operational excellence.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Modern Navigational Technologies

• Overview of the evolution from traditional to digital navigation
• Key components of an Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
• Understanding the benefits and challenges of digital navigation
• The concept of a paperless bridge and its implications
• Future trends in maritime navigation technology

Module 2. Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) Fundamentals

• Definition and mandatory carriage requirements of ECDIS
• Understanding Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) vs. Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs)
• ECDIS display characteristics, symbols, and information layers
• User interface and basic operational controls
• Regulatory compliance for ECDIS (SOLAS Chapter V, STCW Code)

Module 3. Advanced ECDIS Passage Planning

• Comprehensive route planning functions: waypoints, great circle vs. rhumb line
• Setting safety contours, safety depths, and anti-grounding parameters
• Utilizing user-defined areas, no-go areas, and restricted areas
• Planning for critical points, tidal streams, and currents
• Verification and validation of planned routes for safety and efficiency

Module 4. ECDIS Chart Management & Updates

• Understanding the various types of electronic charts and their distribution
• Procedures for managing and updating ENCs (AVCS, Primar, C-MAP)
• Handling temporary and preliminary notices (T&P NMs) and new editions
• Chart licensing, permits, and ensuring up-to-dateness
• Maintaining chart portfolio and compliance with flag state requirements

Module 5. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Integration

• Principles of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and their accuracy
• Differential GNSS (DGNSS) and augmentation systems (SBAS, RTK)
• Integration of GNSS data with ECDIS and other bridge systems
• Managing GNSS errors, integrity monitoring, and alarm functions
• Best practices for reliable positioning in challenging environments

Module 6. Radar, ARPA & AIS Integration with ECDIS

• Advanced features of marine radar and Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA)
• Overlaying radar and ARPA targets onto ECDIS displays
• Automatic Identification System (AIS) data integration and its applications
• Collision avoidance strategies using integrated radar, ARPA, AIS, and ECDIS
• Managing target acquisition, tracking, and threat assessment

Module 7. Navigational Safety & Situational Awareness in Digital Environment

• Maintaining continuous situational awareness using integrated data
• Understanding the limitations and potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology
• Bridge Resource Management (BRM) principles applied to digital navigation
• Alarm management and mitigation of alarm fatigue
• Manual plotting and fallback procedures for system failures

Module 8. Cybersecurity for Navigational Systems

• Identifying cyber threats to ECDIS, GNSS, and bridge networks
• Protecting electronic charts and navigational data from malicious attacks
• Best practices for securing bridge systems against unauthorized access
• Understanding IMO 2021 cyber risk management implications for navigation
• Incident response for cyber events affecting navigational integrity

Module 9. System Failures & Contingency Operations

• Procedures for managing ECDIS failures and malfunctions
• Loss of GNSS signal and alternative positioning methods
• Contingency planning for integrated bridge system failures
• Reverting to paper chart navigation (if applicable and required by company policy)
• Emergency procedures for power loss and critical equipment failure

Module 10. Regulatory Compliance & Audits

• STCW Convention requirements for ECDIS training and certification
• SOLAS Chapter V regulations on navigation and navigational equipment
• Port State Control (PSC) inspections related to ECDIS and bridge systems
• Preparing for internal and external audits on navigational compliance
• Documentation and record-keeping for regulatory adherence

Module 11. Voyage Efficiency & Optimization

• Utilizing ECDIS for optimal route planning to minimize fuel consumption
• Weather routing software integration with ECDIS for safe and efficient voyages
• Performance monitoring through digital navigational data
• Data analysis for post-voyage optimization and benchmarking
• Economic benefits of precise and optimized navigation

Module 12. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) & Ergonomics

• Principles of effective HMI design for bridge systems
• Understanding cognitive load and human performance in digital environments
• Ergonomic considerations for bridge layout and workstation design
• Best practices for interaction with integrated navigational displays
• User experience (UX) and intuitive interface design

Module 13. Future Trends in Navigational Technologies

• Development of fully autonomous navigation systems
• AI and machine learning for enhanced navigational decision-making
• Quantum navigation and alternative positioning systems
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for bridge operations
• The impact of connectivity and IoT on future navigation

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.