Maritime Education Training Assessment Based Electronic Chart Display and Information System

Abstract

By the amendment adopted at MSC 86, ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) has become mandatory for most ships from 2012. Every deck officer must be familiar with the operation of ECDIS. According to the STCW amendment, Training requirements, both in the use of ECDIS, in general and the specific models onboard, are increasing. Basically, every maritime education training institute will offer ECDIS training with simulators. Training statistics in China are shown in this paper. With the emergence of new concepts and situations, ECDIS training faces different challenges from the training results, new technology, new content and maritime cybersecurity, such as 3D ECDIS, ECDIS modernization, VR technology, and COC (Certificate of Competency) revalidation. This paper assesses the general situation of Maritime Education and Training (MET) in China, especially the ECDIS simulator training. Traditional applications of ECDIS are listed including AIS, VTS, anti-collision, pilotage and ship management. To handle these challenges, this paper presents the countermeasures respectively. The concept “MET collaboration/union” and “MET Cloud” are proposed for the first time. At the same time, this paper suggests all MET institutions should use the unified ECDIS training textbook and keep it updated to meet the challenges. The measures of cybersecurity free are also mentioned, including referring to relevant international and industry standards and best practices. Totally, the final aim is to improve and enhance the outcomes of ECDIS training for safe and efficient navigation on board.