Electronic Chart Display And Information System Research Articles

A Risk Identification Method for Ensuring AI-Integrated System Safety for Remotely Controlled Ships with Onboard Seafarers

The maritime sector is increasingly integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. With the introduction of the MASS Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which regulates Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), ensuring the safety of AI-integrated systems on these vessels has become critical. To achieve safe navigation, it is essential to identify potential risks during the system planning stage and design systems that can effectively address these risks. This paper proposes RA4MAIS (Risk Assessment for Maritime Artificial Intelligence Safety), a risk identification method specifically useful for developing AI-integrated maritime systems. RA4MAIS employs a systematic approach to uncover potential risks by considering internal system failures, human interactions, environmental conditions, AI-specific characteristics, and data quality issues. The method provides structured guidance to identify unknown risk situations and supports the development of safety requirements that guide system design and implementation. A case study on an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) with an AI-integrated collision avoidance function demonstrates the applicability of RA4MAIS, highlighting its effectiveness in identifying specific risks related to AI performance and reliability. The proposed method offers a foundational step towards enhancing the safety of software systems, contributing to the safe operation of autonomous ships.

Advances in Navigability and Mooring

Considerable technological progress has been made in ship handling and mooring in recent years, especially progress generated by the needs imposed by the introduction of ever larger ships. These advancements exploit the economic scale and environmental efficiency of larger vessels, but also present unique challenges, particularly in narrow waterways and harbour approaches. Precise navigation in these environments requires highly accurate hydrographic measurements, high-quality electronic charts, and advanced navigation systems, such as modern electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS). Safe and efficient port operations also depend on the optimised allocation of port resources and comprehensive queuing strategies. Modern ships are increasingly susceptible to interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), necessitating the development of resilient technologies and procedures to ensure navigational safety. In addition, climate change is exacerbating the challenges of ship handling in ports, as larger vessels are particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts of wind and have difficulty maintaining their position in the quay in strong crosswinds. Training and simulation are crucial to overcoming these challenges. Ship-handling simulators are invaluable for training purposes, but development is still needed to accurately simulate tilt and lean effects, especially when ships are sailing in narrow channels with following currents and changing winds. Improving the accuracy of these simulators will improve the preparation of seafarers for real-life conditions and ultimately contribute to safer and more efficient ship operations.

Using the Bayes Probability Model to Evaluate the Risk of Accidents Caused by the Electronic Chart Display and Information System

The obligated implementation of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) began ten years ago, and during this time, we could observe different types of familiarization with the system through its users. The incorrect use of the ECDIS is a problem recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and it is caused by disparate levels of education and the quality of courses. Another aspect of the recognized problem is the unequal length of the ECDIS specific course training period through which users acquire type-specific familiarization with the system. Switching between different types of ECDISs makes users more prone to errors until they become fully familiar with the new product system. This paper analyzes seafarers’ knowledge and ECDIS usage over a 6-year period. Based on obtained data, models that enable risk analysis based on conditional probability were created. This paper presents the use of Bayesian modeling to reduce errors in maritime accidents caused by inadequate use of the ECDIS.

Dynamic Projection Method of Electronic Navigational Charts for Polar Navigation

Electronic navigational charts (ENCs) are geospatial databases compiled in strict accordance with the technical specifications of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a Geographic Information System (GIS) operated by ENCs for real-time navigation at sea, which is one of the key technologies for intelligent ships to realize autonomous navigation, intelligent decision-making, and other functions. Facing the urgent demand for high-precision and real-time nautical chart products for polar navigation under the new situation, the projection of ENCs for polar navigation is systematically analyzed in this paper. Based on the theory of complex functions, we derive direct transformations of Mercator projection, polar Gauss-Krüger projection, and polar stereographic projection. A rational set of dynamic projection options oriented towards polar navigation is proposed with reference to existing specifications for the compilation of the ENCs. From the perspective of nautical users, rather than the GIS expert or professional cartographer, an ENCs visualization idea based on multithread-double buffering is integrated into Polar Region Electronic Navigational Charts software, which effectively solves the problem of large projection distortion in polar navigation applications. Taking the CGCS2000 reference ellipsoid as an example, the numerical analysis shows that the length distortion of the Mercator projection is less than 10% in the region up to 74°, but it is more than 80% at very high latitudes. The maximum distortion of the polar Gauss-Krüger projection does not exceed 10%. The degree of distortion of the polar stereographic projection is less than 1% above 79°. In addition, the computational errors of the direct conversion formulas do not exceed 10−9 m throughout the Arctic range. From the point of view of the computational efficiency of the direct conversion model, it takes no more than 0.1 s to compute nearly 8 million points at 1′×1′ resolution, which fully meets the demand for real-time nautical chart products under information technology conditions.

The effectiveness of S-100 ECDIS capable of ENDS in the view of ship officers’ visual characteristics

The development of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) has enabled conversion of nautical charts from paper publications to electronic format. Because the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated the installation of ECDIS in ships engaged in international navigation, the effectiveness of the newly introduced S-100 ECDIS must be determined using electronic equipment, compared with traditional navigation preparation tasks. Here, the effectiveness of the S-100 ECDIS, capable of Electronic Navigational Data Service (ENDS), was compared with the effectiveness of the existing ECDIS and traditional nautical publications by analyzing the visual performance of ship officers during tasks involved in developing a voyage plan. This study showed that the S-100 ECDIS with ENDS is more effective than the S-57 ECDIS with nautical publications. The improvement in voyage planning using the S-100 ECDIS was demonstrated by ship officers’ visual performance.

Service Quality of Inland Electronic Navigational Charts on the Yangtze River

As a golden waterway in China, the Yangtze River is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The Changjiang Waterway Bureau has made inland electronic navigational charts (I-ENC) of the Yangtze River from Yibin to Liuhekou. It assists ships in safe navigation and provides information on waterway elements for analysis and prediction. Compared with traditional navigation and information methods, ENCs better promote the safety and efficiency of inland waterway navigation, thereby protecting the environment. The primary tool of this study is the questionnaire, including the basic information, business services, data services, available services, and product services of the Yangtze River I-ENC. This study analyzed the questionnaire combined with on-the-spot investigation, focusing on understanding respondents’ current views on the Yangtze River I-ENC to improve service quality. A total of 885 respondents completed the questionnaire from June 2021 to August 2021. The results show that the Yangtze River I-ENC mainly expands related products, such as Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), mobile application, WeChat small program, internet online navigational charts, and paper navigational charts. Mobile application is the most popular among respondents. The primary purpose of I-ENC at the present stage is to assist navigation and improve navigation safety.

Impact of Risk Assessment of ECDIS on Its Situational Awareness for Marine Officers

For passage planning, Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a vital operational tool that is acknowledged as being compatible with current paper charts. As e-navigation becomes increasingly significant by combining existing and new technologies to increase navigation safety, commercial efficiency, and security, the creation of e-navigational tools has been launched. Automatic Identification System (AIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), and Navigational Telex (NAVTEX), as well as the Tide and Sailing Direction programs, are examples of these devices. Although ECDIS as an excellent navigational tool for maritime safety, it is still facing several challenges with different onboard scenarios, which threaten marine safety and prevent having the best decision in the presence of ECDIS onboard, whether primary or aid to navigation. This study aims to discuss the officers' situational awareness for smart navigation by addressing ECDIS issues and reaching a sufficient level of ECDIS performance. In this research a mixed approach (Interview and Questionnaires) conducted to explore risk assessment factors that could enhance officer’s situational awareness by using ((NVivo)/ analysis of a moment structures (AMOs) / Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programs. The survey used a Questioners as a data collection method, various data analysis techniques are employed to meet research objectives. This study aims to discover if ECDIS is connected to additional Navigational Aid devices through 3 Risk Assessment dimensions (collision avoidance, under keel clearance, weather and navigation warning) will be enhance officers' situational awareness. Study concluded that devices such as (AIS, RADAR, ARPA and NAVTEX) in addition to TIDE program are important and will be very useful if they are linked with ECDIS and enhance officers' situational awareness. Keywords: ECDIS, E-Navigation, Risk Assessment, Situational Awareness.

Impact of Risk Assessment of ECDIS on Its Situational Awareness for Marine Officers

For passage planning, Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a vital operational tool that is acknowledged as being compatible with current paper charts. As e-navigation becomes increasingly significant by combining existing and new technologies to increase navigation safety, commercial efficiency, and security, the creation of e-navigational tools has been launched. Automatic Identification System (AIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), and Navigational Telex (NAVTEX), as well as the Tide and Sailing Direction programs, are examples of these devices. Although ECDIS as an excellent navigational tool for maritime safety, it is still facing several challenges with different onboard scenarios, which threaten marine safety and prevent having the best decision in the presence of ECDIS onboard, whether primary or aid to navigation. This study aims to discuss the officers' situational awareness for smart navigation by addressing ECDIS issues and reaching a sufficient level of ECDIS performance. In this research a mixed approach (Interview and Questionnaires) conducted to explore risk assessment factors that could enhance officer’s situational awareness by using ((NVivo)/ analysis of a moment structures (AMOs) / Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programs. The survey used a Questioners as a data collection method, various data analysis techniques are employed to meet research objectives. This study aims to discover if ECDIS is connected to additional Navigational Aid devices through 3 Risk Assessment dimensions (collision avoidance, under keel clearance, weather and navigation warning) will be enhance officers' situational awareness. Study concluded that devices such as (AIS, RADAR, ARPA and NAVTEX) in addition to TIDE program are important and will be very useful if they are linked with ECDIS and enhance officers' situational awareness.

A Fair Concern about ECDIS

Digital technology introduced a lot of benefits in the shipping industry but the relation between the equipment and the operator remains paramount and essential. Ship’s Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), being recently a cornerstone for navigation, is not an exception. Not only scientific reviews and articles, but also marine officer’s opinion exchange, in other words, ashore and on board, point out that there is a gap, which should be addressed as soon as possible. Operation of the ECDIS by the human factor is essential for safe navigation. The shortage of training and knowledge always leads to near misses and incidents. The marine society, all over the world, has to take appropriate measures in order to “fill in the gaps” and keep the safer practices. These measures should be applied by the efforts of certain participants: the educational community, the shipowners, the manufacturers and the legal aspect, International Maritime Organization and Flag Administrations. All the mentioned parties may engage in a cooperative collaboration among themselves. The aim of this article is to research the main difficulties experienced on board by the ECDIS users and the way to rectify certain shortcomings related to the ECDIS.

Composing a Standard for Electronic Chart Display and Information System Type Specific Training

Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) training is accepted as extremely important for safety in modern navigation. At present, two types of training are required for deck officers. Operational use of ECDIS is mandatory training for deck officers and it is conducted according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Model course 1.27. This course provides general knowledge about ECDIS. Type specific training is indispensable for the officers to know all the capabilities, functions, and limitations of the ECDIS used onboard. The lack of regulations for this type of training allows the manufacturers of ECDIS to apply their own requirements. This can result in improper and insufficient training. Based on research of the opinion and experience of deck officers, the authors of the paper propose a model of a standard for type specific training.

Analysis of Electronic Chart and Information Display, Ship Identification Systems and Radar in Order to Increase the Energy Efficiency of a Maritime Vessel

This paper puts into discussion the navigation integrated deck and its components. The role of AIS (Automatic Identification System) is presented. The radar with its characteristics is analyzed and starting from the block diagram, a characterization of its role within the integrated deck is carried out. An IT model for navigation radar and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) was developed.

Marine protected areas and electronic navigational charts: legal foundation, mapping methods, IHO S-122 portrayal, and advanced navigation services

A strategic instrument for the sustainable conservation of the fragile marine ecosystem is the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), within which various regulations exist for the protection of highly vulnerable species and habitats. These regulations can be depicted on Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) based on the new International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-100 series of standards, which support Marine Information Overlays (MIOs) that enrich the portrayed information by including both static and dynamic information, such as vessels traffic, tides, currents, and weather conditions, as well as essential information for the regulation of MPAs. Although, the new IHO S-122 Product Specification introduced specifically for the MPAs has been developed to encapsulate geospatial information for these regulations, the present edition does not specify portrayal. This paper reviews the legal foundation for the protection of marine mammals as well as the mapping methods used in selected study cases and builds upon these to present new, intuitive portrayal symbols for depicting the type of MPAs in combination with the regulations to be enforced on ENCs. Moreover, to support the global efforts for the protection of marine biodiversity, contemporary navigation systems aboard vessels can be used to enforce environmental regulations, and operations centers ashore can also monitor vessels’ passage and activities in MPAs. In that respect, this paper also discusses the concepts of Ecosystem Protection Zones and Environmental Risk Contours that can facilitate environmental risk-based voyage planning and preventive alarm services through Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

ELECTRONIC CHARTS: DEVELOPMENT OF THE MULTIPURPOSE MODEL FOR CROSS TRACK LIMIT DETERMINATION

According to the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS-74) vessels must be equipped with Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). This equipment is designed to improve safety of navigation and definitely has a number of indisputable advantages over the paper charts navigation. At the same time use of ECDIS requires navigators to have a sufficient level of competency for professional operation. Inadequate setting of safety parameters as well as incorrect interpretation of information from the display can lead to an accident. The determination of cross track limit (XTL) value as one of the route safety parameters in ECDIS is considered in the paper. Some companies navigational procedures are studied; it has been found out that companies have individual requirements regarding XTL value and they can vary. The issue of XTL value determination was recently studied and the authors of the previous research had proposed their own method of XTL calculation. This method is analysed in the paper and it has been concluded that this method is applicable for determining minimum XTL value, however in order to find the optimal value it is necessary to consider ship particulars and characteristics of a specific waterway as well as company requirements for under-keel clearance. The model structure, which integrates this information, is proposed in the paper, and the previously proposed method is used within the model. The model developed by the author is flexible: the input values can be adjusted, which allows to assess the safety of any size ship passage through any waterway. The incorporation of bottom contour information into the model through a piecewise function enables to assess the under-keel clearance for any values of XTL and to determine dangerous values of cross-track distance in particular conditions. The main disadvantage of the model is a necessity to define the piecewise function which adequately corresponds with the actual depth distribution in the waterway analysed, which restricts the application of this model to natural waterways with a difficult terrain of the bottom. It should be noted that with particular input values some «borderline cases» can take place, when the safety of passage is doubtful. In order to solve these uncertainties, the model can be later upgraded by including experts’ opinions with the use of fuzzy logic methods.

Evaluating SLIM-based human error probability for ECDIS cybersecurity in maritime

AbstractThere is an undeniable recognition that maritime cybersecurity risk management should involve process, technology, and people. However, thus far, most studies have focused on the technical and process aspects of maritime cybersecurity, more than on the human element. On a vessel, the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is, amongst all the electronic devices on the bridge, a complex and indispensable maritime sociotechnical system that must consider both technical and human aspects. In the context of maritime cyber resilience, it is important to note that when developing strategies for maritime cybersecurity, one cannot only consider technical security measures and ignore human error, as this does not adhere to good cybersecurity practice. To address this, this study aims to identify the navigating officers’ responsibilities for ECDIS cybersecurity and find the human error probabilities during these tasks via the SLIM-based human reliability analysis method. The outputs of this study provide an insight for industrial policies and best practices, in ECDIS cybersecurity risk management in terms of the behavioural and cultural aspects of shipping.

Situational awareness of navigators in high-speed craft bridge navigation operations

ABSTRACT Navigation is a joint operation between humans and technology. Navigating high-speed craft (HSC) is a more critical and risky task than other types of ship navigation due to high speed and time limitations. Situational awareness (SA) is the understanding of what is going on around the navigators. HSC navigator who has an insufficient level of SA may lead to wrong decisions and even accidents. In this study, an analysis of Turkish HSC navigators’ SA levels has been carried out in their working environment. Situational Awareness Rating Technique (SART) and pairwise comparison of the effects of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and autopilot on SA questionnaires were applied. According to SA, navigation operations, factors that mostly affect SA and suggestions that would increase SA were sorted in accordance with the navigators’ perceptions. The results show that the level of HSC navigators’ SA is high and sufficient. Finally, considerations are introduced to keep acceptable levels or increase SA on HSCs.

Safety culture of navigators in terms of bridge operations on high-speed crafts

ABSTRACT Maritime safety is important for all stakeholders. On the other hand, maritime accidents occur despite rapid advances in technology. One of the most important aspects necessary to realise safety at sea is the safety of navigation. Navigating high-speed craft (HSC) is a more challenging and risky task than other types of ship navigation. A HSC navigator with insufficient safety culture (SC) may lead to wrong decisions in challenging physiological and psychological conditions. In this study, an analysis of HSC navigators’ SC in terms of bridge operations has been carried out. Nordic Occupational Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50) and pairwise comparison of the effects of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and autopilot on SC have been applied to 38 Turkish HSC navigators. Navigation operations according to SC, factors that mostly influence SC and suggestions that will improve SC have been identified and discussed in accordance with navigators’ perceptions. The results show that the overall average level of HSC navigators’ SC is low. Therefore, considerations are introduced to improve SC in HSCs.

Logical grouping of data and control functions on the displays of shipboard navigation systems

AbstractStandards IEC 62288:2014 and MSC.191(79) require information on the displays of shipboard navigation systems to be logically grouped, but only provide limited specification for this ‘logical’ criterion. Meanwhile, complex interfaces and information overload remain as major design issues, being connected to several maritime accidents. To address this matter, a three-phase study was conducted to develop a pattern to organise essential information on Radar and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) displays and their equivalent modules on integrated navigation systems and integrated bridge systems. The first phase involved identifying the information most essential for safe navigation using cognitive task analyses, equipment performance standards and frequency of use. The second phase involved a card-sorting experiment with seafarers (n = 63) to develop an initial grouping pattern for the identified essential information. The third phase involved validating the initial grouping pattern with a new sample of seafarers (n = 35). The result is a pattern to group 48 types of information on shipboard navigation displays into 13 groups. The paper details the selected methods and the findings, and provides implications for future research.

BlueNavi: A Microservices Architecture-Styled Platform Providing Maritime Information

Traditional methods of marine navigation are undergoing a revolution brought about by the almost universal adoption of the Automatic Identification System (AIS). AIS exchanges a wealth of navigational information among vessels and between ships to shore through Very High Frequency (VHF). With AIS data integrated into the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), the identification and navigational information of surrounding vessels as well as aids to navigation can be reflected on the electronic charts in real time, despite some problems such as the low AIS carriage rate on small vessels where it is not mandatory and the high cost of ECDIS preventing such vessels from installing it. In this paper, we introduce BlueNavi, a lower cost but sustainable maritime information providing platform built with microservices architecture allowing flexible on-demand scalability and cross-platform adaptability. Applications served by BlueNavi can provide users with data either stored in a remote data center through the internet or received locally by devices connected to the station without the need for the internet. From our land test, we show that users with only an internet connection but without any AIS equipment can also obtain live AIS data collected by other stations. Conversely, with access to the internet, BlueNavi can also send data back to the land stations, enabling other ships to identify non-AIS ships as well. Through the live-ship test, we demonstrate that BlueNavi works well offline in cooperation with shipborne AIS equipment. We also look at some possible application scenarios for BlueNavi with other data sources and means of communication other than AIS and VHF that can be expanded to the platform. BlueNavi will enable inexpensive ship identification for small vessels and provide an extension of functionality to ECDIS for large ships.

Cyber security risk assessment in autonomous shipping

Autonomous ships would require higher cyber-physical interaction in comparison with traditional shipping operations, thus increasing the vulnerabilities associated with cyber security. The increasing complexity surrounding the innate characteristics of the shipping industry makes it challenging to build a resilient framework for ensuring cyber security. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for assessing cyber security risk in the autonomous shipping context. The research was validated through surveying subject matter experts, system designers and seafarers. Different types of equipment and systems are ranked based on their perceived vulnerability to cyber threats. Survey data from 28 subject matter experts are collected and analysed through the Bayesian best–worst method (BWM). At system level, the results indicate that navigational systems are the most vulnerable to potential cyber threats, while propulsion systems are the least vulnerable element in the context of future autonomous shipping operations. On a sub-system level, the three most vulnerable parts are Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and the communication devices on shore control centres (SCC), while the least vulnerable parts are engine controls, SCC integration platforms and cargo handling at ports.

Efficiency Comparison between Audible and Buzzle Alarms of Electronic Chart Display and Information System Alarm under the Simulated Environment

Along with the development of ship navigational equipment, ship operators have to process a larger amount of information than before and be exposed to more alarm sounds. These ships’ bridge environment increases burdens to ship operators. One of the methods proposed to solve this problem is the audible voice alarm method. However, there is a lack of studies that objectively prove the efficacy of the method. Therefore, in this study, a comparative experiment was performed to confirm the effect by applying the method to an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), a representative navigation instrument. We analyzed collected data according to a data-driven process and confirmed the difference between a traditional alarm method and the audible voice alarm method by distinguishing groups through clustering.