Assessing competence in ECDIS navigation
Published in 16th International Navigation Simulator Lecturer's Conference Proceedings, Dalian Maritime University, July 2010, Dalian, China
The STCW training requirements for ECDIS adopted in 2010 intend that watchstanders are prepared to navigate safely... more
The STCW training requirements for ECDIS adopted in 2010 intend that watchstanders are prepared to navigate safely while applying ECDIS. The commonplace static review of ECDIS principles and functions must now include some measures of mastery in adapting the ECDIS to dynamic contexts. This means that the training must occur predominantly in an underway environment. Through navigation simulation, the most effective training can be accomplished on type-approved ECDIS embedded in ownship functionality. Ideally, the training environment would include several semi-isolated integrated visual ownships for solo navigation using ECDIS. Each trainee should be able to practice many aspects of navigation with ECDIS. The development of the necessary skills should then be similarly assessed.
Proof that the skillful use of ECDIS can enhance the safety of navigation requires a solo environment and simulation exercises designed to require ECDIS-based solutions. The fundamental rule must be stated in the negative: Any unsafe navigational event might have been avoided through a more effective use of ECDIS. Groundings, allisions, collisions or even near misses should by definition invalidate otherwise satisfactory skill assessments. In this paper it is suggested that evaluation of ECDIS navigation follows a competency-based matrix consisting of a quality scale of 1 to 3 for approximately 50 specific skill sets. These skill sets are organized into task groups, and are closely aligned with the new KUP and evaluation criteria listed in STCW-2010 Tables A-II/1 and A-II/2. Scoring is tallied according to the task groups with the application of weighted averages as a method for recognizing the higher degree of relevance of certain task groups in ECDIS navigation.
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Seen by: and 7 moreModel Course 1.27 (2010 Edition): Operational use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
Final revised draft Model Course 1.27 posted by the IMO to STW 43 for acceptance vote June 2012.
This revision of IMO Model Course 1.27 intends to provide the knowledge, skill and understanding of ECDIS and... more
This revision of IMO Model Course 1.27 intends to provide 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 ownship operations integrated with a complete type-approved ECDIS with numerous chart formats installed.
The course is designed to meet the STCW requirements in the use of ECDIS, as revised by the 2010 Manila Amendments, specifically as these apply to Tables A-II/1, A-II/2 and A-II/3, and also to revised guidelines pertaining to training and assessment in the operational use of ECDIS in Table B-I (paragraphs 36 through 66), assessment in navigational watchkeeping, and evaluation of competence, both in Table B-II.
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