New onboard training module for ECDIS
Consilium has joined forces with training specialist Seagull with the aim of developing an ECDIS product-specific computer-based training package that can be used onboard ship.
The companies see a need for such training, with the imminent mandatory carriage of ECDIS and new requirements for competence being added to the STCW convention. As well as including approved ECDIS simulator training, the standard opens up wider delivery sources of training, including onboard instruction.
To meet the requirements, the chart data in use must be, where available, official ENCs, while the graphic display must meet the equipment-independent specification. The equipment must also support the full range of navigational functions performed on traditional paper charts.
Seagull’s existing ECDIS onboard training course is approved by several flag states and includes training in the use of ECDIS, chart projections, chart accuracy, chart types, chart datum, chart updating, sensor inputs and control, alarm and warning strategies, Radar and ARPA information on ECDIS, and route planning. Under the agreement with Consilium, Seagull will include the Consilium ECDIS CBT module in its library of CBT-modules as ‘Product Specific Training’ to meet the latest revisions to STCW.
Seagull MD Roger Ringstad said that ECDIS suppliers were increasingly realising the need for product-specific ECDIS training onboard ship. “Shore-based ECDIS facilities can hardly offer the type of product-specific training that key Flag States are increasingly seeking, because there are too many different ECDIS makers and an unlimited number of software versions and system configurations,” he said. “ECDIS training has reached a crossroads and ship owners need to be ready for compulsory ECDIS. We are taking our generic ECDIS training package forward so that it can be product-specific in order to speed up the ability of ship owners to meet what will become statutory obligations.
“Used by qualified navigators an ECDIS increases the safety of navigation. However, in the hands of unqualified operators it may contribute to misunderstandings and even accidents. Understanding the philosophy, limitations and features of ECDIS is a must.”
ECDIS onboard training was both effective and cost saving, he said, since the seafarer was already in situ and did not incur any travel or accommodation expenses. At the same time the candidate would be trained in the use of the specific ECDIS system and equipment configuration onboard.
Consilium Marine & Safety president, Carl Adam Rosenblad said: “We have a demand from our customers that it must be possible to perform ECDIS training on board. By offering Consilium product-specific ECDIS training through Seagull, we will meet both our customers’ expectations and of course the IMO model course 1.27, and be certified to replace less efficient training ashore”
The training system, which will be available via an annual subscription per ship and upgraded for as long as the subscription is held, will be based on self-tuition by navigating officers while onboard under supervision by the ship’s Master or an approved assessor and supported by an ECDIS Onboard Workbook. The Master or the approved assessor will confirm that the candidate has performed satisfactorily, endorse the course training records and send them to the Seagull Training Centre for assessment. There, an instructor will verify that a complete set of documents has been received and that all training records and written responses to the workbook meet the required minimum standard, on completion of which the instructor will issue and submit to the vessel a course certificate.
