ATSB Report on Grounding Highlights Failings in use of ECDIS

An ATSB investigation into the grounding of the Australian Border Force cutter Roebuck Bay has concluded that the safe and effective use of ECDIS depends on being thoroughly familiar with the specific equipment in use and knowing its limitations.

On 30 September 2017, shortly after midnight, the Roebuck Bay grounded on Henry Reef in the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland whilst on passage.

The key findings of the ATSB investigation included:

• The route plan was amended during the passage planning process, resulting in the route being inadvertently plotted across Henry Reef.
• ECDIS identified the reef as a danger to the planned route but the ship’s deck officers did not identify the danger – either visually or using the ECDIS.
• The setup of the look-ahead function reduced the effectiveness of the ECDIS.
• Visual checks were likely influenced by a misinterpretation or obscuring of chart symbols.
• The officers expected that the ECDIS would not save a route plotted across a chart danger, and misunderstood the ECDIS safety checking functions.
• The type-specific familiarisation training that was undertaken was not sufficiently effective.
• There was no consistent provision of ECDIS annual refresher training.
• The ECDIS had not been kept up to date with the latest International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards at the time of the grounding.

The full investigation report can be downloaded at here. 

North View

The use of ECDIS as a primary means of navigation is becoming more prevalent and so it is more important than ever that good practices – such as cross-checking positions visually, ensuring the information available to the OOW is understood and maintaining an effective visual lookout – are followed.

We have published a wealth of loss prevention information on this subject.

• Our quick reference sheet on voyage planning with ECDIS can be read here.
  
• For a more in-depth read, see our briefing documents on ENC accuracy here and an overview of ECDIS here.