IHO issue safety notice regarding the reliable operation of ECDIS

The International Hydrographic Office (IHO) has issued a safety notice relating to the reliable operation of ECDIS and potential anomalies in the display of significant underwater features in some type approved systems.

The IHO advises that while some ECDIS systems are displaying all navigational data correctly, other systems are not displaying underwater obstructions, wrecks or isolated danger symbols whilst operating in the standard display mode. These features will in most cases be displayed when operating in the full or all display modes. The Japan Radio Company Ltd (JRC) has advised that earlier versions of their ECDIS will not display some types of underwater obstructions or wrecks in any display mode. A notice alerting all JRC customers has been released which can be read here.

In order to confirm if the ECDIS is operating and displaying all information correctly, it is recommended that Members use the IHO ENC Data Presentation and Performance Check available from the IHO website. Should the performance check identify a problem with the ECDIS then the system manufacturer should be contacted to arrange for a suitable software upgrade. Prior to the upgrade being completed, ECDIS should be used with caution and in conjunction with paper charts.