Navigation
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The fully updated 2026-2027 Edition of the ECDIS Procedures Guide provides the latest navigational guidance, procedures and operational updates to support safe, compliant and effective ECDIS operations. It serves as an essential daily reference for Masters and ECDIS operators at every stage of passage planning and monitoring.
Now incorporating all six volumes of ECDIS Navigation, the Guide offers comprehensive coverage aligned with the latest IMO, PSC and ISM requirements. It includes type-specific reference materials, inspection preparation tools and CPD resources to help ensure readiness both at sea and during audits. This edition also introduces comprehensive guidance on the implementation of the IHO S-100 framework, including findings from the ECDIS Ltd S-100 Operational Sea Trials, alongside the latest inspection guidance, manufacturer updates and professional development resources.
Volumes 1-3 are supplied in a slipcase for onboard reference, while Volumes 4-6 are available online only.
Foreword
Digital navigation support is entering a defining new era. The introduction of the S-100 concept for versatile data services marks the most significant advancement in ECDIS since its global adoption over 20 years ago. It moves navigation beyond the pure presentation of a digital chart to an integrated digital environment where hydrographic, meteorological, oceanographic and maritime safety information can be presented in a single picture of interrelated content.
Extensive international testing, simulation and sea trials have confirmed the enhanced functionality of S-100 in support of safe and efficient navigation. They have also shown that this greater capability brings new challenges.
The increase in information results in a greater cognitive workload for the ECDIS operator and ship’s Master. The success of S-100 will be measured not only by technological innovation, but by how effectively it supports the ECDIS operator in making safe and timely decisions and optimises ship operations.
The changing climate is reshaping global shipping patterns. The retreat of Arctic sea ice is creating longer seasonal access to northern waters and opening new opportunities for international trade. The new Arctic trade routes on ECDIS offer significant economic potential but present demanding navigational challenges, including dynamic ice conditions, limited shore infrastructure and a greater reliance on accurate, real-time digital information. This may be where the advantages and interoperability of the S-100 suite of data products can be appreciated.
The maritime domain is also becoming more contested. Disruption of GNSS through jamming and spoofing has become an operational reality in several global regions. This reinforces the importance of resilient navigation, effective integration of multiple navigational inputs such as radar overlay and, above all, the professional judgement of seafarers.
The 2026-2027 ECDIS Procedures Guide is being published at a pivotal moment as the S-100 ecosystem moves from development into service. It provides an authoritative guide to both the technology and its practical application, helping seafarers, trainers, hydrographic professionals and regulators prepare for the future of digital navigation.
Mark Broster
CEO eMaritime Group
Volume 1 - ECDIS Procedures Guide
The Evolution of ECDIS
Foreword to Volume 1
About ECDIS Ltd
Updates to ECDIS Procedures Guide Volumes 1-6 2026-2027
Definitions
1 Latest Standards of Equipment and Software Updates
1.1 Latest Software Required on Board
1.2 Latest Standards for ECDIS Equipment
1.3 GNSS Options Update
1.4 Current Known Areas of Poor GNSS Coverage and Outage Reporting
1.5 Latest Guidance on Navigating Through GNSS Disruption/Jamming/Spoofing
1.6 Remote Navigation Updates
2 ECDIS Documentation and Compliance
2.1 List of Latest Circulars and Marine General Orders
2.2 ISM ECDIS Audit Template 2027 and Risk Assessment Calculations
2.3 Paper to Digital Transition
2.4 Digital to Digital Transition
2.5 Assessing ECDIS Software Suitability
2.6 Choosing the Correct ECDIS
2.7 WECDIS and ECDIS - Differences and Hybrids
2.8 List of Integrated Equipment
2.9 Warranty, Maintenance and Performance Test Procedures
2.10 Manufacturer’s User Guide Requirements
2.11 STCW Mandated Training Certificates
2.12 IMO 1.27 Generic Training
2.13 Type-Specific and Familiarisation Training
2.14 Legacy Training (Courses pre-2018) - ECDIS Checklist
2.15 Sixth Generation Training Courses
3 Correct Hardware Setup and Defect Problem Solving
3.1 Minimum Bridge Setup Requirements for Single and Dual Approved ECDIS
3.2 Service Mode/Engineer Access Codes
3.3 Installation Settings and Passwords
3.4 Hardware Installation Checklist
3.5 Minimum Sensor Requirements
3.6 COM (Sensor) Setup
3.7 BNWAS and ECDIS
3.8 VDES (New AIS) and ECDIS
3.9 Bridge Alert Management (BAM) and Central Alert Management (CAM)
3.10 Planning Stations and Legal Implications of Use
3.11 Potential Issues with Keyboards, Mice and Trackballs
3.12 Self-Testing of ECDIS Systems
3.13 Backup Requirements and Power Failure
3.14 Reported Hardware Defects and Solutions
3.15 Troubleshooting Guide
3.16 Non-Manufacturer Approved Marinised Hardware
3.17 Use of Server Rooms
4 Correct Software Setup and Defect Problem Solving
4.1 Software Installation Checklist
4.2 Setting up System Units
4.3 Consistent Common Reference Point (CCRP)
4.4 Choosing Ship Outlines
4.5 User Alarm Choices
4.6 IMO Recommended Configuration of Alarms and Indicators
4.7 System Configuration and Maintenance
4.8 Impact of Incorrect System/Local Time Setup
4.9 Impact of Incorrect Time Source with Integrated/Tidal Prediction Software
4.10 System Sensor and Local Sensor
4.11 Known Manufacturer Software Limitations and Solutions
4.12 Automatic Route Scan Failings
4.13 SMS Compliant Software Updates
4.14 Setting to Work After a Software Update
4.15 Reported Software Defects and Solutions
5 PSC/Inspection Administration and Records
5.1 Records and Documentation
5.2 Backup Procedure
5.3 IMO-Required ECDIS Data Recording
5.4 ECDIS Screen Capture
5.5 Shore Support and Remote Navigation Audit Option
6 Equipment and Sensor Vulnerabilities and Solutions
6.1 Practical Cyber Security Procedures
6.2 Operating System/Software Update Concerns
6.3 Monitoring GNSS for Jamming/Spoofing - New Protocols
6.4 Monitoring AIS for Jamming/Spoofing
6.5 NAVTEX Vulnerabilities and the NAVDAT Solution
6.6 SATCOM Vulnerabilities to Hacking
6.7 Transferring Non-Secure Data to ECDIS and Auxiliary Equipment
6.8 Anti-virus and Firewall Software
6.9 Potential Types of Cyber Attack on ECDIS
6.10 Detecting a Cyber Attack
6.11 Responding to a Cyber Attack
6.12 Recovering after a Cyber Attack
6.13 Navigation Security Checks
7 Observations/Non-conformities and Incidents at Sea
7.1 Top 30 Inspection Considerations in 2026-2027
7.2 ECDIS Observations
7.3 Training Shortfalls Highlighted by Inspections
7.4 Responsibility for Safe Navigation
7.5 Dangers of Over-reliance
Annexes
Annex A Checking the IHO S-52 Presentation Library Edition Number in ECDIS
Annex B ECDIS Alarms and Alerts
Annex C Pre-port Arrival - Top 15 PSC ECDIS Preparation Activities for 2026
Annex D Bridge ECDIS Anomalies Log
Annex E ECDIS Cyber Security Checklist (Quarterly)
Volume 2 - ENC Charting Guide, Issues and Solutions, Including S-100
Foreword to Volume 2
About ECDIS Ltd
Updates to the 2026-2027 ECDIS Procedures Guide Volume 2
1 New Charting Options
1.1 Licences and Permits
1.2 Global Expansion of Pay As You Sail (PAYS)
1.3 S-100 Chart Coverage
1.4 Polar Navigation
1.5 Scale 6 Berthing Charts vs Scale 5 Harbour Charts
1.6 High Density (HD) ENCs
1.7 3D Charts
1.8 Satellite Imagery on ECDIS
2 ENC Issues and Support
2.1 Overview of Current ENC Coverage and Notable Gaps
2.2 ENC Chart Symbology
2.3 ENC Scales, Known Issues and Support
2.4 Chart Disparity Between National ENCs on Passage
2.5 Maintained Depths and ENC Safety Contours
3 The Transition to S-100
3.1 Introduction to S-100
3.2 Latest Standards for S-100
3.3 Construction of S-100 ENC Layers and Interoperability
3.4 S-101 ENC Product Specification to Replace S-57
3.5 S-102 Bathymetric Surface
3.6 S-104 Water Level Information for Surface Navigation
3.7 S-111 Surface Currents
3.8 S-121 Maritime Limits and Boundaries
3.9 S-122-S-131 Layers
3.10 S-201-S-240
3.11 S-401-S-421
3.12 S-500 Series
3.13 ‘Dual Fuel’ Systems
3.14 New Hardware Required for S-100
3.15 ECDIS Ltd S-100 Trials Data
4 Known Charting Issues, Support and Solutions
4.1 Datum Warnings
4.2 Vertical Clearance and ECDIS
4.3 Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) Mode
4.4 Display Accuracy
4.5 Best Scale/SCAMIN/SCAMAX
4.6 Surveys and Chart Data
4.7 CATZOC - Understanding the Underlying Data and Using it Safely
4.8 Quality of Bathymetric Data (QoBD)
4.9 Incomplete Data Transfer from Paper to ENC
5 Chart Update Options
5.1 Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO)
5.2 Electronic Preliminary Notices to Mariners (EPNMs)
5.3 Automatically Plotted T&P Status by Country in 2026
5.4 Updating Charts
5.5 Chart Spot-checks
Annexes
Annex A ENC Chart Symbology from Chart 1
Annex B Chart Spot-check Log
Annex C Manual Corrections Log
Annex D Chart Update Log
Volume 3 - Route Creation, Checking and Safe Monitoring
Foreword to Volume 3
About ECDIS Ltd
1 Appraisal
1.1 Digital Nautical Publications
1.2 International Navigating Limits
1.3 Tidal Data
1.4 UKC
1.5 Spot Sounding Depths
1.6 Safety Contours
1.7 Safety Contour Concerns
1.8 Safety Depth Concerns
1.9 Multiple Depth Shades
1.10 Overscale vs Underscale
1.11 Understanding CATZOCs During Safe Water Appraisal
1.12 Displaying Chart Notes
1.13 Ports Functions
1.14 NAVTEX
2 Planning
2.1 Planning - General Considerations
2.2 Planning - MARPOL Considerations
2.3 Planning - Arctic Trade Routes
2.4 Planning - Open Ocean
2.5 Planning - Coastal
2.6 Planning - Confined Waters
2.7 Planning - Blind Pilotage
3 Execution
3.1 Final Changes
3.2 Loading Routes and Safety Checks
4 Monitoring
4.1 Using S-100 Charting for Monitoring
4.2 Conning and Docking
4.3 ECDIS and Track Control Systems (TCS)
4.4 Verifying the Position in ECDIS
4.5 Use of Radar Image Overlay (RIO)
4.6 Navigating in DR/EP Mode
4.7 Variation and Deviation
5 Monitoring Performance of Sensors and Safety Features
5.1 ECDIS Safety Functions
5.2 Anchor Watch Functions
5.3 Guard Zones
5.4 AIS Filtering
5.5 Position of Intended Movement (PIM)
5.6 Watch Takeover Software
5.7 Man Overboard (MOB) and Search and Rescue (SAR)
6 Automatic Integration of COLREGs into ECDIS
6.1 Decision Support Tool (DST) from TotemPlus
6.2 Collision Avoidance Decision Aid (CADA) from OSI
6.3 Collision Avoidance System (CAS) from Anschütz
6.4 Autonomous Shipping
7 Advanced Features Adopted from Naval ECDIS
7.1 Tender Tracking
7.2 Grids for Surveying, Diving and SAR
7.3 Helicopter Operations and ‘Outhouse’
7.4 Allocated Areas
7.5 Vessel Intercept
7.6 Security Corridors
8 ECDIS Safety Checklists for 2026-2027
8.1 OOW Handover Checklist
8.2 Master’s Night Orders
8.3 Pre-sailing Checklist
8.4 ECDIS Configuration Card
8.5 GNSS Failure
8.6 Log Failure
8.7 Gyro Failure
8.8 Echosounder Failure
8.9 Radar Failure
8.10 AIS Failure
8.11 ECDIS Failure
8.12 Bridge Blackout and Loss of All Navigation
8.13 Bridge Evacuation
8.14 MOB/SAR ECDIS Check-off Card
8.15 Tender Tracking Checklist
8.16 ECDIS Helicopter Operations Checklist
8.17 ECDIS Cyber Security Checklist
8.18 Pre-departure/Voyage Briefing Card
Annexes
Annex A NAVTEX Log
Annex B ECDIS Position Fix Log - Primary/Secondary
Annex C Master ECDIS Inspection Log
Annex D Guide to Using a Grid
Volume 4 - Manufacturers' Familiarisation Guides - Type Specific
About ECDIS Ltd
Updates to the 2026-2027 ECDIS Procedures Guide, Volume 4
Introduction
Type-Specific ECDIS Course Content
1.1 Setting to Work
1.2 Familiarisation
1.3 Navigation Tools
1.4 Planning a Route
1.5 Monitoring a Route
1.6 Recording a Route
1.7 Advanced Functions (Manufacturer Specific)
ECDIS Type-Specific Information
Anschütz ECDIS NX E05.07xx
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
ChartWorld eGlobe G2 ECDIS 2.1.2.25
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Danelec Marine 3.52
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
FURUNO FEA-2107/FEA-2807 06.52
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
FURUNO FMD 3005/3100/3200/3300 03.xx/05.xx
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Hensoldt (Kelvin Hughes)
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
JRC JAN-701B/901B/2000 03.00
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
JRC JAN-7201/9201 01.60 and JAN-7201/9201S 09.6
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Kongsberg 7.x.x
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
NACOS Marine ECDISPILOT Platinum 2.1.30.xx
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
OSI ECPINS/ECPINS Warship/ECPINS Submarine 6.4.1.1
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Seall ECDIS 1.3.38
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
SIMRAD Maris ECDIS 900 5.3.0.0
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT 15.3.1
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Tokyo Keiki EC-8100/8600/8000-A/8500-A
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Totem ECDIS 3.16
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Wärtsilä (Transas) Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS MFD 3.02.350
Familiarisation Checklist
Key ECDIS Menu Functions
Volume 5 - Manufacturers' Quick Reference Guides - Type Specific
About ECDIS Ltd
Updates to the 2026-2027 ECDIS Procedures Guide, Volume 5
Introduction
Anschütz ECDIS NX E05.07xx
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
ChartWorld eGlobe G2 ECDIS 2.1.2.25
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
FURUNO FEA-2107/FEA-2807 06.52
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
FURUNO FMD 3100/3200/3300 03.xx/05.xx
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
Hensoldt (Kelvin Hughes)
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
JRC JAN-701B/901B/2000 03.00
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
JRC JAN-7201/9201 01.60 and JAN-7201/9201S 09.6
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
NACOS Marine ECDISPILOT Platinum 2.1.30.xx
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
OSI ECPINS/ECPINS Warship/ECPINS Submarine 6.4.1
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
Seall ECDIS 1.3.38
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT 15.3.1
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
Tokyo Keiki EC-8100/8600/8000-A/8500-A
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
Wärtsilä (Transas) Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS MFD 3.02.350
Section 1: Familiarisation
Section 2: ECDIS Data
Section 3: Chart Management
Section 4: Navigation Tools
Section 5: Route Planning
Section 6: Route Monitoring
Section 7: System Settings
Section 8: Voyage and Data Log Recording
Volume 6 - ECDIS Continual Professional Development (CPD) Guide
About ECDIS Ltd
Updates to the 2026-2027 ECDIS Procedures Guide, Volume 6
1 Record of ECDIS Training and Experience
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Table 1 - Practical Experience of ECDIS at Sea
1.3 Table 2 - Record of Generic ECDIS Training
1.4 Table 3 - Record of Type-Specific ECDIS Training
1.5 Table 4 - Advanced and Other ECDIS Courses
1.6 Table 5 - ECDIS Computer-based Training (CBT)
1.7 Table 6 - Any Other Navigation Training
2 Onboard ECDIS Familiarisation Training
2.1 New Joiner ECDIS SMS Checklist
2.2 Navigator-led Team Training at Sea
3 CPD Scenarios to Compensate for Training Shortfalls (in IMO 1.27 Training)
3.1 ECDIS Skill Gaps
3.2 Scenario 1 - ENC Chart Symbology
3.3 Scenario 2 - Chart Spot-checks
3.4 Scenario 3 - Pre-ECDIS PSC Inspections
3.5 Scenario 4 - Sensor Setup
3.6 Scenario 5 - Navigating in DR Mode
3.7 Scenario 6 - Fixing
3.8 Scenario 7 - Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO)
3.9 Scenario 8 - Category of Zone of Confidence (CATZOC)
3.10 Scenario 9 - Bridge Alert Management (BAM)
3.11 Scenario 10 - Playback Options
3.12 Scenario 11 - Bridge Equipment Failures
3.13 Scenario 12 - MOB/SAR
3.14 Scenario 13 - ECDIS Safety Functions
3.15 Scenario 14 - Planning
3.16 Scenario 15 - Anchor Watches and Guard Zones
3.17 Scenario 16 - Berth to Berth Planning
3.18 Scenario 17 - Chart Coverage and Updates
3.19 Scenario 18 - Chart Scales and Best Scales
3.20 Scenario 19 - Dangers of Over-reliance
3.21 Scenario 20 - Cyber Security Awareness
3.22 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Command Assessment
4 Tests
4.1 Multiple Choice and Consolidation Test
4.2 Principle Types of Electronic Charts Test
4.3 Legal Aspects Test
4.4 ECDIS Data and Presentation of Data Test
4.5 Backup Systems, Sensors, Errors and Alarms Test
5 Log of Onboard Competency in ECDIS
5.1 Menu Structure and Functions
5.2 Sensors
5.3 System Configuration
5.4 Chart Loading, Installation and Updating
5.5 Chart Settings and Display Setup
5.6 Safety Settings
5.7 Route Planning
5.8 User Map and Manual Updates
5.9 Route Monitoring
5.10 Alarms and Warnings
5.11 Fixing
5.12 Procedures
Annexes
Annex A STCW Competency Exam Questions and Answers - OOW Level
Annex B STCW Competency Exam Questions and Answers - Mates/Masters Level
Annex C CPD Log
Annex D Record of Lessons Learned
ECDIS Ltd
ECDIS Ltd provide ECDIS training for over 200 international shipping companies and are the authors of multiple ECDIS publications including The ECDIS Manual, as well as the IMO 1.27 ECDIS model course.
Witherbys
Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.
Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.