The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have published in Marine Information Note 405 (M + F), details of what they deem acceptable training for Masters and Deck Officers of UK Flagged vessels who wish navigate primarily by electronic means with the Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).
As such vessels wishing to proceed down this route or who already have, are advised to check the requirements and be certain they hold the necessary certification as proof especially prior to a port state inspection.
Although not guaranteed, it is likely other members of the Red Ensign Group may follow suit with similar requirements.
Da Gama Navigation Management a company specialist in electronic navigation aboard superyachts recommends that yacht management companies should ensure crew qualification records are up-to-date to be certain un-qualified crew are not sent to ECDIS accredited vessels as this negates their ability to officially navigate primarily by electronic means.
Steve Monk MD at Da Gama warns that everyone involved should take note of what the notice refers to as the non-acceptable type specific ‘trickle training’ of crew by other members of crew (Para 3.1).
For further information on crew training, equipment requirements and means to achieve them, check this link.
For further information on the situation regarding the implementation of ECDIS and to read MIN 405(M+F), click here.