ECDIS Risk Assessment Service

What is AN ECDIS Risk Assessment?

An ECDIS Risk Assessment is a structured evaluation of the potential risks associated with the use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) aboard a vessel. It helps ensure safe navigation by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing mitigation measures related to ECDIS operation.

An ECDIS Risk Assessment is a structured evaluation designed to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with the use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) aboard a vessel. It ensures safe navigation by assessing various factors such as system reliability, chart management, crew competency, operational procedures, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. A key aspect of the assessment is evaluating the reliability of both primary and backup ECDIS systems, ensuring proper integration with essential bridge equipment like GNSS, radar, and AIS. Additionally, it reviews the accuracy and completeness of electronic navigational charts (ENCs) while ensuring that procedures for chart updates and corrections align with regulatory requirements.

Crew competency plays a crucial role in ECDIS safety, as improper use can lead to navigational errors. The assessment identifies training gaps and ensures compliance with STCW and IMO Model Course 1.27 for ECDIS operations. It also examines key operational procedures such as route planning, safety contour settings, alarm management, and contingency measures in case of an ECDIS failure. Furthermore, cybersecurity risks, including data corruption, cyber threats, and unauthorized access, are evaluated to maintain data integrity and ensure proper backup procedures.

Conducting an ECDIS Risk Assessment is essential for preventing navigational errors, reducing the risk of grounding or collision, and enhancing situational awareness for the bridge team. It also ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter V and flag state regulations while aligning with ISM Code requirements within a vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS). By integrating risk assessments into ECDIS passage planning and chart updating procedures, shipping companies can maintain safe and efficient navigation, minimizing operational risks and legal liabilities.

Why You Need An ECDIS Risk Assessment

Various Connections To regulations

There is no specific legal requirement for a standalone ECDIS Risk Assessment, but several international regulations indirectly mandate risk-based navigation management. SOLAS Chapter V requires ships to use ECDIS as a primary means of navigation and conduct risk assessments as part of voyage planning (Regulation 34). The ISM Code further mandates that shipping companies identify navigational risks and implement safeguards through their Safety Management System (SMS). STCW 2010 requires officers to undergo IMO Model Course 1.27 training on ECDIS operations and risk management.

Flag states and classification societies, such as DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and ABS, often require ECDIS risk assessments during safety audits and navigational inspections. Additionally, IMO Cyber Risk Management Guidelines (MSC.428(98)) mandate cybersecurity risk assessments for navigational systems, including ECDIS software updates, ENC integrity, and unauthorized access. Port State Control (PSC) inspections can also identify ECDIS deficiencies, leading to potential fines or detentions under the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU regimes.

Although not explicitly required, ECDIS risk assessments are crucial for compliance with SOLAS, ISM, STCW, and flag state regulations. Most companies integrate them into their SMS to ensure safe navigation, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.

Navigational Safety/Electronic Navigational Aid Failures

Electronic Navigational Aids, or Global Navigation Satellite Systems such as GPS, are vulnerable to loss and error, both intentional and unintentional. Malicious jamming of GNSS signals is a very real threat. Since GNSS is owned and controlled by the U.S. DOD, GPS signals can be terminated or corrupted by the US military for security purposes. In some areas of the world, particularly in the higher latitudes, there may be problematic or no GNSS/GPS coverage, not to mention its dependency on a reliable power supply.

Required by Panama Maritime Authority
(and possibly other Flag state authorities (FSA).

The magnetic Compass is required under Chapter V, regulation 19, of the 2000 amendments to 1974 the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. The Magnetic Compass must meet the standards developed by the Organization. According to Merchant Marine Circular No. 138, these guidelines apply to all ships irrespective of size, and navigation area.

THE PROCESS:

WE COME ABOARD YOUR VESSEL

American Nautical's qualified ECDIS Assessor will coordinate with the vessel to come aboard.

DOCUMENT FINDINGS

Document findings from inspection of ECDIS and interviews of vessel's crew.

ISSUE YOUR REPORT

Issue a final ECDIS Risk Assessment Report based off findings and observations from survey.

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