Choices, choices, choices: shipowners are busy this July, which marks the next installation phase of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) on all new cargo ships between 3,000 and 10,000gt, and all existing passenger ships more than 500gt under revised Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. Shipowners are finding that an implementation strategy is a work in progress over several years as transitioning to ECDIS signals a revolutionary change from paper to an electronic navigation system with decisions to be taken on the purchase and installation of ECDIS equipment, amendments to bridge procedures, coordination between ship and shore, and the selection of a chart service that best meets operational needs and fulfils the carriage requirements, advises the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).
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