The situation The use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems has become a permanent feature of modern shipping, having been enshrined in the revised chapter V of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), and in particular IMO Resolution MSC.282(86) which mandates the phased introduction of such systems on board. When used properly ECDIS is a useful aid to navigation, although there have already been incidents where its use - or misuse - have contributed to an accident. In the attached memo, Andrew Shannon of HFW explores some of the issues and problems that have arisen out of the use of ECDIS and considers case examples of past events where ECDIS and its use featured in the chain of events leading to a maritime incident. Loss prevention advice The common themes that were identified in past collisions and groundings include: crew unfamiliarly with the ECDIS system on board the vessel lack of training and competence with ECDIS, both general and system specific over reliance by bridge teams and OOW on electronic aids to navigation to the exclusion of other methods wrongly setting up the ECDIS system with respect to information layers and alarm settings bridge team management and passage planning issues, including inadequate discussions between masters and pilots The key to ensuring the safe use of ECDIS, and deriving the full benefit of a system, rests in having well trained crew, with knowledge of the specific system on board, and the following of clear procedures for passage planning, bridge team management and safe navigation. VDR performance standards and ECDIS equipment Separately members are advised to note that pursuant to IMO Resolution MSC.333 (90). This sets out a number of requirements for the on board VDR and its operation, including the following provision on ECDIS: 5.5.8 ECDIS Where a vessel is fitted with an ECDIS installation, the VDR should record the electronic signals of the ECDIS display in use at the time as the primary means of navigation. The r