#MARINE NOTICE - The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) has issued a safety notice for all users of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).
Following an announcement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning potential display anomalies in some ECDIS systems, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) issued an 'ENC Data Presentation and Performance Check' in October 2011 to assist mariners and help determine the extent of the issues.
Reports from sea received by the IHO confirm that a number of manufacturers’ ECDIS fail to display some significant underwater features in the 'Standard' display mode.
As a result, these ECDIS must be operated in 'Full display' or 'All display' mode in order that all significant objects are visible to the mariner until a software upgrade is made available.
The notice also warns that earlier versions of the ECDIS manufactured by the Japan Radio Co (JRC) will not display some types of wreck and underwater obstructions (including stranded wrecks) in any display mode. These models of JRC ECDIS must be used in conjunction with paper charts, and affected mariners should contact JRC or their suppliers to arrange remedial action.
More details are included in Marine Notice No 23 of 2012, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.
