WK 5&6 NAV 6 LEC

Summary

This script outlines the learning objectives for weeks five and six, focusing on avoiding over-reliance on Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). It emphasizes the importance of assessing system integrity, understanding chart display classes, and verifying vessel positions in various water conditions. The training also covers sensor requirements for an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), position monitoring techniques, and the necessity for manual checks to ensure navigational accuracy. The Cosco Busan accident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for proper training and voyage planning when using navigational equipment.

Takeaways

• 📚 The training module covers avoiding over-reliance on electronic navigation systems, assessing system integrity, and understanding chart display classes like base, standard, and custom.
• 🌐 It's crucial to determine the frequency of a vessel's position in different water conditions, such as open sea, coastal waters, and restricted areas under pilotage.
• 📍 Techniques are discussed for overlaying GPS, radar, and other navigational information to ensure accurate vessel tracking.
• 🛰️ The importance of having a reliable position fixing system is emphasized, with GPS being the primary sensor, and the necessity for an alarm in case of sensor discrepancy.
• 🔍 The script highlights the need for continuous monitoring of sensors to ensure data accuracy, including checking electronic position fixing systems and radar settings.
• 📈 The use of presentation libraries in electronic navigational charts (ENC) is explained, which standardize the display of objects according to set rules.
• 🔄 The officer of the watch must regularly check the position and integrity of the GPS and other sensors, and not solely rely on electronic systems for navigation.
• 🚢 The training also touches on the use of manual position fixing (LOP) and dead reckoning (DR) as backup methods when electronic systems are not available or reliable.
• 📊 The necessity for regular chart updates and checking the chart data quality is stressed to maintain accurate navigational information.
• 🚧 The script provides examples of accidents related to electronic navigation systems, emphasizing the need for proper training and understanding of the equipment.
• 🛑 The final takeaway is the importance of not over-relying on electronic navigation systems and maintaining a proper lookout, especially in conditions of restricted visibility.

Q & A

What are the learning objectives for week five and six in the provided transcript?

The learning objectives for week five and six are to determine ways to avoid over-reliance on ECDIS, assess the integrity of the system and its data, evaluate the classes of chart features in different display modes such as base, standard, and custom, and determine the frequency of the vessel's position in various water conditions like open sea, coastal waters, narrow, and restricted areas under pilotage.

What is the role of the International Hydrographic Organization in the context of ECDIS?

The International Hydrographic Organization ensures that the display presentation of ECDIS follows a standard format. It oversees the compilation and distribution of electronic navigational charts, which are governed by a set of presentation rules known as the Presentation Library.

What are the different user display settings available on ECDIS?

The user display settings on ECDIS include daylight, night, night with moon, night moonless, and night inverted. These settings allow the user to adjust the screen color palette to suit different illumination conditions.

Why is it important to avoid overscaling or underscaling on an ECDIS?

Overscaling or underscaling on an ECDIS can affect the coverage and visibility of objects on the chart. It is crucial to maintain an appropriate scale to ensure that the navigator can monitor the objects they are supposed to, without losing important details or having an overly zoomed-in view that could lead to navigational errors.

How does an ECDIS system handle the input from various sensors for safe navigation?

An ECDIS system requires input from several sensors, primarily the GPS for position, speed, and course information. It must also handle secondary sensors for position fixing and provide alarms if there is a discrepancy between the primary and secondary sensor inputs. The system must continuously monitor sensors to ensure the data is correct and provide alarms if the input is lost or if there is a significant deviation between sensor readings.

What is the significance of the Consistent Common Reference Point (CCRP) in ECDIS?

The Consistent Common Reference Point (CCRP) is the convergence point of all position-related sensors on the bridge. It serves as a single position from which all sensor data is referenced, ensuring consistency and reducing confusion that might arise from different sensor positions.

How can navigators verify the integrity of the position fixing system on ECDIS?

Navigators can verify the integrity of the position fixing system by checking the electronic position fixing system against manual peaks, checking the horizontal dilution of position (HDOP) value, comparing the GPS integrity indication, overlaying radar images with the ECDIS, and using other methods such as checking the radar setting, RPA overlay, AIS overlay, and manual position offset.

What is the purpose of the 'Back to Ship' feature in ECDIS?

The 'Back to Ship' feature allows the user to return to the display of the sea area around the own ship's position with a single operation. It centers the chart on the ship's current position, providing a quick way to reorient the view.

What are some of the common issues that can arise from overreliance on ECDIS?

Overreliance on ECDIS can lead to a lack of proper lookout, insufficient understanding of the system's limitations, and potential misinterpretation of data. It can also result in not using independent methods to periodically check the position, which is crucial for safe navigation.

What was the cause of the Cosco Busan accident, and what lessons can be learned from it?

The Cosco Busan accident was caused by a combination of factors including poor visibility, overreliance on the Voyage Management System (VMS), lack of familiarity with the electronic chart symbology, and incorrect assumptions about chart objects. The lesson learned is the importance of proper training for crew members on new navigation equipment and the necessity of maintaining a proper voyage plan and lookout, especially in conditions of restricted visibility.