FOR DECK CADETS & DECK OFFICERS | SAMPLE ECDIS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Summary

This interview guide provides a comprehensive overview of common questions and answers relevant to deck officers and cadets, especially those preparing for office promotions or their first contracts. It covers essential topics such as different types of navigational charts (paper and electronic), ENC updates, standards like S57 and S63, and concepts such as AIO (Admiralty Information Overlay) and TNP (Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners). The guide also addresses key navigation tools like safety depth, safety contours, and the look-ahead frame in EIS systems, offering valuable insights for maritime professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are two main types of charts used in navigation: paper charts and electronic charts (EIS). EIS is more commonly used today for real-time positioning and safety alerts.
• 😀 S57 is the standard for ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart) data format, S63 focuses on data encryption and authentication, while S52 dictates how ENC data should be displayed on EIS.
• 😀 The Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO) is a UK-provided overlay containing additional navigational information, including temporary and preliminary notices to Mariners and updates not yet integrated into ENCs.
• 😀 ENCs are updated by downloading updates from authorized sources, such as chart providers or EIS software providers, typically on a weekly basis following Notices to Mariners.
• 😀 TNP and M (Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners) inform Mariners of temporary or preliminary changes in navigational conditions, such as construction work or obstacles.
• 😀 Chart N1 refers to notices in the Notices to Mariners detailing corrections to be made to paper charts, ensuring Mariners have accurate and up-to-date navigational information.
• 😀 The 4.0 Presentation Library standardizes the visual display of ENC data on EIS screens, ensuring consistency across different EIS systems in terms of symbols, colors, and navigational information.
• 😀 CATZOC (Category Zone of Confidence) indicates the accuracy and reliability of ENC data, ranging from CATZOC A1 (highest accuracy) to CATZOC D (lowest accuracy).
• 😀 Safety Depth is a set value in EIS that triggers alarms if the water depth falls below a certain threshold, usually based on the vessel's draft with a safety margin.
• 😀 The Safety Contour is a line on an ENC that distinguishes safe water from unsafe, triggering alerts when the vessel crosses this boundary from deep to shallow water.

Q & A

What are the two main types of charts used in modern navigation?

The two main types of charts are Paper Charts and Electronic Charts (EIS or Electronic Chart Display and Information System). EIS uses Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) to provide real-time positioning, route monitoring, and alerts to enhance safety.

What does the S57 standard cover in terms of ENC data?

The S57 standard defines the data format for Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), ensuring consistency and interoperability in ENC data across various systems.

What is the purpose of S63 in the context of ENC data?

The S63 standard is used for data encryption and authentication in Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), ensuring that the data is secure and protected from tampering.

Can you explain what an Admiralty Information Overlay (AO) is?

An Admiralty Information Overlay (AO) is an additional navigational information layer provided by the UK, including temporary and preliminary notices to Mariners and ENC updates that have not yet been fully integrated into the ENC data.

How are ENCs updated on a ship?

ENCs are updated by downloading new updates from authorized sources like chart providers or the ship's EIS software provider. The updates are typically provided on a weekly basis and applied following Notices to Mariners.

What are Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners (TNP and M)?

Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners (TNP and M) inform Mariners of temporary or preliminary changes in navigational conditions, such as construction work or obstacles, which could affect chart data.

What does the 4.0 Presentation Library standardize?

The 4.0 Presentation Library provides a standard guideline for how ENC data should be visually displayed on EIS screens, ensuring consistency in the appearance of symbols, colors, and other navigational information across different systems.

What does CATZO (Category Zone of Confidence) measure?

CATZO (Category Zone of Confidence) measures the accuracy and reliability of ENC data. It indicates the survey quality, ranging from CATZO A1 (highest accuracy) to CATZO D (lowest accuracy).

What is the function of Safety Depth in navigation?

Safety Depth is a value set in EIS to warn Mariners if the water depth falls below a certain threshold. It is typically set to match the vessel's draft with a margin for safety.

What is the difference between Safety Contour and Safety Depth?

Safety Contour is a visual boundary on the ENC that alerts when crossing from deep to shallow water. Safety Depth, on the other hand, is the depth value used to trigger alarms, usually corresponding to the vessel's draft plus a safety margin.