Get ahead of the game
Amendments to the STCW Code have brought in new requirements for deck officers working on vessels fitted with ECDIS to undergo specific training. It is important for those crew affected to get organised as soon as possible.…
The 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW Code have brought in new requirements for masters and deck officers working on UK registered vessels fitted with ECDIS to undergo education and training by 1 January, 2017. The new regulations state that if ECDIS is listed as an aid to navigation on board then specific training approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and recognised by the vessel’s flag state must be taken.
Crew who require revalidation of their UK Certificate of Competence issued in compliance with the STCW regulation will need to conform to the new requirements to ensure their Certificate of Competence remains valid on yachts fitted with ECDIS. Deck officers who renew their ticket with the MCA without a valid ECDIS certificate will get it stamped with the condition: “from the 1 January, 2017 this certificate is not valid for service on ships fitted with ECDIS”.
The MCA have released a Marine Information Note (MIN 442) that clarifies which training is acceptable for masters and deck officers. This document explains that, “trickle down training (i.e. one officer training another) is not acceptable as, inevitably, it leads to incomplete knowledge of the equipment’s capabilities, and especially the lesser used functions, being passed on.” The new regulations hope to improve navigational safety on vessels and will aim to avoid gaps in training for future crew.
Richard Bell, trainer at ECDIS ltd, explains that proper training is essential for the crew to optimise their use of an ECDIS on board. “Unfortunately many vessels are severely underusing their ECDIS equipment and simply relying on GPS to navigate,” explains Bell. “This policy renders them extremely vulnerable should GPS service be interrupted in the area. By not exploring the higher functions, an ECDIS is just a bit of kit that sits there and tells you where you are and crew just accept it, they don’t delve into GPS integrity monitoring.”
Bell has expressed the worry that nearer to the deadline there may be a bottle-neck effect created as many crew are likely to leave obtaining the appropriate training to the last minute. “Crew will have to wait in line and they are the ones that will suffer. If you read the requirements of port state control and how to demonstrate competence, it’s no longer: can you decide where you are on the screen? It is also: can you update that? Can you plan a passage? Can you check the integrity of the GPS position? They are really hot on this now and mariners without training are going to get caught out.”
There is still time for captains and deck officers to get organised. Natalie Robson, trainer at ECDIS ltd, believes that, “for proper planning in the implementation of ECDIS, all members of a bridge team should be trained prior to the ECDIS being fitted rather than it being a reaction to it.” The industry should head this warning and do the necessary training before they find themselves without a valid license. Even if your yacht is yet to install an ECDIS, the training will enhance your navigational skills and increase your options for the future.
Crew who require revalidation of their UK Certificate of Competence issued in compliance with the STCW regulation will need to conform to the new requirements to ensure their Certificate of Competence remains valid on yachts fitted with ECDIS. Deck officers who renew their ticket with the MCA without a valid ECDIS certificate will get it stamped with the condition: “from the 1 January, 2017 this certificate is not valid for service on ships fitted with ECDIS”.
The MCA have released a Marine Information Note (MIN 442) that clarifies which training is acceptable for masters and deck officers. This document explains that, “trickle down training (i.e. one officer training another) is not acceptable as, inevitably, it leads to incomplete knowledge of the equipment’s capabilities, and especially the lesser used functions, being passed on.” The new regulations hope to improve navigational safety on vessels and will aim to avoid gaps in training for future crew.
Bell has expressed the worry that nearer to the deadline there may be a bottle-neck effect created as many crew are likely to leave obtaining the appropriate training to the last minute.
Richard Bell, trainer at ECDIS ltd, explains that proper training is essential for the crew to optimise their use of an ECDIS on board. “Unfortunately many vessels are severely underusing their ECDIS equipment and simply relying on GPS to navigate,” explains Bell. “This policy renders them extremely vulnerable should GPS service be interrupted in the area. By not exploring the higher functions, an ECDIS is just a bit of kit that sits there and tells you where you are and crew just accept it, they don’t delve into GPS integrity monitoring.”
Bell has expressed the worry that nearer to the deadline there may be a bottle-neck effect created as many crew are likely to leave obtaining the appropriate training to the last minute. “Crew will have to wait in line and they are the ones that will suffer. If you read the requirements of port state control and how to demonstrate competence, it’s no longer: can you decide where you are on the screen? It is also: can you update that? Can you plan a passage? Can you check the integrity of the GPS position? They are really hot on this now and mariners without training are going to get caught out.”
There is still time for captains and deck officers to get organised. Natalie Robson, trainer at ECDIS ltd, believes that, “for proper planning in the implementation of ECDIS, all members of a bridge team should be trained prior to the ECDIS being fitted rather than it being a reaction to it.” The industry should head this warning and do the necessary training before they find themselves without a valid license. Even if your yacht is yet to install an ECDIS, the training will enhance your navigational skills and increase your options for the future.
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