On completion of this unit a student will be able to use an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) to maintain safety of navigation. ECDIS is a computer-based navigation information system that complies with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and is accepted as complying with the conventional paper charts required by regulation V/19 of the 1974 IMO Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention as amended. The unit will provide thorough knowledge, skill and understanding of ECDIS and electronic charts to the extent needed to safely navigate vessels. It should be understood that this is a generic course which requires a structured and complementary type specific ECDIS familiarization for each shipboard ECDIS system with which the navigating officer serves.

The unit will focus on the knowledge of the capability and limitations of the equipment as well as on the proficiency in operation, interpretation, and analysis of information obtained from ECDIS. The unit emphasises both the application and learning of ECDIS in a variety of underway contexts, it uses a dedicated approved ECDIS simulator to provide the student with the necessary operational skills.

The unit meets the requirements for knowledge, understanding and proficiency set out by the table A-11/1 of the STCW Code and the Australian Maritime Training Package MARH009. The unit is aligned with the IMO Model Course 1.27 'Operational use of ECDIS' and meets the proficiency requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for the endorsement of the certificate of competency of a Deck Officer.