ECDIS Implementation Paradigm Forwarded by Transas Marine - Research Paper Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents i List of Figures ii List of Abbreviations and Acronyms iii ECDIS 1.0 Research Approach 2 1 Aim 21.2 Research Question 2 1.3 Methodology 2 2.0 Introduction 2 2.1 Requirements of an ECDIS 3 2.2 Choice of an ECDIS System 4 2.2.1 Stated Aims for the software 4 2.2.2 Functional capabilities 4 2.2.2.1 Positioning 4 2.2.2.2 Information on Chart Objects 5 2.2.2.3 Route Planning Capability 6 2.2.2.4 Alarms 7 2.2.2.5 Electronic Log 8 2.2.2.6 Voyage Recording and Playback Function 9 2.2.2.7 Integrated Information from Navtex 10 2.2.2.8 Overlaying Radar Picture 10 2.2.2.9 Integrated Weather Module 11 2.2.2.10 Integration with the AIS 12 2.2.2.11 Search and Rescue Operations 13 2.2.2.12 Display Modes and User-adjustable interface 14 2.2.3 Chart Updating 14 2.2.4 Chart Formats 15 3. 0 Handling Characteristics and Instructions of Creating the Passage Plan. 15 3.1 Loading Charts: 16 3.2 Selecting Type of Vessel 17 3.3 Creating a Route 19 4.0 Evaluative Opinion 23 5.0 Recommendations for Improvement 24 6.0 Conclusion 25 List of Figures Figure 1 Positioning (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 5 Figure 2 Information on Chart Objects (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 6 Figure 3 Route Planning Capability (Zora .Co .Co, Accessed Jan 06) 7 Figure 4 information is automatically recorded on the electronic ship's logbook (vei-systems, Accessed Jan 06) 9 Figure 5 Playback function (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 10 Figure 6 Integrated Weather Module (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 12 Figure 7 Search and Rescue Operations (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 13 Figure 8 User-adjustable interface (Zora Co., Accessed Jan 06) 14 Figure 9 16 Figure 10 17 Figure 11 17 Figure 12 18 Figure 13 18 Figure 14 19 Figure 15 19 Figure 16 20 Figure 17 20 Figure 18 21 Figure 19 21 Figure 20 22 Figure 21 22 Figure 22 23 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms AIS: Automatic Identification Systems ARCS: Admiralty Raster Chart Service ARPA: Automatic Radar Plotting Aid ECDIS: Electronic Chart Distribution Information System ENC: Electronic Navigation Chart ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival ETD: Estimated Time of Departure GIS: Geographic Information System IALA: International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities IMO: International Maritime Organisation MMSI: Maritime Mobile Service Identity NAVTEX: Navigational Information Telex SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Transas: Transport Safety Systems UAIS: Universal Automatic Identification System ECDIS ___________________________________________________________________ Abstract Although ECDIS is popularly defined as a standard for the elimination of paper charts, the mentioned definition hardly encompasses the capabilities and potentials of this tool. Indeed, the functionality of ECDIS systems have extended beyond the mere elimination of paper charts to the provision of an Integrated Bridge whose primary function is the interconnection of all of a vessel's sources of information. This paper shall review and evaluate an ECDIS implementation paradigm forwarded by Transas Marine (TRANsport SAfety Systems). The primary criterion for evaluation is compliance with the IMO standard. Following that, additional implementation features shall be critically analysed. The paper will conclude with a set of recommendations for improvement based upon the researcher's own evaluation of Navi Sailor ECDIS. 1.0 Research Approach 1.1 Aim The primary aim of the present research is the evaluation of an ECDIS system against manufacturer claims, for the determination of whether or not the system satisfies its supposed purposes and executes its defined functions. 1.2 Research Question Can the selected ECDIS system act as a replacement for a chart navigation system 1.3 Methodology As a strategy for responding to the selected researched question and satisfying the research's articulated aim, an in-depth investigative exploration of the chosen ECDIS system's features shall be undertaken. The results of he investigation shall determine whether or not the examined ECDIS system can, indeed, function as a replacement for a chart navigation system. 2.0 Introduction An Electronic Chart Distribution Information System (ECDIS) is specifically designed to replace nautical charts with electronic navigation charts. It must be stressed, however, that the purposes of ECDIS exceed the stated insofar as the system's functionalities include the systemic collection, storage, processing and presentation of navigation-related and route-planning information. In other words, insofar as ECDIS withstands categorisation as a Geographic Information System (GIS), it has an inbuilt capacity for the storage, archiving, mining, integration and securitisation of information (Hecht and Kucera, 2000). From this perspective, ECDIS may be more comprehensively defined as a holistic system for the management, storage and retrieval of spatial and navigational data. While assessing the functionalities of an ECDIS and the motivations behind the replacement of nautical charts with electronic ones, the disadvantages associated with the former have to be articulated. Quite simply stated, while navigators have used nautical charts for centuries both to plan route and plot a vessel's progress at sea, they have never been truly efficient or accurate. Without going into details regarding the countless incidents wherein both lack of efficiency and inaccuracy, however miniscule, have resulted in the loss of life at sea, suffice to mention that paper charts are bulky, take up a great deal of storage and make for complicated reading, thereby increasing the probabilities of human error. Not only that but, the effort and time which used to be involved in locating the correct chart and updating it, was never regarded as anything but a tedious waste of time. The aforementioned is only confirmed through recollection of the multiple duties which navigators are required to execute. Hence, from a very early stage the exigencies of designed and implementing an electronic navigation system, such as that which airliners used, was clear. In response to the identified imperative, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced the specification for an ECDIS which could "serve as an adequate replacement for the paper nautical chart in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74)" (Scheuermann, 1996). 2.1 Requirements of an ECDIS Prior to embarking upon our investigative analysis and evaluation of an ECDIS system, the requirements of the mentioned system must be articulated. According to Scheuermann (1996), the following are essential ECDIS requirements: Route planning Route monitoring Voyage Recording Manual update of charts Display of other Navigational Information North up display mode Relative and True motion display While the above features shall be awarded special attention throughout this study, other key ECDIS features shall also be discussed. 2.2 Choice of an ECDIS System For the purposes of the present evaluative study, Transas Marine's ECDIS (Navi Sailor 3000) has been selected for discussion. 2.2.1 Stated Aims for the software Transas Marine has identified the aim of Navi-Sailor 300 as the provision to navigators of the totality of information requested from all of the navigational sensors on the electronic chart. When all the required information is displayable on a single screen, this enables navigators to make the most timely and accurate situation assessments possible while, at the same time, invaluably aiding them in their decision-making responsibilities. Accordingly, or at least according to the system's manufacturer, the numerous ECDIS functional capabilities imply that one of the primary advantages of implementation is greater cost and time efficiency. In other words, the system allows for the reduction of running costs, among other advantages (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2 Functional capabilities 2.2.2.1 Positioning Navi-Sailor 3000 automatically provides the navigator with all the necessary information (Zora Co., Accessed Jan 06) Display of the ship contour as per the set parameters and chart scale; Information on dangerous objects and areas on the chart; Data on tides, currents, weather. Current ship position and motion vector; Reception of information from the radar/ARPA and handling of radar targets; Data obtained from other connected navigational sensors; AIS data;. Navi-Sailor 3000 can save several schedules for the proceeding along a single route. Within the network configuration system, an added benefit is the capability to exchange route data between several interacting Navi-Sailor systems. Figure 1 Positioning (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.2 Information on Chart Objects Navi-Sailor 3000 furnishes navigators with the requisite information on all navigational objects plotted on a vector chart. This includes, among others, lighthouses, lighthouses, buoys, beacons, depth contours and areas (Transas, Accessed Jan 06). Figure 2 Information on Chart Objects (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.3 Route Planning Capability As per paragraph 10.4.1 of IMO (IMO RESOLUTION A.817,19, n.d.) "[i]t should be possible to carry out route planning including both straight and curved segments." Prior to embarking upon a voyage, it is imperative that the navigator plot the ship's route, within the framework provided by both company policy and safety considerations. Bearing in mind that a route can be influenced by whether the ship is ballast or loaded, the aforementioned enters into the route-planning equation. Before a ship embarks on a voyage it should have a planned route that it will follow. Consequently, and considering the complexities of route planning, ECDIS should possess such function as which facilitate this seminal task. According to Navi Sailor 3000 ECDIS manufacturer offers following features for route planning: Geographical data (coordinates, course, GC/RL) Schedule information (ETA, ETD, Average speed) Route Plan calculations take into account relevant weather and current information Other useful capabilities of the Route Planning facility include: 'Check Route' functionality, both online and after the planning Upload route to GPS Graphical on-screen and tabular route plan editing Equalising of data between Master and Slave station(-s) Print out of Route Plan information Figure 3 Route Planning Capability (Zora .Co .Co, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.4 Alarms According to Transas user manual, the Navi-Sailor 3000 system generates the following primary alarm groups: AIS - this group of alarms is used in the operation with various types of AIS transponders (UAIS, AIS transponder when sailing in the Great Lakes area); Antigrounding - approach to dangers to navigation, dangerous depth contours and small depths, approach to special areas; Once a ship is at sea it should be monitored whether it adheres to the planned route. Navi Sailor 3000 ECDIS does provide this facility with following features: Estimate time to next waypoint and destination Current route leg direction and next one Out-of-route alarms target/radar- events related to targets and sensors passing target data to Navi-Sailor; sensors monitoring of data from the connected sensors; monitoring of Navi-Sailor system network configuration - alarms network status; Areas alarm alerting about the approach to line and area type of chart objects on vector electronic charts. 2.2.2.5 Electronic Log As pertains to its electronic log functionalities, Transas maintains that Navi-Sailor 3000 automatically all relevant information into the vessel's electronic logbook (Transas, Accessed Jan 06). The information which the Navi-Sailor 3000 records into the vessel's electronic logbook is quite comprehensive, insofar as it includes navigational data, the status of connected subsystems, charts in use, alarms and operator procedures. Apart from the information which is automatically input into the logbook, the integrity of manual data inputting is intact, whereby system operators retain the capacity to manually enter records at any time, including weather information and commentaries. Figure 4 information is automatically recorded on the electronic ship's logbook (vei-systems, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.6 Voyage Recording and Playback Function The requirements for voyage recording features are clearly articulated in paragraph 10.6 of IMO document (IMO RESOLUTION A.817, 19, n.d.). As per the stated document, automatic voyage recordings are integral consequent to the seminal role they play in the settlement of collision disputes. This entails the comprehensive and detailed recording of the voyage, including, of course, position information. The importance of recording the entirety of a voyage cannot be overstated. Apart from functioning as vital evidence in the resolution of collision disputes and an essential revelatory instrument for the determination of the causes behind accidents, voyage recordings are essential material for instruction. Given the imperatives of voyage recording, this function is included in the Navi-Sailor 3000 and, according to the system manual (Navi-Sailor 3000 User Manual'), the following playback features are available: Playback of the recorded own ship track and motion parameters; Playback of recorded targets tracks received from the ARPA, AIS and RIB; Playback of the recorded radar picture received from the RIB. Figure 5 Playback function (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.7 Integrated Information from Navtex The Navi-Sailor 3000 is configured to process the information supplied to a vessel through the Navtex system. It is not simply configured towards the automated reading of Navtex messages but, more importantly, it processes the information contained therein, extracts coordinates, area, and transmits station, topic and other parameters. Subsequent to that, the Navi-Sailor 3000 proceeds to save the message to a disk and displays the message mark on the electronic chart immediately following its reception. The automatic alarm is activated upon the entry in to the zone received from the Navtex receiver, or at the approach to a single message mark. (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.8 Overlaying Radar Picture An added, incontrovertibly integral, function lies is the Navi-Sailor 3000's capacity for the incorporation of the Transas radar processor board. Upon the reception of a signal from the receiver, the Navi-Sailor 3000 digitally processes the received signal, and forms a data array for overlaying a radar picture on the electronic chart. Needless to say, the identified feature considerably expands the Navi-Sailor 3000's utility, insofar as it endows the system with the below listed functionalities (Zora Co., Accessed Jan 06): Overlaying of the "raw" radar picture on top of the chart; Automatic extraction and tracking of up to 128 targets simultaneously; Recording of the "raw" radar picture onto the computer hard disk. As it possesses an inbuilt capacity for automatic target tracking and acquisition throughout the radar operating range, the Transas radar processor further performs ARPA functions (Zora Co., Accessed Jan 2006). 2.2.2.9 Integrated Weather Module Since the Navi-Sailor3000 ECDIS weather module is integrated into the system users may receive five-day weather forecast projections via email the UK Meteorological Office (Exeter, UK). The weather forecast information is subsequently displayed on the system's electronic chart. The following weather parameters can be ordered (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) Atmospheric pressure at sea level; Wind speed and direction at 10m height; Considerable wave height; Height, direction and period of wind induced waves; Height, direction and period of swell. Figure 6 Integrated Weather Module (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.10 Integration with the AIS AIS transponder interface is implemented in accordance with IEC 61993-2 international standard and takes into account IALA Technical Clarifications on Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-1 (Edition 1.3). upon interfacing the identified device with the Navi-Sailor 3000, the below listed capabilities become operational (Zora Co., Accessed Jan 2006): The reception and display of data on other targets, using the AIS (coordinates, name, MMSI, IMO number, ship's navigation status, ship's type and nature of cargo, speed, etc.); Additional safety aids such as antigrounding, depth check with safety contour, acoustic and blinking alarms and collision avoidance with ARPA and AIS. The transmission of the vessel's own data (call sign, name, MMSI and IMO number, type of cargo, type and navigation status of the ship, etc.); The transmission of text messages with the following status to other objects of the AIS system (normal, safety); The transmission of information on targets displayed by the Navi-Sailor, to other objects of the AIS system. 2.2.2.11 Search and Rescue Operations Navi-Sailor 3000 allows the creation of a route corresponding to one of the SAR patterns recommended by the SAR Convention: (Vei-systems, Accessed Jan 06) Expanding Square; Parallel Track/Creeping Line; Sector Search. Current/Drift correction are also available (calculated drift in the search area with the current constant). Figure 7 Search and Rescue Operations (Transas, Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.2.12 Display Modes and User-adjustable interface The simultaneous display of a single chart on two chart panels is possible, thereby allowing for independent stabilisation. Indeed, users are conveniently supplied with independent control modes and toolbars on each of the panels. The chart orientation allows the display of the following ship motion modes in any combination: NorthUp/CourseUp/HeadUp; True/Relative motion. Paragraph 7.1 of IMO RESOLUTION A.817 (19) defines a North up display as mandatory. Figure 8 User-adjustable interface (Zora Co., Accessed Jan 06) 2.2.3 Chart Updating As ships must have the latest version of all charts at any given time, charts are regularly updated. Besides automated chart updating capabilities, Paragraph 4.6 of IMO RESOLUTION A.817 (19) (n.d.) makes it mandatory that "ECDIS should also be capable of accepting updates to the ENC data entered manually with simple means for verification prior to the final acceptance of the data." It is not at all unusual for ships to receive, while on route, information pertaining to changes which must be made to existent charts or that the ship itself observe such changes along a route which also need to be added. Needless to say, these changes may be added manually but the ECDIS has an inbuilt capacity for several chart-updating options (Transas, Accessed Jan 06): Delivery of an updated chart collection on a CD every three months; Updating via Internet network from the Transas Group corporate site www.transas.com. In Navi-Sailor 3000, electronic charts can also be updated manually. 2.2.4 Chart Formats Navi-Sailor 3000 allows the use and simultaneous display of charts in 6 different formats: (Vei-systems, Accessed Jan 06) Raster charts ARCS (issued by the UK Admiralty) NDI/BSB (charts by the HO's of USA and Canada) NOS/GEO Seafarer (issued by the HO of Australia) Vector charts ENC/S-57 (official charts issued by the hydrographic offices in accordance with IMO requirements) TX-97 (produced by Transas). 3. 0 Handling Characteristics and Instructions of Creating the Passage Plan. Switch on the computer station. Start the Navi-Sailor Software as shown below: According to the user manual, these are the steps followed to create the passage plan. 3.1 Loading Charts: Open "Charts" panel by selecting the appropriate line of TASKS LIST menu on the Control panel. Figure 9 Make sure that the chart auto load is switched off, then follow these steps (a) Use the space in the left hand part of "Charts" panel, to enter the chart number example, chart number A536. (b) Press Find. Figure 10 The necessary chart will be highlighted in the table. (c) Press Load Chart button, the Selected chart will be loaded in the Chart panel. The Charts Used for the Passage Plan Are: Dublin Liverpool a1415, a1447_1, a1447_2 a1951, a3490a 3.2 Selecting Type of Vessel Open "AIS" panel by selecting the appropriate line of TASKS LIST menu in the Control panel. Figure 11 Use the tab in the top left part of "AIS" panel to switch to "Voyage and Static Data" page Press Edit button. Then, Press Type of ship button in the left hand part of the page. Figure 12 In the list, which will open up, select the own ship navigation status and press the Left mouse/trackball button. Figure 13 The vessel selected in this passage plan is a tanker vessel. 3.3 Creating a Route Open "Route" panel by selecting the appropriate line of TASKS LIST menu on the Control panel. Figure 14 In "Route" panel, which will open up, press New button to activate it. Figure 15 The panel will look as follows. Figure 16 A graphic cursor will appear on the Chart panel, whereas the right bottom part of the NS screen will display Edit Route information window. Figure 17 Set the cursor in the start point coordinates by moving the mouse/trackball, using the data in Edit Route window and press the left mouse/trackball button. Figure 18 The symbol of the start point with its number ("0") will appear on the Chart panel. Position the cursor in the coordinates of the next point. At this stage, a route leg line will be drawn between the cursor and the start point. Press the left mouse/trackball button: the Chart panel will display the next point symbol with "1" for number and the plotted route leg. By default, XTE lines are also shown. To turn off their display, use "Extra" window. Figure 19 If it is necessary to set several waypoints, repeat the mouse/trackball movement and left button pressing operation as many times as there are WP's required to be set. If the cursor is positioned beyond the Chart panel boundaries, it will be re-drawn automatically so that there is always a chart from the chart folio under the cursor (provided Chart Autoload function is "ON"). Figure 20 After the setting of the last point of the planned route, double click the right mouse/trackball button: the cursor will exit from the route planning and editing mode and will assume the form of the NS free cursor. Figure 21 The generation of the route is completed. To save the route, enter its name in the name input line in the top right part of the panel. Figure 22 Press Save button which has been activated. The planned route is generated and saved. 4.0 Evaluative Opinion As the above investigative analysis of the functionality of the selected ECDIS has tried to illustrate, the Navi Sailor 3000 ECDIS is a highly versatile system. It adheres to the totality of the guidelines established for ECDIS designs and contains all of the established mandatory features. In addition to that, the fact that it allows for the use of both vector and raster charts is a definite advantage in light of the unavailability of ENC's for many areas. That the Navi-Sailor 3000 contains numerous other additional features and enables a truly integrated Bridge System renders the discussed system a truly invaluable tool for navigators. A primary requirement of a practical and usable ECDIS system is user-friendliness consequent to the fact that it will be operated by users who do not possess high IT literacy rates. Indeed, one of the primary criteria for evaluating the utility of the system is the extent of its user-friendliness. Insofar as the Navi-Sailor 3000 is concerned, one can safely claim that it has satisfied this particular requirement. Based on windows, not only does it offer a user-friendly interface but, given the critical nature of the information it displays/projects, legibility is enhanced by the presence of a five-colour palette, effectively suiting all bridge-lightening conditions. Even though the Navi-Sailor 3000 is extremely user-friendly, the fact that the manufacturer has embedded a large array of functions into the system enhances the potential for human error. In order to minimise the possibilities of the aforementioned, it is imperative that users receive, at least, basic training in the functionalities, operations and use of the Navi-Sailor 300 prior to actual use. Basic training should be defined as prerequisite to actual use, after which the accompanying manual can aid in the further use of the system. If users, however, are seeking to attain proficiency in the use of this particular system, it is mandatory that they register for Navi-Sailor 3000 training courses. 5.0 Recommendations for Improvement Remote control mode. Multi-lingual user interface and capabilities. Password security. Larger chart space. Auto errors notifications and fixing. Incorporation of video footage, which enables the navigator to take earlier actions. Remote access capabilities as would enable experts to provide technical support while the ship is at sea. Provision of email facilities for communication. Auto suggested action notification in case of risk of collision. Video user manual supported by the manufacturer. 6.0 Conclusion At this stage, one may safely assert that the introduction of ECDIS is a turning point in navigation. Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration were one to claim that the development of ECDIS has heralded a revolution in navigation technology and methodology. Besides the fact that it allows for the dispensing of the previously used bulky, sometimes inaccurate, paper charts, the system invaluably contributes to navigators' efforts to perform their responsibilities with greater efficiency and effectiveness. With specific reference to the Navi-Sailor 3000, an investigation of the software has revealed it to be fully compliant with the ECDIS specifications set forth in IMO RESOLUTION A.817 (19). In addition to compliancy, it offers a large array of useful, additional functions and features. Accordingly, one can safely say that the use of the Navi-Sailor 3000 will allow for elimination of the previously used and rather cumbersome paper charts. Furthermore, when comparing the system against its manufacturer's claims, one finds a definite correlation. Nevertheless, even though the system meets the requirements of IMO RESOLUTION A. 817(9) and satisfies its manufacturer's claims, a look at the competition indicates that Navi-Sailor 3000 can withstand improvement through the implementation of a set of additional features, specified in the preceding section. Read More