Safety
of navigation has been of great concern to
mariners over the ages. Advancement in digital
technology has contributed considerably to
making this task easier and safer. The provision
of adequate Navigational Safety Services is an
essential concern of IMO/IHO/UNEP Conventions
and United Nations General Assembly resolution.
The
Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS) is an intelligent and dynamic
Navigational Information System designed to
improve the safety and efficiency of navigation.
ECDIS integrates various chart information,
ships parameters from various sensors and
equipment, and provides a combined electronic
display of all essential details required for
safe navigation. Chart information is provided
to ECDIS through Electronic Navigational Charts
(ENCs) issued under the authority of the
National Hydrographic Offices, under the overall
guidance of IMO / IHO Conventions.
To
regulate the use of various types of Electronic
Charts proliferating since 1980, the
International Hydrographic organisation (IHO),
has prescribed standards of the acquisition,
creation and transfer of digital data, and its
display. The International Maritime Organisation
(IMO), has prescribed the Performance standards
for the ENCs to be produced by the National
Hydrographic Office with updating under the
GMDSS.
The
dynamic display of vessel position, provision of
audio-video alarms while approaching danger or
indicating equipment malfunctions, avoidance of
grounding/collision, manoeuvering in restricted
waters even in conditions of low visibility,
automation of navigational routines and
automatic updation of Navigational information
are some of the significant features of ECDIS.
On
account of the enormous potential of ECDIS,
mariners have expressed their preference for
this system over existing paper charts. To cater
to these requirements, National Hydrographic
organisations round the world have started
preparing ENCs as the primary input to ECDIS.
The
Indian Naval Hydrographic Department under the
Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India is
going ahead with the programme of producing of
ENCs for the entire Indian waters with special
attention to the coastal belt. The process of
creating Electronic Navigational Chart Data Base
(ENCDB), has been completed at the National
Hydrographic Office Dehra Dun. Presently the
Office is working on the security aspects of ENC
data sets. The marketing of all the ENCs is
expected from 2003.
Queries
and requests for Electronic Navigational Charts
of Indian waters may be addressed to the Chief
Hydrographer to the Government of India
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