In addition to national and international rules, regulations,
the IMO model course and performance standards, the IHO has
published an online publication Facts about electronic charts
and carriage requirements. It is a recommended source of
information on ECDIS hardware, training and the technical aspects
of electronic chart data.
Another useful source of information on ECDIS is The
Electronic Chart, 2nd edition, by Hecht, Berking, Büttgenbach,
Jonas and Alexander (2009). This book describes the basic
components, functionality and capabilities and limitations of
ECDIS. The Electronic Chart is published by Geomares, The
Netherlands, ISBN: 90-806205-7-2 and is available via: www.electronic-chart.com
Reference should also be made to other Safety of Navigation
Circulars (SN/Circs.) issued by the Organization, in particular,
SN/Circ.207/Rev.1 on Differences between RCDS and ECDIS;
SN/Circ.213 on Guidance on chart datums and the accuracy of
positions on charts; SN/Circ.255 on Additional guidance on chart
datums and the accuracy of positions on charts; and SN/Circ.266 on
Maintenance of Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS) software. These and other IMO guidance material can be
downloaded from the IMO website,
www.imo org.
Shipowners and operators should always refer to their national
Administrations for the latest information on ECDIS carriage and
use.
