It is essential to understand your Flag State's requirements for
certification. Under existing regulations you will need to obtain a
certificate of equivalency to allow ECDIS to be used to fulfil the
SOLAS chart carriage requirement.
The certificate is proof that the vessel has a type approved
ECDIS, fitted in accordance with IMO requirements and an approved
back-up system. You should check that your Flag State will accept
the type-approval certification for the ECDIS equipment you wish to
fit.
Where ECDIS has been fitted this should be indicated on the
record of equipment attached to the vessel's safety equipment
certificate; this will also give details of the backup that is to
be used.
You should also talk to your classification society and
insurance / P&I club to see if they have any further specific
requirements.
Flag State requirements may change following the adoption of
carriage requirements for ECDIS, so it will be important to remain
in close contact with them.
Pull together the paperwork
• Obtain Letter of Equivalency from your Flag State
• Ensure the ECDIS Type-Approval Certificate is accepted
• Talk to your Class Society, Insurance and P&I clubs. They may
have further specific requirements
(Source: 10 Steps to ECDIS Mandation,
UKHO)
