The Nautical Institute announced today (Wednesday 21 November) the publication of Industry Recommendations for ECDIS Familiarisation to promote clarity around Generic Training and Familiarisation regarding Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). The guidance has been issued by the ECDIS Training Group - an industry body made up of leading international shipping organisations and co-ordinated by The Nautical Institute.

Philip Wake MSc FNI, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, presented the Group's findings at today's ECDIS Revolution conference in London and thanked its members for their efforts in producing what he described as "an invaluable point of reference for those keen to establish and follow best practice in relation to ECDIS". He added: "As our industry moves away from depending solely on paper charts, this guidance provides important clarification in terms of the competencies required for what has become a vitally important navigational and decision support tool. The ECDIS Training Group first came together in 2011 to tackle this issue and we are indebted to them for having applied their expertise for the benefit of all of us in the maritime community".

As part of its guidance the ECDIS Training Group recommends that companies should establish clear guidance for the use of ECDIS within their Safety Management System procedures. It has also produced a Familiarisation Checklist that details tasks officers of the watch of ships using ECDIS should be able to demonstrate competency in. The checklist covers the following areas: initial preparation, basic operation, charts, navigation tools and functions, route planning and route monitoring.

The organisations supporting this guidance are: BIMCO, GlobalMET, International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations, International Group of P&I Clubs, International Maritime Pilots' Association, International Chamber of Shipping, InterManager, INTERTANKO, International Shipping Federation, Marine Accident Investigators' International Forum, Oil Companies International Marine Forum and The Nautical Institute.

A copy of Industry Recommendations for ECDIS Familiarisation accompanies this press release and is also available on The Nautical Institute's ECDIS forum at www.nautinst.org/ECDIStraining