The 'ADMIRALTY Guide to ECDIS Implementation, Policy and Procedures (NP232)' has been designed to allow informed decision-making by any individual, or organisation responsible for the introduction of ECDIS on board ship.
It is also intended to provide an on board reference to support company procedures developed for ECDIS operation, which will assist in preparation for audits and inspections and provide clarification on ECDIS policies and procedures.
NP232 is the third in a series of publications from the UKHO that provide guidance on the transition to ECDIS and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), and is written to complement the ADMIRALTY Guide to the Practical Use of ENCs (NP231) and the ADMIRALTY Guide to ENC Symbols Used in ECDIS (NP5012).
Together, this series provides the mariner with an extensive library of information and guidance to support them in the safe, compliant and effective use of ECDIS.
The publication of NP232 also supports the global 'Implementing Your ECDIS Procedures' seminars.
In addition, the UKHO has launched two new Mariners’ Routeing Guides covering the Turkish Straits.
These provide routeing information for the area between the Aegean Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.
The two new guides were published on 13th February 2014 and are the latest additions to the UKHO’s growing portfolio of Mariners’ Routeing Guides.
With over 100,000 vessel movements every year, the Turkish Straits are a busy and important shipping gateway between Europe and Asia, via the Strait of Istanbul and the Strait of Canakkale.
Bringing together key route planning information into one chart, the two new guides give an easy overview of one of the world’s most complex and congested shipping areas.
They contain advice and recommendations for passage planning and highlight visual details of traffic separation schemes and routeing measures.
Nick Dekkers, UKHO product manager, said: “The UKHO’s range of Mariners’ Routeing Guides are a simple way to quickly access vital information for seafarers that need to navigate some of the most complex shipping passages in the world. With the addition of these two new guides covering the Strait of Istanbul and the Strait of Canakkale, the UKHO is helping to ensure that vessels are able to plan their passage through these busy waters.
“All of our Mariners’ Routeing Guides are designed to be quick to use and as simple as possible, enabling seafarers to ensure they are meeting all current regulations and reporting requirements in the most efficient and safe manner,” he said.