What is an ECS?
ECS is a navigation information system that electronically displays vessel position and relevant nautical chart data and information from an ECS Database on a display screen, but does not meet all the IMO requirements for ECDIS and is not intended to satisfy the SOLAS Chapter V requirements to carry a navigational chart. All systems, which are not tested to show compliance with the ECDIS Performance Standards, can be generically designated as ?Electronic Chart Systems? (ECS). An ECS may be able to use either ENCs, RNCs or other chart data produced privately and could have functionality similar to ECDIS. Where the vessel operates with ECS, the paper chart remains the official basis for navigation onboard. The vessel must retain and use a full folio of up to date paper charts onboard, regardless of the type of electronic charts used. The STCW and ISM codes put the responsibility firmly on the shipowner to ensure that mariners on their vessels are competent to carry out the duties they ar
