iho ecdis presentation library edition 4.0

ECDIS Presentation Library 4.0 and PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION

The Maritime Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION. The aim of the CIC is to check compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS Convention, the overall status of the vessel’s navigation safety, and the competency of crew involved in navigation operations.

This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from 1 September 2017 and ending 30 November 2017 . A ship will only be subject to one inspection under this CIC during the period of the campaign.

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a list of 12 questions to assure that navigation equipment carried onboard complies with the relevant statutory certificates, the master and navigation officers are qualified and familiar with operation of bridge equipment, especially ECDIS, and that navigation equipment is properly maintained and functioning.

This campaign is also related to standards updates that have been carried by IHO with further implementation by ship owners and ECDIS manufacturers.

One of the good tools for PSC visit preparation may be the ECDIS Familiarisation Recommendations by the Nautical Institute provided in the form of check-list.

During the last years ECDIS has been more commonly used on SOLAS vessels and with the ECDIS Carriage requirement a majority of vessels will be equipped with ECDIS by the end of this decade. The development of ECDIS is an ongoing process based on user needs, technology achievements and need for improvement related to safety of navigation. The need to improve previously adopted ECDIS Standard was also recognized by the IMO «in order to ensure the operational reliability of such equipment and taking into account the technological progress and experience gained» and resulted in a revised performance standard for ECDIS MSC.232(82) adopted in December 2006. In the same way the related IEC test standards, as well as the IHO standards used for production and presentation of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) have been revised periodically.

In Oct 2011 the IHO issued the ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks , which included two fictitious ENC cells intended to assist mariners identifying if their ECDIS was using the latest IHO S-52 Presentation Library, edition 3.4. The dataset also highlighted if there were any known ENC display anomalies present in the system. Mariners were asked to run a series of quick tests using the check datasets within their ECDIS to ascertain if they were experiencing display issues. If the system was found to be running an old IHO Presentation Library or had a more serious display anomaly Mariners were advised to contact their ECDIS manufacturer or an appropriate equipment maintenance company to obtain software patches and investigate further to resolve the issues. Results of the tests were to be sent to the IHO for analysis and for use in revising IHO standards.

The IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checklist were not intended for, and are not suitable to be used as a Port State Inspection / Carriage compliance test for ECDIS.

To address the display anomalies and improve the ECDIS user experience the IHO issued S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 in September 2014.

The IHO has coordinated with the IEC to align the issue dates of S-52 and IEC 61174 “ECDIS Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results” publications. This resulted in a new edition (4.0) of IEC 61174 being published in Aug 2015. These standard updates affect all new ECDIS systems and new installations from Aug 19 th 2015. Current ECDIS users have until Aug 31 st 2017 to update their systems to comply with the ECDIS software updating guidance in MSC.1.Circ.1503 “ECDIS – GUIDANCE FOR GOOD PRACTICE” .

Changes to the IHO S-52 Presentation Library introduced in edition 4.0 will invalidate the tests contained in IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks which were specifically designed and developed for ECDIS using the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 3.4 or earlier.

IEC 61174 ed 4.0 address the following main problems:

- Consistent use of symbols and abbreviations

- Alarm categorization

- Alarm visualization

- Reducing a number of audible alerts

- ECDIS default control settings Route exchange format «RTZ»

Set of new IHO standards address the following main areas:

- New design of Chart object info functionality (Pick report) makes access to ENC chart information easier and understandable for user

- Reorganization of alert management resulting in less alarms being generated by ENC objects

- Crossing navigational hazards (isolated dangers and aids to navigation) as well as areas with special conditions (TSS, anchorage areas, etc.) will generate only visible alarms now

- Safety contours continue to create audible and visible alarms

- Standardized way of making ENC update status report will allow mariners and Port State Control inspectors to confirm that the ENCs installed in an ECDIS are up-to-date

- ECDIS viewing groups extension based on Mariner feedback for detailed control of ENC features

- Chart management and ENC status reports

- ENC test data sets

- Other modifications - new symbols, names of fairways and anchorage areas, highlighting ENC updates, date dependent objects, new chart display layers, and some more

ECDIS and the IHO Presentation Library Edition Number

All ECDIS must have a function to display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library that is in use within the ECDIS. The new IHO ECDIS Presentation Library edition 4.0 clause 19.1 states: ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed must be available to the Mariner on request’. This requirement is tested for in the standard IEC 61174 edition 4 clause 5.5.1 Presentation library (S 52/Annex A, Part I/19.1) ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed shall be available to the Mariner on request’.

All Mariners must familiarise themselves with the function in their ECDIS that will display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library as this varies across ECDIS manufactures. This function will be required when Port State Control officers want evidence that the ECDIS is up-to-date to the latest IHO standards. MSC.1.Circ.1503: ‘Additionally, ECDIS software should be kept up to date such that it is capable of displaying up-to-date electronic charts correctly according to the latest version of IHO's chart content and display standards’.

ECDIS Chart 1 and IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 checks

This is the IHO recommended method for checking that the ECDIS system can display symbols correctly. There is no intention for the IHO to issue a check data set for IHO Presentation 4.0.

ECDIS users can check that their systems are capable of displaying the new symbols introduced in the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 by opening the ECDIS Chart 1 datasets. ECDIS Chart 1 which includes a legend of symbols used in ENC’s, should be installed on all type approved ECDIS.

Any anomalies in the display, shall be reported to the ECDIS provider and the IHO at [email protected].

More details can be found at www.iho.int

Viewing ECDIS Chart 1, “Information about chart display (A, B)” within the ECDIS will only display the new symbols if the IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 is installed.

( 1 ) The beacon and buoy features below (approx. position is 15°07.0’N 005°06.5’W) display the date dependent magenta ‘d’ symbol when the ECDIS date range is set between 01.04.2014 and 27.08.2014.

( 2 ) New indication highlight symbology for objects that pose a danger to the vessel.

( 3 ) Automatic update symbology for identifying where changes to the ENCs have occurred.

It will not be possible to view the new symbols, if the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0.

Referring to mentioned above deck officers must know how to check their actual Presentation Library. Usually you can easily find it via so called “PIC report” enquiring ENC cell information. Let’s see how it’s done by example of two different systems.

IHO Presentation Library check on Transas Navi-Sailor 4000

This can be done in three steps:

( 1 ) Click “I” button on the console

( 2 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart

( 3 ) Click “General” in the chart information field

As you can see, this ECDIS still runs with the old Presentation Library ed 3.4 from 2008.

Another tricky moment is that not every ECDIS clearly shows ECDIS chart 1 as it is. ECDIS chart 1 is split in several cells with names starting from “AA”. So, if one clicks “Task List” -> “Charts” he will be able to see charts “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2”, which are supposed to be checked as per IHO recommendations. As mentioned above, it is not possible to view the new symbols, as the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0

IHO Presentation Library check on Simrad Maris 900

This can also be done in three steps:

( 1 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart

( 2 ) Click “Properties” on the context menu

( 3 ) Click “More” in the chart information field

This ECDIS already runs with the new Presentation Library ed 4.0 from 2014 . And if you access the Charts Management utility, you will be able to find ECDIS Chart 1 and the same notation for its cells. Checking cells “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2” will give an exact match with example given by IHO.

I do hope that this information helped to clarify some concerns regarding ECDIS Presentation Library and corresponding checks and I wish you fair winds, following seas and no deficiencies!

Learn more about ECDIS operation and safety settings with our ECDIS Awareness course .  

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Checking the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 in ECDIS Background -IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check

Related Papers

Zakirul Bhuiyan

Abstract: For the optimum situational awareness, navigators must recognise the level of display for objects presented when using Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). The appearance and content of data displayed may be changed by the different settings as the display is generated in line with IHO Presentation Library (S-52) specifications. Improper management of the system may result in the anti-grounding alarms and other indications failing to activate as required for the safe conduct of the navigation. Navigators must exercise extreme caution when using the scale or zoom facility of the electronic charts. It is possible to zoom-in to a scale larger than that used in the compilation of the data which could create a false impression about the reliability of the charted information. Consequently, it could give a false impression of safe waters around the vessel where some dangers may not be shown due to the limitations imposed by original chart scale. Appropriate safety settings are of paramount importance for ECDIS display. Failings in appropriate settings have recently resulted a few grounding incidents (e.g. CSL Thames and LT Cortesia). The values for the safety depth and safety contour must be understood and entered to achieve a sensible and considered meaning. The navigators must remember that the display of underwater obstructions or isolated danger symbols can change according to the settings of this safety contour which also marks the division between " safe " and " unsafe " water. Additionally, the shallow contour could be utilised to indicate the gradient of the seabed (adjacent to a channel) and the deep contour to indicate the depth of water in which own ship may experience squat and interaction. This paper recognises the limitations of ECDIS display, the significance of appropriate safety settings as well as the alarm management.

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The International Centre for ENCs (IC-ENC) was set up in 2002 with a remit to harmonise the production and distribution of high quality ENCs. This Note provides an insight into IC-ENC, its validation processes, and the new ENC Validation Training Course.

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Chapter V Regulation 9 of the SOLAS Convention, annexed for reference, requires contracting governments to provide hydrographic services. Many signatories cannot provide these unaided. This is despite the fact that new cruise ship itineraries and trade routes are being established in their waters for increasingly larger and deeper draught vessels. This article reviews a number of chart related casualties. These demonstrate that no chart, paper or digital, is infallible. This emphasizes the urgent need for new and better hydrographic data collection in some key oceanic areas. Potential innovative solutions for data acquisition and hydrographic capacity building strategies are considered.

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A bridge deterioration model is estimated from the National Bridge Inventory that explains and forecasts future condition as a function of bridge material, bridge design, operating rating classification, average daily traffic, the state where the bridge is located, and the age of the bridge. Over the 95-year analysis period, the rate of bridge deterioration with age is a third-order polynomial function. However, the relationship between condition and age is approximately linear until age 65. Holding all else constant, a bridge substructure in the Northern Plains loses approximately one-half of a condition rating point every 13 years until age 65.

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Ecdis operating with edition 4.0 of the iho presentation library.

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How to check ECDIS displays the latest symbols, IHO S-52 Presentation Library 4.0

All ECDIS should have been upgraded to the new IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 by August 31st 2017.

IMO SN Circ 266 rev1 states;

ECDIS that is not updated for the latest version of IHO Standards may not meet the chart carriage requirements as set out in SOLAS regulation V/19.2.1.4.

Once upgraded there is no need to use the IHO Check Data Set to check that symbols are being displayed correctly.

To check that the ECDIS is correctly displaying the new symbols, the Mariner can check ECDIS Chart 1. ECDIS Chart 1 is a legend of the entire set of symbols that may be used within an ENC. It is installed on all type approved ECDIS systems.

Only ECDIS updated to IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 will be able to show the new ENC symbols. 

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August 2017  To assist PCOs and Ship staff, IHO have issued a guidance document Information on IHO Standards related to ENC and ECDIS .  This document details the changes introduced in the set of revised IHO standards that relate to the carriage and operation of ECDIS.

July 2017 ​Almost three-quarters of cargo ships over 20,000 gross tonnage (GT) are already compliant with the SOLAS-mandated Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) deadline of 1st July 2017, according to the latest figures published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) . 

May 2017 Changes introduced in Edition 4.0 of the IHO Presentation Library invalidate the tests contained in the ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks which were specifically designed and developed for ECDIS using previous editions of the Presentation Library.

An ECDIS type approval certificate showing conformance with tests in edition 4.0 of IEC 61174 demonstrates that the ECDIS does not have any of the identified ENC display anomalies. The subsequent guidance HERE describes the method by which mariners may check the ECDIS displays for the new ENC symbols contained in Edition 4.0 of the Presentation Library.

March 2017 The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has revised its ECDIS standards, with an implementation date of 1 September 2017. A new ECDIS installed after 31 August 2017 shall conform to the latest IHO standards. DNV GL has been approached by customers uncertain about how to interpret the new requirements for their fleet in service. Is an upgrade of the ECDIS in operation required? Or even a complete replacement? Will an exemption application be viable? To name just a few questions. DNV GL Clarifications on ECDIS upgrading – what you should do September 2016 The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has called for ship owners, operators and managers to exercise greater vigilance in order to tackle the rise in ECDIS-related detentions and the risks to safety at sea. With a growing majority of the global fleet having completed the switch to digital navigation, evidence is emerging that the number of ECDIS-related issues during inspections and audits is on the rise. Earlier this year, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) reported a significant increase in the number of ships detained because of ECDIS deficiencies. The consequences of ECDIS deficiencies during inspections were highlighted in the recent case of a ship detained in Brisbane by AMSA due to a lack of on-board familiarisation training in the use of ECDIS. This required an ECDIS trainer to be flown in from Singapore to train the crew. The vessel, which had passed through the Great Barrier Reef on its journey, was released from detention upon completion of this crew training.

Speaking at SMM 2016 in Hamburg, Thomas Mellor, Head of OEM Technical Support and Digital Standards at UKHO, said: “ECDIS can deliver tremendous benefits for safe, compliant and efficient navigation. However, once installed ship owners, operators and managers must fulfill their responsibilities for its ongoing use, including compliance with all relevant regulations. This includes updating their bridge procedures, upgrading their ECDIS software to the latest IHO ENC standards and, above all, ensuring that bridge teams are trained and certified in the operation of ECDIS and in line with the requirements of Port State Control inspections and audits. “There can be any number of reasons for non-compliance, ranging from inadequate detail in the ship’s Safety Management System (SMS), a failure to use the latest Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) for the voyage plan, or a bridge team unfamiliar with the use of ECDIS. Whatever the reason, the penalties can be severe, whether through the costs of a delayed onward voyage or the impact on an owner’s reputation of a failed SIRE inspection. Most importantly, every incident of non-compliance is a potential threat to the safety of that ship and its crew, as well as other traffic and the marine environment. “PSC inspectors are carrying out more inspections on ships using ECDIS as the primary means of navigation and as a result, are becoming more aware of the latest requirements and which questions to ask. “The good news is that there is plenty of guidance and support available for owners from ECDIS manufacturers and ECDIS training providers. The UKHO has been freely distributing the ADMIRALTY Guide to Audits and Inspections at ECDIS Seminars for several years. “Furthermore we have developed the ADMIRALTY ENC Maintenance Record (NP133C) to make official digital chart information easier to manage, inspect and audit”

18th May 2016 UKHO urges ship owners to upgrade to new digital chart standards The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has today reiterated its call for ship owners to upgrade to the latest ECDIS software standards, highlighting the significant benefits that the new IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 will offer mariners, including greater consistency in the display of Electronic Nautical Charts (ENCs) and a reduction in the number of audible alarms on the bridge. According to the UKHO, shipping companies have welcomed the recent announcement of a 12-month extension to the transition period for owners to switch to the new Presentation Library 4.0. However, upgrade requirements will vary from ship to ship, so the UKHO strongly encourages owners to take advantage of the new ECDIS Standards at the earliest opportunity, rather than waiting until the new deadline of 31 August 2017.

Tom Mellor, the UKHO’s Head of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Support and Digital Standards and Chairman of the IHO’s ENC Working Group commented: “The UKHO is continuing to work with manufacturers to ensure that users can experience the full benefit of the latest software standards. The transition to the new ECDIS Standards is definitely gathering pace and it is encouraging to see such positive progress with ECDIS manufacturers working hard to secure type-approval for their ECDIS software. “Naturally, ship owners will also have questions about the new ECDIS Standards. One recurring question is whether there are any compatibility issues between newly produced ENCs and the current Presentation Library edition 3.4. Owners need not be concerned about this, as ENCs themselves are unchanged. The upgrade applies to the Presentation Library, which governs how the ENC data is displayed on the ECDIS screen, not the data itself.” Source: UKHO

Technical Standards for ECDIS   The number one complaint from mariners on ECDIS was the number of alarms generated. The IHO has taken this on board with the latest Presentation Library (version 4.0) which addresses this issue. Also, information such as fairway and anchorage area names now appear on screen, with landmarks, lights and buoys viewable via a ‘hover-over’ function. This reduces the constant need to find information buried in a pick report.

Read the Admiralty Blog " The new S-52 ECDIS Standards: What do they mean for you? " by Tom Mellor, Head of OEM Support and Digital Standards.

The new ECDIS testing standard publication date is expected to be Aug 15th. From this date the new edition of S-52 will be the reference for the type approval of new ECDIS. Existing ECDIS will have to be upgraded to the latest Presentation Library within twelve months.

Industry Recommendations

ECDIS Training Recommendations 

ECDIS Familiarisation Recommendations Users new to an ECDIS-installed ship should check that sufficient knowledge of items on the familiarisation check list is obtained before using the ECDIS and its back-up at sea. If use is to be made of the RCDS Mode, any differences in operational procedures should also be understood. Items in the list have been identified with a W or an M. Although users of ECDIS should have an understanding of all items marked W and M, the priority for a watch-keeping officer is to become fully familiar with all items marked W. For those users who are responsible for voyage planning and other ECDIS management activities, items marked W and M have equal priority.

Nautical Institute publication written by Dr Andy Norris FNI: ECDIS Familiarisation Checklist

Press release issued by the ECDIS Training Group regarding the revised IMO Model Course for ECDIS: ECDIS press release - IMO Model Course 1.27 2012 Edition

ECDIS Feedback

The Manila Amendments to STCW (which include the use of ECDIS to maintain the safety of navigation as a required competence) came into force on 1st January 2012 and the mandatory carriage of ECDIS began to phase in from 1st July 2012. Over the next 5 years, as more mariners gain experience in using new equipment and technology associated with electronic navigation, there will be many issues arising from this increasing use of ECDIS. The Nautical Institute would like to hear from you on any relevant issues you have experienced in using ECDIS.

Issues may be directly related to the use of equipment and its navigational facilities, including whether information is being appropriately displayed. Other issues may address aspects of the current operational practice of using ECDIS and some may arise solely from insufficient or inappropriate training of users.

To contribute your views, experience or comments to the forum email:  [email protected]

Identification of correspondents will be removed before posting. The long term aim of this initiative is to improve the design of ECDIS equipment and its data by influencing regulations and standards and also to influence the way in which the use of ECDIS is taught to and used by seafarers.

The Nautical Institute's Technical Committee has arranged to collate any reported issues and submit them to the appropriate bodies including:

• The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) • The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) • The International Association of Marine Electronics Companies (CIRM)  • The International Maritime Organization (IMO)

This forum also contains links to useful information for mariners, including casualty reports where ECDIS or ECS has been found to be a contributory factor. (Dates are the date of the investigation report.)

ECDIS Presentation Library 4.0 and PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION

The Maritime Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION. The aim of the CIC is to check compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS Convention, the overall status of the vessel’s navigation safety, and the competency of crew involved in navigation operations.

This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from  1 September 2017  and ending  30 November 2017 . A ship will only be subject to one inspection under this CIC during the period of the campaign. 

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a  list of 12 questions   to assure that navigation equipment carried onboard complies with the relevant statutory certificates, the master and navigation officers are qualified and familiar with operation of bridge equipment, especially ECDIS, and that navigation equipment is properly maintained and functioning. 

This campaign is also related to standards updates that have been carried by IHO with further implementation by ship owners and ECDIS manufacturers.

One of the good tools for PSC visit preparation may be the  ECDIS Familiarisation Recommendations  by the Nautical Institute provided in the form of check-list.

During the last years ECDIS has been more commonly used on SOLAS vessels and with the ECDIS Carriage requirement a majority of vessels will be equipped with ECDIS by the end of this decade. The development of ECDIS is an ongoing process based on user needs, technology achievements and need for improvement related to safety of navigation. The need to improve previously adopted ECDIS Standard was also recognized by the IMO «in order to ensure the operational reliability of such equipment and taking into account the technological progress and experience gained» and resulted in a revised performance standard for ECDIS MSC.232(82) adopted in December 2006. In the same way the related IEC test standards, as well as the IHO standards used for production and presentation of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) have been revised periodically.

In Oct 2011 the IHO issued the  ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks , which included two fictitious ENC cells intended to assist mariners identifying if their ECDIS was using the latest IHO S-52 Presentation Library, edition 3.4. The dataset also highlighted if there were any known ENC display anomalies present in the system. Mariners were asked to run a series of quick tests using the check datasets within their ECDIS to ascertain if they were experiencing display issues. If the system was found to be running an old IHO Presentation Library or had a more serious display anomaly Mariners were advised to contact their ECDIS manufacturer or an appropriate equipment maintenance company to obtain software patches and investigate further to resolve the issues. Results of the tests were to be sent to the IHO for analysis and for use in revising IHO standards. 

The IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checklist  were not intended for, and are not suitable to be used as a Port State Inspection / Carriage compliance test for ECDIS. 

To address the display anomalies and improve the ECDIS user experience the IHO issued  S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0  in September 2014. 

The IHO has coordinated with the IEC to align the issue dates of S-52 and IEC 61174 “ECDIS Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results” publications. This resulted in a new edition (4.0) of IEC 61174 being published in Aug 2015. These standard updates affect all new ECDIS systems and new installations from Aug 19th 2015. Current ECDIS users have until Aug 31st 2017 to update their systems to comply with the ECDIS software updating guidance in  MSC.1.Circ.1503 “ECDIS – GUIDANCE FOR GOOD PRACTICE” .

Changes to the IHO S-52 Presentation Library introduced in edition 4.0  will invalidate  the tests contained in IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks which were specifically designed and developed for ECDIS using the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 3.4 or earlier. 

IEC 61174 ed 4.0 address the following main problems: 

- Consistent use of symbols and abbreviations

- Alarm categorization

- Alarm visualization

- Reducing a number of audible alerts

- ECDIS default control settings Route exchange format «RTZ»

Set of new IHO standards address the following main areas:

- New design of Chart object info functionality (Pick report) makes access to ENC chart information easier and understandable for user

- Reorganization of alert management resulting in less alarms being generated by ENC objects

- Crossing navigational hazards (isolated dangers and aids to navigation) as well as areas with special conditions (TSS, anchorage areas, etc.) will generate only visible alarms now

- Safety contours continue to create audible and visible alarms

- Standardized way of making ENC update status report will allow mariners and Port State Control inspectors to confirm that the ENCs installed in an ECDIS are up-to-date

- ECDIS viewing groups extension based on Mariner feedback for detailed control of ENC features

- Chart management and ENC status reports

- ENC test data sets

- Other modifications - new symbols, names of fairways and anchorage areas, highlighting ENC updates, date dependent objects, new chart display layers, and some more

ECDIS and the IHO Presentation Library Edition Number

All ECDIS must have a function to display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library that is in use within the ECDIS.  The new IHO ECDIS Presentation Library edition 4.0 clause 19.1 states: ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed must be available to the Mariner on request’. This requirement is tested for in the standard IEC 61174 edition 4 clause 5.5.1 Presentation library (S 52/Annex A, Part I/19.1) ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed shall be available to the Mariner on request’. 

All Mariners must familiarise themselves with the function in their ECDIS that will display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library as this varies across ECDIS manufactures.  This function will be required when Port State Control officers  want evidence that the ECDIS is up-to-date to the latest IHO standards. MSC.1.Circ.1503: ‘Additionally, ECDIS software should be kept up to date such that it is capable of displaying up-to-date electronic charts correctly according to the latest version of IHO's chart content and display standards’. 

ECDIS Chart 1 and IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 checks

This is the  IHO recommended method  for checking that the ECDIS system can display symbols correctly. There is no intention for the IHO to issue a check data set for IHO Presentation 4.0.

ECDIS users can check that their systems are capable of displaying the new symbols introduced in the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 by opening the ECDIS Chart 1 datasets. ECDIS Chart 1 which includes a legend of symbols used in ENC’s, should be installed on all type approved ECDIS. 

Any anomalies in the display, shall be reported to the ECDIS provider and the IHO at [email protected]. 

More details can be found at  www.iho.int

Viewing ECDIS Chart 1, “Information about chart display (A, B)” within the ECDIS will only display the new symbols if the IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 is installed. 

( 1 ) The beacon and buoy features below (approx. position is 15°07.0’N 005°06.5’W) display the date dependent magenta ‘d’ symbol when the ECDIS date range is set between 01.04.2014 and 27.08.2014. 

( 2 ) New indication highlight symbology for objects that pose a danger to the vessel. 

( 3 ) Automatic update symbology for identifying where changes to the ENCs have occurred. 

It will not be possible to view the new symbols, if the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0.

Referring to mentioned above deck officers  must know  how to check their actual Presentation Library. Usually you can easily find it via so called “PIC report” enquiring ENC cell information. Let’s see how it’s done by example of two different systems.

IHO Presentation Library check on Transas Navi-Sailor 4000

This can be done in three steps:

( 1 ) Click “I” button on the console

( 2 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart

( 3 ) Click “General” in the chart information field

As you can see, this ECDIS still runs with the old Presentation Library  ed 3.4 from 2008.

Another tricky moment is that not every ECDIS clearly shows ECDIS chart 1 as it is. ECDIS chart 1 is split in several cells with names starting from “AA”. So, if one clicks “Task List” -> “Charts” he will be able to see charts “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2”, which are supposed to be checked as per IHO recommendations. As mentioned above, it is not possible to view the new symbols, as the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0

IHO Presentation Library check on Simrad Maris 900

This can also be done in three steps:

( 1 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart 

( 2 ) Click “Properties” on the context menu 

( 3 ) Click “More” in the chart information field

This ECDIS already runs with the new Presentation Library  ed 4.0 from 2014 . And if you access the Charts Management utility, you will be able to find ECDIS Chart 1 and the same notation for its cells. Checking cells “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2” will give an exact match with an example given by IHO.

I do hope that this information helped to clarify some concerns regarding ECDIS Presentation Library and corresponding checks and I wish you fair winds, following seas and no deficiencies!

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