Ship owners given more time over IHO standards
NCSR accepted IHO’s proposal to give ship owners using ECDIS more time be able to obtain the correct software updates to the new IHO -52 presentation library.
The period has been extended by one year to 31 August 2017.
Tom Mellor, chairman of the IHO’s ENC Working Group, said: “By extending the time available for shipping companies to upgrade their ECDIS software to the new IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 we have been able to alleviate the imminent pressure on the ship owner and the overall supply chain.
He added: “Ship owners are encouraged to contact their ECDIS manufacturer to start the transition to the updated ECDIS Standards, in order to ensure a smooth switchover and to take advantage of the benefits that the new editions will bring to the bridge.”
The latest IHO presentation library (version 4.0) addresses the number one complaint levelled at ECDIS; constant audible alarms.
Its extension means the current IHO Presentation Library edition 3.4 in use on serving ECDIS will remain valid August 2017.
From 1 September all vessels will be expected to have upgraded their ECDIS software to the IHO edition 4.0 in order to remain compliant.
Mr Mellor concluded: “Whilst there is more time available, the upgrade requirements will vary between different ECDIS makes and models, so it is important that owners work together with their ECDIS manufacturers to identify the steps that need to be taken for all ECDIS systems across their fleet.”
