View non-flash version
an IMO-compliant ECDIS. In September 1997, a Draft IEC pub- lication was completed based on comments received during a six- month review period. Upon formal adoption by IEC (likely to occur sometime this month), IEC Publication 61174 will become the basis for type-approval specifica- tions related to operational meth- ods of testing and required test results for an IMO-compliant ECDIS. Other Electronic Chart- Related Standards In 1996, IMO requested that the IMO/IHO Harmonization Group on ECDIS (HGE) study two addi- tional matters related to electronic charts: 1) Performance Standards for Raster Chart Display Systems (RCDS) 2) Guidelines for non-equivalent Electronic Chart Systems (ECS) Draft Recommendations on Performance Standards for RCDS and Draft Guidelines for Electronic Chart Systems were developed in September 1997. Depending on the results of fur- ther refinements, these documents will likely be submitted to IMO for consideration at the IMO Sub- Committee on Safety of Navigation meeting in July 1998. HGE has also prepared a Draft IMO Safety of Navigation (SN) Circular that advises mariners on the "Differences Between RCDS and ECDIS." Model ECDIS Training Course A standardized, international ECDIS Training Course for Mariners was developed in December 1997 by the Institute of Ship Operation, Sea Transport and Simulation (ISSUS) in Hamburg, Germany. The primary objective is to ensure proper use and operation of ECDIS in terms of a thorough understanding and appreciation of it's capabilities and limitations. As presently envisioned, the proposed one-week course includes class- room lecture, hands-on training, and exercise scenarios in a bridge simulator facility. Germany intends to submit the Course Syllabus to IMO for consid- eration by the Committee on April, 1998 Standards for Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) and to the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation that will meet in July 1998. The preceding was excerpted from a paper presented by Dr. Lee Alexander, the Technical Advisor for Offshore Systems International. He regularly attends IMO meet- ings, and serves as secretary to the IMO/IHO HGE and is chairman of the IEC Working Group that developed the IEC Testing Standards for ECDIS. f Built for Extremes Engineered for Reliability SK66KOM BLOCKS AND FORGINGS Since 1890 Skookum • Ulven • RopeMaster • BCM MARINE - LOGGING MINING-OFFSHORE FISHING - CONSTRUCTION Made in U.S.A. 1 -800-547-8211 For a Dealer Near You RO. Box 280 • Hubbard, OR 97032 U.S.A. • Fax: (503) 651-3409 Circle 302 on Reader Service Card ® rr« I SERIES NONSKID COATINGS • Chemically resistant coatings retain nonskid properties under adverse conditions • withstand the most severe continuous use on commercial and naval vessels Heavy-duty Phillyclad nonskid coatings assure safer footing and better traction on all deck surfaces, ramps and helicopter pads. Widely used on fishing boats, roll-on/roll-off container- ships, passenger liners, ferries, drilling rigs, dredges, tug boats and other vessels. /7wPhiladelphia Resins 130 Commerce Drive, Montgomeryville, PA 18936 Tel 215.855.8450 Fax 215.855.4688 Circle 248 on Reader Service Card it«sa IINF Whatever your mission is on the water, SeaArk can provide you with a tough, durable work or patrol boat to get the job done. SeaArk Marine (formerly MonArk Boat Company) has built quality aluminum boats for over 35 years for missions such as spill response, marine construction, personnel transport, oil exploration, survey, drug inter- diction, search & rescue, excursions, law enforcement, and fire fighting. Choose the size, hull design, cabin style, power, and accessory package that best fits your mission. Let SeaArk make your mission POSSIBLE! Call today for pricing and specifications. SEAARK MARINE P.O. Box 210, Monticello,Arkansas 71655 Phone (501) 367-9755 -(501) 367-2120 website: www.seaark.com 88B Circle 365 on Reader Service Card