UK Grounding - Lack of ECDIS Training

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation into the grounding of a freighter on Haisborough Sand in the North Sea on 12 May 2008.  The ship’s course had been laid directly over the shallow water of the Sand.  The ship’s Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) was the primary means of navigation.  Unfortunately, none of the ship’s officers had been trained in the use of the particular model of ECDIS installed.  Thus, features on the ECDIS that might have prevented this grounding were not utilized.  In addition, some navigational data was lost from the device following the grounding.  The report recommends, among other things, that ECDIS competencies be included in the STCW Code. Report No. 21/2008 (12/17/08).

(Source: Holland & Knight)