ECDIS

What separates ECDIS from a chartplotter

ECDIS is a type-approved system built to SOLAS carriage requirements, using official ENC vector charts in S-57 or the newer S-63 encrypted format rather than the raster or proprietary cartography a leisure chartplotter reads. It is built around redundancy, and most installations require two independent, backed-up systems so that a single failure never leaves the bridge without electronic charts. Confirm which type approval and software version a system holds before ordering, since flag state and class society requirements can specify a particular standard.

Chart updates are handled through a licensed permit system tied to the vessel rather than a simple card purchase, and crew operating ECDIS commercially are generally expected to hold generic and, for some fits, type-specific training. If you are specifying ECDIS for a new build or refit, get in touch to talk through which configuration meets your vessel's flag and class requirements.