30 May 2024

British Marine Members have been asked by the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) Electronic Chart System Project Team to help shape the future of Electronic Charts.

The IHO is developing a set of standards which could be used by vessels not mandated to use ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System).

The IHO believes that an international harmonised approach is critical in the creation of a digital solution for mariners and vessels that fall below the ECDIS mandate, to achieve this the IHO is seeking collaboration to understand the needs and current use of both electronic and paper charts.

The aims of the project cannot be achieved by a sole member state and so the IHO seeks collaboration with mariners and the international vessel community who are key stakeholders in this project.

Whilst primarily focused on the commercial sector, this survey is open to all mariners, vessel operators and owners. The IHO states: “participation in the survey is vital for helping shape the future task plan for the project team and will allow for informed decisions based on industry evidence to be made as the work progresses”.

The link to the survey can be found here. 

Additionally, British Marine is being asked for input from our members. If you wish to raise any specific issues that you feel affect your area of industry please contact the technical team – technical@britishmarine.co.uk