Due to the new standard, which was agreed by IHO, many ECDIS systems are or will become non-compliant and an upgrade is therefore needed or a new system will be required.

 New standard in force by late 2015, but transition period ends 31 August 2017

Late 2014, the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) announced, that the revised performance standard for the graphical presentation of Electronic Navigation (ENC), had been accepted by all its members. The revision will be adopted as the new type approval standard to be in force by the end of 2015. The 12-month transition period, which was originally scheduled to end on 31 July 2016, has now been prolonged by IHO to end on 31 August 2017 instead. By this date, the withdrawal or update of all non-compliant ECDIS systems, on existing vessels, should be completed.

The main updated IHO standard included the revised display of chart symbols, categories and alarming and warnings. Also new chart symbols were added. The new IHO standard is S-52 Ed.6.1.0 (from S-52 Ed6.0) and the presentation library (PL) will be Ed.4.0 (from Ed.3.4). The new IEC61174 Ed.4.0 standard naturally complies with the new IHO standard, with the adding of coordinates for the polar routes (latitude of 85° and higher) and changes to manual updating of chart objects to ensure virus protection.

Navteam A/S market and sell ECDIS systems from the two leading manufacturers of ECDIS systems, Japan Radio Company (JRC) and Transas.

ECDIS models – sold before/after February 2016

If you have the following ECDIS systems installed, please be aware that these might require an update. However, please note that all ECDIS systems sold after February 2016 are all compliant with the new standard, and these will not require any update.

 JRC models sold prior to February 2016:

• JAN-701/901/901M (M-type):  No upgrade available and replacement recommendation is JAN-2000, JAN-7201 or JAN-9201
• JAN-701B/901B/2000 (B-type):  Software update avialable
• JMR-9200/7200/JAN-9201/7201 (MFD): Software update available

 Transas models sold prior to February 2016

• NS 2400 / 3000 / 3000i / 4000: HW&SW upgrade availble
• NS 4000: System Compliant

Navteam will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you might have in relation to your ECDIS system. Please feel free to contact us at sales@navteam.com / Tel: +45 6321 8080