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• International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) had revised its ECDIS standards with an implementation date of 1 September 2017, whereby IHO Presentation Library edition 3.4 in use on existing ECDIS was required to be upgraded to the IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 by 31 August2017.

• However, it was noted that many ECDIS manufacturers were not been able to provide the required updates by 31 August 2017.

• In view of above, the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) at its fourth session (25 to 29 September 2017) had issued IMO Circular III.2-Circ.2 – Action to be taken by port states on the required updates of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), dated 02 October 2017, advising that

• Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) inspecting ships carrying ECDIS that have not been updated as per SOLAS Chapter V, owing to the lack of availability of required updates from the manufacturer, should take a pragmatic and practical approach, and in doing so
  • PSCOs should check whether relevant documentation have been issued by flag state; and
  • In the absence of flag state documentation, the PSCOs should consult with flag state accordingly.

• During the ninety-ninth session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 99), it was agreed that the IMO Circular III.2-Circ.2, dated 02 October 2017, will be revoked on 01 July 2018

• Accordingly, all shipboard ECDIS installations will now be required to meet the latest Presentation Library Standards of the IHO and the display and testing standards of the International Electro technical Committee from 01 July 2018

• Vessels who fail to update their ECDIS systems to the latest IHO Presentation Library may face a deficiency and/or detention, if found during a port State control inspection.

• Republic of Marshall Islands Administration has issued MSA No. 14-18 (copy attached) advising vessels to update their ECDIS systems to the latest IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 prior to 01 July 2018.

• Owners/ operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:  

1. Republic of the Marshall Islands Marine Safety Advisory No. 14-18.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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