2.14 Norway was of the opinion that addressing the RCDS requirements as an optional extra to the ECDIS performance standards would not serve as a minimum performance standard for RCDS. It would also deny user access to type approved RCDS systems without buying an ECDIS with additional features. Furthermore, nothing should prevent the manufacturers to provide an equipment meeting both the ECDIS and the RCDS performance standards.
2.15 The delegations of Italy, Norway and the Russian Federation reserved their position on the revision of Resolution A.817(19)on Performance Standards for ECDIS with a view to incorporate RCDS Performance Standards by attaching new Appendix 7. The above delegations were of the opinion that the draft RCDS Performance Standards as proposed, being developed in haste, should not be approved at NAV 44, should be revised with consideration of new limitations and affect the original ECDIS Performance Standards.
2.16 The delegation of Chile made a following statement： "Chile agree with having an IMO Performance Standard on RCDS, preferably as a standing-alone document, instead of as Appendix 7 to resolution A.817(19). However, it is adamant for Chile that the category of equivalentto the paper chart should not be given to RCDS. At the same time, Chile would prefer the term "official", instead of "appropriate", when referring to an up-to-date folio of paper charts, on 1.2 of the RCDS mode of operation, to read： "When operating in the RCDS mode, ECDIS equipment should be used together an official folio of up-to-date paper charts"."
2.17 The delegation of Italy would like to make a reservation to paragraph 1.2 of new Appendix 7 because, as it is, it doesn't clearly address the non-equivalence,as it has been proven by the fact that the Working Group has been called to vote on its interpretation.
2.18 The delegations of Italy, Norway and the Russian Federation reserved their position on the proposed wording of paragraph 1.2 of Appendix 7 to resolution A.817(19) and proposed the following alternative wording as follows： "when operating in the RCDS mode an ECDIS is not accepted as complying with regulation V/20 of the SOLAS convention, and should be used together with an adequate folio of up-to-date paper charts." The delegations also pointed out that paragraphs 1.2 and 2.1 of the annex to resolutionA.817(19) should also be revised reflecting proposed amendments by Appendix 7.
Electronic Chart Systems ECS)
2.19 The Working Group noted that the IMO/IHO Harmonization Group on ECDIS (HGE) had considered the issue of guidelines for ECS but could not complete this task at its eighteenth session. The Working Group also noted further work by the IHO which concluded that it would be possible to only provide advice on ECS and not guidelines. The majority of the Working Group was therefore of the opinion that no further work was needed.
Development of new performance standards for integrated navigation systems (INS)
2.20 The Working Group noted the information provided by Finland (NAV 44/INF.3) on the operational and design standards for integrated navigation systems (INS) which highlights the close relationship between integrated navigation systems (INS) and integrated bridge systems (IBS), and lays strong emphasis on the need to examine this aspect thoroughly when considering development of new performance standards for INS. The Working Group was of the opinion that the Sub-Committee should invite Finland to use the information given in NAV 44/INF.3 with the aim of producing a MSC Circular at the next session and invite the Committee to include the topic of IBS operation in the Sub-Committee work programme.
