MSC 70/11/10
Safety of navigation: Practical problems and implications
4 Mode switchover - The terms of reference
given to HGE concerned a stand alone RCDS system. This has
meant that all practical tests and simulations have not
tested the important problem of changing in real time from
the ECDIS mode to the RCDS mode and vice-versa. Such aspects
are far from trivial and include delicate issues regarding
situations completely unresolved and not even considered. For
instance, which is the chart to use when two charts of the
same area are available: an ENC at a smaller scale and a RNC
at a somewhat larger scale? What will be the reaction of the
mariner jumping across two very different presentation (and
functionally dissimilar) modes? It is easy to see that some
of this has also an impact on the liability issues and needs
further consideration.
ECDIS performance standards amendments: Consistency with
IMO resolution A.817(19)
5 The ECDIS Performance Standards adopted with
resolution A.817(19) in 1 995 represent a significant
milestone in the progress of safety of navigation and have
been applied by a consistent number of operators of IMO
Member States who were, at the time, confident in the action
of IMO on this matter. Considering the conduct of bona fide
Member States, any modification to this resolution should be
adequately motivated and adopted in the usual spirit of the
IMO consensus. It seems that the proposal to amend resolution
A.817(19) has given rise to differing opinions which should
be taken into due account.
Indication of action required
6 On the basis of the considerations expressed
above, Italy proposes that the draft revision of IMO
resolution A.817(19) be returned to the NAV Sub-Committee for
more careful consideration and subsequent development.
Action requested of the Committee
7 The Committee is requested to note the
foregoing, particularly the specific action stated in
paragraph 6 and decide as appropriate.
I:/MSC/70/11-10.WPD
