Revised ECS Standard Published
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Revised ECS Standard Published

Special Committee 109 of the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) has published the latest edition of its standard for Electronic Chart Systems (ECS). Different to the Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) that can be used for compliant navigation of SOLAS vessels, this new RTCM standard for Electronic Chart Systems incorporates a number of advances developed since 2002 when the previous edition of the ECS standard was published.  

 

The standard specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements and methods of testing for ECS. Three classes of ECS are defined. Class 'A' ECS are designed or adapted for use as a primary means of navigation on non-SOLAS vessels where ECDIS is not specified for that purpose. They may also be designed to meet the SOLAS requirements for adequate independent back-up arrangements for ECDIS.

 

Class 'B' ECS are designed or adapted for use as a primary means of navigation on non-SOLAS vessels where ECDIS or Class 'A' ECS are not specified for that purpose. Class 'C' ECS are designed or adapted for use as a navigational aid intended to plot and monitor a vessel's position.

 

This standard supersedes RTCM 10900.3 (RTCM Paper 100-2002/SC109-STD). RTCM may replace requirements of this standard with references to IEC 62376 when that standard is published. Designated as RTCM 10900.4, the new standard is available from RTCM at its secure online publication store.

 

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