Research and analysis

Application and usability of ECDIS safety study

Collaborative study on ECDIS use from the perspective of practitioners.

From:
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Published
2 September 2021

Documents

Safety Study: ECDIS Application and Usability

PDF, 5.27 MB, 94 pages

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Details

This study, written and produced by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board (DMAIB), researches Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) use from the perspective of practitioners.

The study was prompted by investigations of groundings since 2008 in which ECDIS were the primary means of navigation. These investigations highlighted a mismatch between the way ECDIS was used and the intention of performance standards and system design.

The aim was to:

  • generate an understanding of the practical application and usability of ECDIS
  • support future ECDIS design and training strategies
  • develop best practices

The study followed a qualitative methodology, primarily based on semi-structured interviews with 155 ECDIS users and observation data gathered between February and July 2018 during sea voyages in European waters on 31 ships of various types.

The key findings can be found at the Executive Summary and while no safety recommendations have been made, the study is intended to act as a catalyst for change.

Published 2 September 2021

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