Background

The Norwegian Maritime Authority has observed that a number of smaller vessels that ground use electronic chart systems (ECS) instead of paper charts.

In 2014 and 2017, the Swedish insurance company Alandia tested this type of chart systems. The tests revealed, among other things, that errors occurred at certain scale levels, that the charts were not updated, and that some charts were incorrect. The chart systems were compared to an ECDIS with charts approved by Swedish chart authorities.

The regulatory requirements include the following:

  • the vessel shall have updated paper charts covering the area of the planned voyage; or
  • the vessel shall be equipped with ECDIS with corresponding ENCs for the waters in which the vessel is operating; and
    • the vessel shall have a backup solution in place, such as:
      • an alternative ECDIS solution, including ENCs; or
      • updated paper charts.

On smaller vessels, it can be challenging to install chart tables and problematic to fit ECDIS with 24-inch monitors.

 

Alternatives for ships of less than 24 metres in length (L)

The Norwegian Maritime Authority has therefore decided that on board vessels of less than 24 metres of length (L), it is allowed to use an ECS which is type-approved by a notified body in accordance with appendix 1.

The ECS shall be connected to the on-board GNSS receiver. If the vessel is required to have or has a gyro compass, transmitting heading device (THD) or a log indicating the speed through the water, such devices shall be wheel-marked and connected to the ECS.

The vessel must be provided with an alternative chart solution, such as updated paper charts, ECDIS or a supplementary ECS in accordance with the above paragraph.

 

Legal basis

  • Regulations of 9 May 2014 No. 1157 on navigation and navigational aids for ships and mobile offshore units, section 3 first sentence
  • Regulations of 22 November 2013 No. 1404 on fishing vessels of less than 15 meters in overall length, section 85
  • Regulations of 13 June 2000 No. 660 on the construction, operation, equipment and surveys of fishing vessels of 15 m in overall length (LOA) and over, section 10-4
  • Regulations of 30 September 2016 No. 1042 on marine equipment, section 16