Ovit

Failure to properly use ECDIS - lesson to learn in relation to ECDIS training and familiarisation. Poor passage planning - not checked by Master; safety parameters not set; audible alarms inoperative

Ovit’s primary means of navigation was an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS). The officer of the watch was following a route shown on the ECDIS display; the route passed directly over the Varne Bank.

Findings in the report included:
• The passage was planned by an inexperienced and unsupervised junior officer. The plan was not checked by the master before departure or by the officer of the watch at the start of his watch.
• The ship’s position was monitored solely against the intended track shown on the ECDIS. Navigational marks on the Varne bank were seen but not acted upon.
• The scale of the chart shown on the ECDIS was inappropriate. The operator defined settings applied to the system were unsuitable and the system’s audible alarm did not work.
• Although training in the use of the ECDIS fitted to the vessel had been provided, the master and deck officers were unable to use the system effectively.

Full MAIB Report can be found at Ovit (September 2014)