UKHO launches 2014 free-to-attend ECDIS Seminars in Bergen, Oslo and Rotterdam

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has launched the latest free-to-attend ECDIS Implementation, Policy and Procedures Seminars, the first of which will be held in Bergen, Oslo and Rotterdam next week.

Captain Paul Hailwood, an internationally renowned expert on ECDIS and integrated bridge operations will lead the seminars.

The seminars have been established to help all within the shipping industry gain an improved understanding of how best to utilise digital navigation systems at sea, as required by international regulations including the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the SOLAS-mandated carriage of ECDIS.

In 2011/12 the ‘Are you ready for ECDIS’ seminar was delivered to over 860 delegates around the globe and in 2012/13 the ‘Implementing your ECDIS Procedures’ seminar was delivered to almost 1500 delegates in similar locations.  The ‘ECDIS Implementation, Policies and Procedures’ seminar continues to offer clarity on ECDIS-related questions, visiting 23 global maritime locations throughout 2014.

Each seminar will clearly identify the stages of ECDIS implementation, focusing on key topics for the delegate’s and comprise a short review on the 9 stages to ECDIS transition.  Details on the necessary onboard legal requirements, risk assessments and safety procedures for the operational use of digital navigation systems will be discussed. There will be advice on hazards, with information on the incorporation into Safety Management Systems (SMS), bridge procedures and the development of effective and practical control measures for using ECDIS at sea.

Captain Paul Hailwood commented:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring our seminars to such major shipping nations as Norway and Holland and to offer our expertise on the challenges surrounding implementing ECDIS onboard and the policies and procedures that come with incorporating digital navigation.  For the first time, attendees will also have the opportunity to submit their specific ECDIS questions and concerns in advance, when registering for the event.  This will allow the seminar to be tailored towards the particular needs of those attending. I would encourage anyone implementing or using ECDIS to come along.”

Attendees will be able to submit questions and concerns on ECDIS-related issues throughout the seminar and light refreshments will be served.  Attendees will also be provided with complimentary ADMIRALTY reference material.

Next week’s schedule is below, with more dates available on www.admiralty.co.uk

•           Bergen, Norway – 13th May at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, 10.45am-2.00pm

•           Oslo, Norway - 14th May at Radisson Blu Olso Alna Hotel, 10.45am-2.00pm

•           Rotterdam, Netherlands - 16th May at Mainport Hotel, 10.45am-2.00pm

Places for all UKHO ECDIS Implementation, Policy and Procedures Seminars can be booked online at:

http://www.admiralty.co.uk/Pages/UKHO-ECDIS-Implementation-Policy-and-Procedures-Seminars.aspx