P&I club NorthStandard has published a report analysing data from more than 5,000 ECDIS Training Assessment (ETA) results, creating a consolidated benchmark of bridge team ECDIS knowledge across the shipping industry.
The ‘ETA – Learning from the Data’ report draws on one year of member engagement with the ETA platform, developed in partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) to strengthen bridge team proficiency. Using anonymised results from almost 120 member companies, the report identifies common knowledge gaps and tracks how competence changes over time.
Key findings indicate that two-thirds of bridge teams were unable to identify Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) updates, while nearly half did not prioritise correct ENC scale in passage planning.
The assessments also identified gaps in distinguishing alarms from alerts, verifying positions, and configuring safety settings including depth contours.
“The industry has long been aware of gaps in seafarers’ ECDIS proficiency, but this report distils the issues that need attention,” said John Southam, Loss Prevention Director – Greece, NorthStandard.
“Analysing consolidated data brings a better understanding of where gaps are superficial or entrenched, and insights that help NorthStandard make informed recommendations to Members on priorities for future navigational safety campaigns.”
The ETA is available free of charge to NorthStandard members and provides feedback alongside links to additional training materials. Company-level data is not accessible to NorthStandard unless shared directly by the member, and deck officers can retake the assessment as often as required. Platform data shows learners improve their results by up to 10% on a second attempt.
“ECDIS is a powerful tool whose use demonstrably improves navigational safety, as well as situational awareness, when used properly. However, improper use can lead to alarms and indications not functioning as expected – and ultimately navigational errors,” said Tom Mellor, Head of Technical Partnering, UKHO and Chairman of the International Hydrographic Organization’s ENC standards maintenance working group.
“These findings help identify where knowledge gaps exist today, so they can be addressed through targeted training; supporting confident use of current systems and helping crews build on familiar ECDIS principles as S-100 data is introduced.”
The full report can be downloaded here.
