Results of Electronic Chart Pilot Project

This paper describes the results of a survey used to test and evaluate the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Draft Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). This survey was developed and administered under the Canadian Electronic Chart Pilot Project in joint cooperation with United States Coast Guard (USCG). It was distributed to 150 hands-on users on board 20 ships. Sixty-one surveys were returned from 17 different ships. Each ship was equipped with almost identical navigation sensors, ECDIS and system integration. Generally, those responding are experienced mariners with little computer background, and 73 percent hold Captain or Chief Officer licenses. The median age is 45. Results indicated that users had little difficulty in learning how to operate ECDIS.