Small Ships Electronic Charting Systems and Bridge Watchkeeping

This will give you the essential education and training needed to keep a safe navigational watch and to use electronic charts and other electronic aids. 

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to maintain safety of navigation in small vessels, meeting the knowledge, understanding and proficiency (KUP) requirements.

Although there are no prerequisites for this course, it is aimed at Masters, senior crew responsible for navigation and those who have completed Workboat Code Edition 3 training.

By completing this course, you’ll be able to explain the functions and applications of electronic charting systems and use them effectively in accordance with safe navigation principles.

You will also learn how to practically apply this knowledge in a bridge watchkeeping scenario onboard a ship.

Understanding Electronic Charts

• Explore the key differences between vector and raster charts, including official vs. non-official sources.
• Learn how to order, update, and maintain chart accuracy.
• Understand data sources, zone of confidence (CATZOC), and how to interpret chart symbology using feature interrogation (pick reports).

Electronic Charting Systems (ECS) in Practice

• Get to know various types of electronic chart systems (approved and non-approved) and the standards and regulations they must meet.
• Understand required system inputs and outputs, including integration with navigation sensors.

Device Setup & Customisation

• Master loading and selecting charts at the appropriate scales.
• Configure your display: orientation, zoom levels, vector trails, and custom overlays such as ARPA and AIS.
• Set up safety parameters including depth contours, anti-grounding alarms, and emergency features like man-overboard alerts.

Position Monitoring & GNSS Integrity

• Learn advanced techniques for position fixing and applying them within electronic systems.
• Monitor and verify GNSS signals and chart datums.
• Know what to do in the event of GNSS disruption, including alternate fixing methods.

Tidal Data & Route Planning

• Perform digital tidal calculations and integrate them into route planning.
• Learn how to plan, validate, and edit safe and efficient routes using electronic charts.
• Monitor routes in real-time, adapting to conditions while maintaining safety.

Satellite Navigation & Navigational Aids

• Set up and manage Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) effectively.
• Gain a working knowledge of additional navigational aids not covered in earlier training modules.
• Understand the operational limitations and common errors associated with bridge systems.

Sounding & Sensor Accuracy

• Operate echo sounders with confidence, recognising potential misunderstandings and setting appropriate warning limits to enhance safety.
• Analyse the reliability and limitations of bridge sensors and related equipment.

Maritime Publications & Procedures

• Apply guidance from Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) M Notices and the Bridge Procedures Guide (BPG) to real-world scenarios.
• Incorporate best practices and procedural compliance into daily bridge operations.

Communications & Data Systems

• Operate radio communication systems efficiently for both routine and emergency use.
• Understand the functionality and limitations of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), including different system types and performance capabilities.
• Apply AIS data appropriately when complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs, 1972).

Navigational Data & Warnings

• Identify and utilise key sources of navigation warnings and integrate this data into planning and operations.
• Evaluate the reliability and benefits of incoming navigational data to support situational awareness.

Passage Planning & Course Monitoring

• Develop comprehensive passage plans using all relevant charts, tidal data, and publications.
• Correctly identify and adjust for compass errors and apply corrections in real time.
• Monitor and maintain safe courses using both hand steering and autopilot systems.

Bridge Team Management

• Conduct effective watchkeeper briefings and ensure seamless handover procedures between shifts.
• Maintain accurate and compliant bridge records to support accountability and decision-making.