Which international convention mandates the use of ECDIS?

The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention is the key document that mandates the use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). SOLAS, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), specifically aims to ensure ships comply with safety standards during maritime operations, covering various aspects of vessel safety, including navigation methods.

The requirement for ECDIS in certain types of vessels is outlined in the SOLAS amendments, which recommend using ECDIS as a means to enhance navigation safety by providing real-time data, reducing the possibility of human error, and improving situational awareness. This technological advancement aligns with SOLAS’s ultimate goal of preserving life at sea by incorporating modern navigation aids into the maritime industry.

The other conventions mentioned, while important in their contexts, do not specifically mandate the use of ECDIS. The IMO Convention establishes the governing body for maritime safety, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping addresses the qualifications and training of seafarers, and the Convention on the Law of the Sea focuses primarily on maritime law and rights. None of these conventions have the specific requirement for ECDIS that SOLAS does.