Marine Navigation Charts - PDF

**Official charts** are those, and only those, issued officially by, or on the authority of, a Government authorized Hydrographic Office (HO), or other relevant government institution, and are designed to meet the requirements of marine navigation. - United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric...

**Official charts** are those, and only those, issued officially by, or on the authority of, a Government authorized Hydrographic Office (HO), or other relevant government institution, and are designed to meet the requirements of marine navigation. - United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (**NOAA**) - Responsible for producing nautical charts and publications in the United States. - United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (**UKHO**) - Produces and distributes nautical charts and publications for the United Kingdom. - Australian Hydrographic Office (**AHO**) - Provides nautical charts and publications for Australia. - Canadian Hydrographic Service (**CHS**) - Part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, producing nautical charts and publications for Canada. - Japanese Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department (**JHOD**) - Produces nautical charts and publications for Japan. - French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (**SHOM**) - Produces nautical charts and publications for France. - Norwegian Hydrographic Service (**NHS**) - Provides nautical charts and publications for Norway. - Hydrographic Office of the Indian Navy (**INHO**) - Produces nautical charts and publications for India. - Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (**KHOA**) - Responsible for producing nautical charts and publications for South Korea. - Brazilian Navy Hydrographic Center (**CHM**) - Produces nautical charts and publications for Brazil. **Unofficial charts** are produced by a variety of private companies and may or may not meet the same standards used by HO's for data accuracy, currency, and completeness. - Navionics - A private company that produces digital navigation charts for marine and inland waterways. - C-Map - A commercial provider of electronic marine charts and navigation software. - Garmin - Known for its GPS technology, Garmin also produces electronic charts for marine navigation. - Jeppesen Marine - A subsidiary of Boeing, known for producing various types of navigation charts, including for marine use. - Transas - A provider of maritime software solutions, including electronic navigation charts. - iNavX - A company providing digital navigation charts and applications for mobile devices. An **electronic chart system** (ECS) is a computer-assisted navigation system capable of displaying electronic nautical charts and the vessel\'s position in near real-time. An ECS does not meet all the input, display, and functionality of an Electronic Chart Display and Information System. An **electronic chart data base** (ECDB) is the digital database from which electronic charts are produced. An Electronic Chart Data Base (ECDB) is a digital collection of information used to create electronic navigational charts. It\'s essentially the master database that holds all the raw data needed to produce the charts used by ships for navigation. In simpler terms, it\'s the digital blueprint from which electronic navigational charts are made. An **electronic chart** (EC) is any digitized chart intended for display on a computerized navigation system. Two types of electronic chart: **Vector Electronic Chart & Raster Electronic Chart. *"*** *Requirements for carriage of charts are found in SOLAS Chapter V, which states in part: "All ships shall carry adequate and up-to-date charts\... necessary for the intended voyage."* **VECTOR CHART.** A vector is a digital representation of data. Vector charts are not stored as images, but rather as digital objects. Each buoy or navigational marker can contain additional information accessible by clicking on it. **Digital representation of data** means converting information into a format that computers can understand and process. Due to this, vector charts allow much more customization than raster charts: - You can hide or display objects. If things are too cluttered, you can hide things that are not relevant for the time being. - Vector charts allow you to customize the size of depth sounding or other objects as you desire. - You can change depth units to meters, feet, or fathoms. The depth-sounding numbers change to be accurate in the selected unit. - Sometimes, you can change the color scheme of the charts to the one you prefer. - Safety depths can be modified to your liking. - The amount of detail shown in different zoom levels can be changed. **RASTER CHART**. Raster charts are essentially electronic images of a paper chart. If you are familiar with paper charts, you may prefer the look of raster charts. A raster chart set will have many different zoom levels. Each different zoom level represents a different image. **Raster vs. Vector charts: Similarities** - Both types raster and vector charts provide an alternative for paper charts for marine navigation. - Raster and vector charts have depths and depth contours, bottom types, navigational markers, and display the same underlying data. - Both sets can cover the exact same area, if available. - ENC and RNC can have the exact same level of detail, provided they are generated from the same survey source. - Each allows for switching between different zoom levels. **System Electronic Navigation Chart (SENC).** The system electronic navigation chart (SENC) means a database resulting from the transformation of the 64 ECDIS ENC by ECDIS for appropriate use, updates to the ENC by appropriate means and other data added by the mariner. It is this database that is actually accessed by ECDIS for the display generation and other navigational functions, and is the equivalent to an up-to-date paper chart. The SENC may also contain information from other sources. Means a database resulting from the transformation of the ENC by ECDIS.. SENC should be up to date to comply with the SOLAS Regulations Chapter 5. **Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC).** An electronic navigational chart (ENC) is the database, standardized as to content, structure and format, issued for use with ECDIS on the authority of government authorized hydrographic offices. The ENC contains all the chart information necessary for safe navigation and may contain supplementary information in addition to that contained in the paper chart (e.g. sailing directions) which may be considered necessary for safe navigation. It is also used for ECDIS. We need the user permit and cell permit **Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).** Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a computer-based navigation system that complies with IMO Regulation and Ch. V/19 & V/27 of the SOLAS convention as amended which replaces traditional paper nautical charts. Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a development in the navigational chart system used in naval vessels and ships. **Regulation V/19**: Carriage requirements for shipborne navigational systems and equipment and **Regulation V/27**: Carriage of charts, nautical publications and other navigational information. In simpler terms, ECDIS replaces traditional paper nautical charts while offering a more efficient and accurate means of navigation for seafarers. ECDIS is more interactive and dynamic than traditional charts, which are static. With the use of the electronic chart system, it has become easier for a ship's navigating crew to pinpoint locations and attain directions. ECDIS is basically a navigational information system, **interfaced** with other navigational equipment such as the GPS, Gyro, RADAR, ARPA, Echo Sounder etc. ECDIS also incorporates and displays information contained in other nautical publications such as **Tide Tables and Sailing Directions** and incorporates additional maritime **information such as radar information, weather, ice conditions and automatic vessel identification.** **Why is ECDIS important? Here are some compelling reasons why:** - **Enhanced Safety.** Unlike paper charts, ECDIS offers live updates on water depths, hazards, navigation aids, buoys, your own position, and nearby vessels.** ** - **Accurate Navigation.** The system ensures accurate navigation by integrating electronic navigational charts (ENCs) and continuously updating position data. This accuracy is crucial for navigating through intricate waterways and avoiding obstacles. - **Situational Awareness** By offering a comprehensive and dynamic view of the ship's surroundings, it enables quick decision-making and response to changing conditions. - **Efficient Voyage Planning.** Seafarers can plan and optimize routes more efficiently using ECDIS, considering weather conditions, traffic, and safety regulations. This contributes to fuel efficiency and cost savings. - **Reduction in Paperwork.** Paper charts used to be the Second Officer's nightmare. But not anymore. ECDIS replaces traditional paper charts, reducing the need for extensive paperwork to manage and update physical charts. It also eliminates the need for manual plotting and calculations, minimizing the risk of errors. - **Proactive Risk Management.** The system provides safety alerts and alarms, alerting navigators to potential dangers in advance. **How Does ECDIS Work?** The purpose of ECDIS is to replace paper charts altogether and make them obsolete. ECDIS works in conjunction with other technologies including GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and in compliance with the SOLAS Convention to enhance overall navigational safety procedures.ECDIS also takes a lot of pressure off of crew navigators by informing them of potential risks on route to their destination and offering safer alternate route options. Ship navigators can use this information to then gauge the safety risks of their projected routes and make necessary updates and adjustments. **What Are the Advantages of Using ECDIS Technology?** - **Real-Time Monitoring.** As mentioned, ECDIS allows for the utmost accuracy when it comes to real-time monitoring. Navigators receive up-to-the-minute updates regarding their current route trajectory. In the event of a potential security or safety risk, the system will present them with a number of possible route alternatives that are much safer. - **User-Friendly Interface.** It's still important to ensure that the interface is as user-friendly and easy to comprehend as possible. This is especially true in light of potential danger when convenience and expediency are huge assets. To make operations quick and convenient, ECDIS uses a number of other navigational equipment and softwares including Echo Sounder, GPS, RADAR, Gyro, and ARPA. Even though Marine navigators are highly trained in the latest navigational technology. - **Alarms and Warning Signals.** Providing the ship navigator with visual and audible indications that the vessel is headed in a dangerous direction, loud alarms, and warning signals will also notify the rest of the crew so that they can act quickly in the event of an emergency. This feature also relieves the ship navigator from having to individually notify other crewmembers, allowing them to focus on swiftly mapping out a new route. - **Unparalleled Accuracy.** ECDIS should have the capacity to accurately predict the estimated time of arrival to their destinations. ECDIS uses precision-enhanced technology to help navigators identify these objects from great distances. Another important point is that sometimes traditional charts might mistake large sea creatures or inanimate objects like debris for potential threats. - Availability - All information is processed and displayed in real-time - It eases the process of passage planning - One can get all necessary navigational information at a glance - Alarms and indications are in place to indicate and highlight dangers - Chart correction is made easier in ECDIS as compared to paper charts - Charts can be tailored as per the requirement of the voyage - Safety Frame (Look Ahead) 1. The accuracy of the information received via AIS is only as good as the accuracy of the AIS information transmitted. The same is applicable for all other equipments interfaced with the ECDIS. 2. Position of ships received on ECDIS display might not be referenced to WGS 84 datum 3. Over-reliance on ECDIS for navigational safety should be avoided until it is confirmed that all the data transmitted, received and displayed are accurate 4. Users must be aware that any erroneous information is detrimental to the safety of their own as well as other vessels 5. Some sensors might lack integrity with regard to accuracy and those that have not been tested 6. Not all ships are fitted with ECDIS and hence one cannot be sure of technical ability with regard to positioning as well as navigation; the kind that ECDIS provides - **Precise Depth Information**. ECDIS uses ENC data to provide accurate depth information, aiding in safe navigation by alerting the crew to potential hazards along the route. - **Route Planning and Monitoring**. ECDIS automates route planning and continuously monitors the vessel's position, ensuring adherence to the planned course. - **Automatic ETA Computation**. ECDIS calculates Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) based on the vessel's current speed and position. - **ENC Updating**. ECDIS automatically updates ENCs, ensuring that navigators have the most recent chart data available. - **Sophisticated Features**. ECDIS offers additional safety features, such as continuous data recording for later analysis. - **Not an Anti-Collision Tool**. ECDIS is not designed for collision avoidance. Navigators should not solely rely on it for collision prevention. - **Manual vs. Automatic Updates**. Navigators must understand both manual and automatic ENC updating procedures to ensure data accuracy. - **Improper Use of Radar and AIS Overlay**. Misusing radar and AIS overlays can lead to incorrect interpretations of data. - **Inability to Plot Visual and Radar Fixes**. ECDIS may not allow plotting of visual or radar fixes (LOPs). - **Source Data Check on ENCs (CATZOC)**. Ensuring the quality and reliability of ENC data is crucial **CATZOC stands for Category of Zone of Confidence**. It's a term used in modern Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) during the appraisal phase of passage planning. **CATZOC symbols help determine the accuracy level of depth data on the chart.** These symbols are based on factors such as position accuracy, depth accuracy, sea floor coverage area, and the survey method1. Essentially, CATZOC values indicate how reliable the data is, which is crucial for safe navigation. *Bridge watchkeepers should be aware of the ECDIS function to activate the CATZOC symbol on ENC. This data may be used to ascertain the contour settings on the chart. For example -- if the data is unreliable, vessel may need to keep a larger safety contour margin. * **Zone of Confidence (ZOC)**. Keep this **ON** only during Passage Planning. While monitoring this is to be kept off to avoid unnecessary clutter on the ENC.The knowledge CATZOC is all the more important when vessel is passing a shallow depth area. These values can greatly affect the vessel's UKC calculation and must be considered where the depths are shallow. As a basic thumb rule, the Master should plan the vessel's passage by keeping the vessel in areas shown by the triangles i.e CATZOC -- A1, A2 and B and staying away from the areas covered by rectangles i.e CATZOC- C, D and U. Where the vessel can't keep clear from passing close to the rectangles, caution notes should be posted on the ENC using the User Maps option instructing the navigator to "Keep Echo Sounder on" and "Monitor UKC Continuously". For Example: If the depth marked on ENC is 10 meters, the actual depth of that area may differ depending upon the CATZOC shown on ENC. For area with CATZOC A1, Actual depth may be:  10-(0.5+0.1) = 9.4 mtr. For area with CATZOC A2, Actual depth may be:10-(1+0.2) = 8.8 mtr. For area with CATZOC B, Actual depth may be:10-(1+0.2) = 8.8 mtr. For area with CATZOC C, Actual depth may be:10-(2+0.5) = 7.5 mtr **ECDIS Data Accuracy**. The accuracy of an ECDIS is directly linked to the quality of the electronic nautical chart (ENC) used. ENCs are produced from various data sources, and their accuracy can vary. ENC data needs to be regularly updated to reflect changes in the maritime environment, such as new obstacles, altered depths, or changes in navigational marks. Delays in updates can affect the accuracy of the information displayed. **Data Accuracy.** While ECDIS can display dynamic data like tides, currents, and weather, the accuracy of this information depends on the quality of the data sources and the frequency of updates. The accuracy of the vessel\'s position, which is crucial for ECDIS operation, depends on the accuracy of the positioning system used (e.g., GPS). Incorrect chart selection, improper system configuration, or operator mistakes can lead to errors in the information displayed on the ECDIS.  **Presentation Library** for ECDIS means a set of mostly digital specifications, composed of symbol libraries, colour schemes, look-up tables, and rules, linking every feature and attribute of the SENC to the appropriate presentation of the ECDIS display. Published by IHO as Annex A, Special Publication No 52 (S-52). *IHO Presentation Library version 4.0. The current version issued by the IHO in 2014 and entered into force on 1st September 2017, the new PL supersedes the old 3.4 version.* **ECDIS Chart 1**. "Information about chart display (A, B)" It is a legend of the entire [set of symbols] that may be used within an ENC and is installed on all type-approved ECDIS systems. This is the method recommended by IHO for checking whether the ECDIS system can correctly display the new symbols. **CHART DISPLAY SETTING** - **Display Base**. Display the chart content which cannot be removed from the chart screen. - **Standard Display**. Display the standard chart objects. Intended to be used as a minimum during route planning and route monitoring. - **All Objects Display/Full Display**. Display all chart objects contained in the chart data. - **Customized Display.** Display chart objects you customized except for the chart objects contained in the display base. **Functional requirements based on RESOLUTION MSC.530(106)** **(adopted on 7 November 2022)** **PERFORMANCE STANDARDS for ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ECDIS)** APPLICATION OF THESE STANDARDS**.** These performance standards should apply to all ECDIS equipment carried on all ships, as follows: 1\. dedicated stand-alone workstation; and 2\. a multifunction workstation as part of an INS. **Presentation of chart information**. The backup system should display in graphical (chart) form the relevant information of the hydrographic and geographic environment which are necessary for safe navigation. **Graphical (chart)** means refer to the use of visual representations, such as maps, diagrams, or graphs, to convey information. In the context of navigation and maritime operations, this often pertains to the use of nautical charts, which are specialized maps that display water depths, coastlines, navigational hazards, and other critical information for safe navigation. Graphical means can also include diagrams like weather charts, which display meteorological data, or performance charts used in various maritime systems. **Route Planning**. The backup system should be capable of performing the route planning functions, including: 1\. taking over of the route plan originally performed on the ECDIS; and 2\. adjusting a planned route manually or by transfer from a route planning device. **Route Monitoring**. The backup system should enable a takeover of the route monitoring originally performed by the ECDIS, and provide at least the following functions: 1\. Plotting own ship\'s position automatically, or manually on a chart; 2\. Taking courses, distances and bearings from the chart; 3\. displaying the planned route; 4\. displaying time labels along ship\'s track; 5\. plotting an adequate number of points, bearing lines, range markers, etc. **Provision of Chart Information**. The chart information to be used in the backup arrangement should be the latest edition, as corrected by official updates, of that issued by or on the authority of a government, authorized hydrographic office, or other relevant government institution, and conform to IHO standards. 2\. It should not be possible to alter the contents of the electronic chart information. 3\. The chart or chart data edition and issuing date should be indicated. **Scale**. If radar and other navigational information are added to an electronic backup display, all the corresponding requirements for radar information and other navigation information of this performance standard should be met. If an electronic device is used, it should provide an indication: 1\. if the information is displayed at a larger scale than that contained in the database; and 2\. if the ship\'s position is covered by a chart at a larger scale than that provided by the system. **Reliability**. The backup arrangements should provide reliable operation under prevailing environmental and normal operating conditions. **Accuracy**. Accuracy should provide accurate calculations. **Malfunctions, alerts, and indications**. If an electronic device is used, it should provide a suitable warning or indication of system malfunction. **Dangers of over-reliance on an ECDIS to the safety of navigation**. Bridge crews should not become over-reliant on electronic chart display and information systems (ecdis) for safe navigation. There are cases where the improper use of ecdis and reliance on electronic navigational charts (ENCs) led to ship groundings and collisions.  **ECDIS900** is designed to display vessel information received from on board sensors such as GPS, Gyro, Log, radar and AIS together with geographical information retrieved from Electronic Charts. ECDIS900 is a core navigation tool that satisfies the marine standards ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display Information System) and RCDS (Raster Chart Display System). The system has the ability to display and use both official and unofficial raster and vector charts. Official charts types supported are: **ENC** (Electronic Navigation Charts) which are official Vector Charts , **ARCS** (Raster Charts from British Admiralty) , **AVCS** (Electronic Navigation Charts from British Admiralty) **BASIC OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES**. The ECDIS900 is a window based **Human Computer Interface** (HCI) where operator requested information is obtained from menus and dialogue boxes on the display. The **mouse** is the main operating tool for the system. A **Keyboard** is also necessary for the input of alphanumeric data. Standard Mouse Function. **Cursor**. The cursor is a small mobile icon. Its shape will depend on its position on the screen and the function selected by default cursor is now a "Red Cross" instead of standard Windows "Arrow". **Click the left button**. Quickly press and release the left mouse button. **Click the right button**. Point the object of interest, press the right mouse button and a contextual menu, depending on the object type, is displayed. **Double click the left button**. Quickly press twice and release the left mouse button. **Click middle button.** Cursor shift to "Hand" icon; Move Map. **Prompt window**. For some objects (targets, buoys with name, weather, and ocean current data) the ECDIS provides direct access to the main properties of the object. Move the cursor on top of the object and after two seconds a prompt window displays information. **Dialogue Boxes.** The ECDIS900 is operated by the selection and activation of graphic windows using the cursor. When the cursor is located inside a window, the window will be activated automatically and information will be displayed by the use of menus and dialogue boxes. A left mouse click will activate the window function. Different dialogue boxes have different options. The following list describes these various options: - **Bookmark**. Some dialogue boxes contain several sets of options; each set on a separate "page‟. To access different pages click on the "tab‟ at the top of the page. - **Option Button*.*** An option button selects one option from a group of options. Option buttons may be switched on or off but only one button within the group may be on at any one time. When an option button is activated by either clicking the text or the circular window, the corresponding text is highlighted and a filled circle appears in the circular window. - **Input Box*.*** An Input Box is used to enter alphanumeric values. To activate the input box, click on it. The operator may now enter values from the keyboard, or increase values by the \ button (or decrease values by the \ button). - **Information Box*.*** A display of alphanumeric data. NOTE: This data is for viewing only. It cannot be edited here. - **Text Box.** A Text box is provided when information is to be keyed in (e.g. Target name, Call sign etc.). To enter text, click inside the text box and then type in the data. If the box already contains data then click, hold and drag along the text to highlight it in blue. Press \ then type in the text. - **List Box.** The list box lists values or parameters. The operator may select a value from the list using the cursor. The selected value will be checked on. - **Drop Down List Box**. A type of combined Text box and List box. The box contains the current value and the list is initially not displayed. To view the whole list click on the \ arrow. The whole list may be scrolled by use of the \ and \ arrows. - **Push Button**. To exit from a function with new parameters saved, click OK. To apply the new parameters of the function without quitting the dialogue click Apply. To exit from the function without saving the new parameters, click Cancel. **Toolbar Panel.** The toolbar panel contains buttons that allow the user to affect changes to the chart, to control navigation and to customise the ECDIS application according to needs. If the Toolbar is not present on the screen right click on the chart and select the item menu Show Toolbar. **Man overboard.** In the case of a man over board (MOB) click on the Man Over Board icon. A MOB waypoint will be created, showing the time the incident was originated. A route defined by a waypoint and plotted from the MOB point will be created and the information required to return to the MOB point (bearing and distance from the ship to the MOB point) will be immediately displayed in the static information console. To view and amend the properties of the waypoint, locate the cursor on the waypoint, click right, and select Properties from the pop-up menu. \- The chart will be automatically centred on the MOB point \- A new entry will be stored in the logbook with the MOB position and navigation parameters \- The current route, if any will be deactivated \- The autopilot function will be cancelled. \- AIS message is broadcasted. **Event*.*** To plot a new point on the chart at the ships location, click on the Event icon. The geographical point is displayed on the chart with a special icon and stored in the user data active layer. A detailed overview of user data can be found under Object Editor. **Zoom In**. Click on the Zoom in icon to zoom in one step. Press Hot Key F1 to zoom in (IMPORTANT: In RCDS mode (Raster charts) clicking with the right button of the mouse in the zoom in button will load and display another raster chart with a better scale under if it exists. Other methods of zooming can be found in Charts -- Zooming). **Zoom Out**. Click on the Zoom out icon to zoom out one step. Press Hot Key F2 to zoom out. **Standard Display.** Click on the icon to set the ENC or C-MAP display to standard mode. Click on the icon to display ARCS chart at the original scale. Right click on the icon to select Extended Standard and Paper like presentation. Press Hot Key F7 to select the standard mode. **Select Area.** The "Select area" function allows the user to pre-define chart areas and to select an area to be displayed. A chart area is defined by: Name, Lat (latitude), Lon (longitude), and Scale. (Important: A list of chart areas is created for one type of chart; the list created for S57 chart is valid only for this type of chart and cannot be used with ARCS charts.) **Auto Centring.** Click on the Auto centring icon to define a "centring zone‟. When the chart auto-scrolling mode is selected (Follow Ship Checked ON), the chart will automatically move when the ship moves out of the "centring zone" currently defined. Two kinds of centring zones: **Static centring** zone allows the user to define the "centring zone" according to the ship's heading. **Dynamic centring zone** guaranties that the navigator always has the largest chart displayed in front of his ship, even when the heading changes. **Centre On Ship**. The chart will automatically be centred about the ship. NOTE: Centre on ship is a single one-time action. In order for the chart to scroll automatically, according to the ship's movements: Click right anywhere on the chart to display the pop-up menu and click on Follow the ship. Press Hot Key F3 to centre the chart on the ship‟s position and activate the function Follow the ship **Ship Properties.** To view or amend ship's properties click on the Ship properties icon. Alternatively, click right on the ship‟s icon and select Properties from the pop-up menu. The Ship parameter window appears. For detailed overview of the ship's parameters, see Ship - Ships Properties. **Ship to Point, Range and Bearing.** To set a point at a fixed range and bearing from the ship click on the Ship to point, range and bearing icon. The cursor will appear as a cross with a circle attached to it plus the actual range and bearing data, measured from the Conning Position defined in ship parameter (Shape/GPS and radar/Conning position). Move the cursor to the desired position (range and bearing) then click left to fix the point. **Ship to Anchoring Point, Range and Bearing.** Right click on the Ship to point, range and bearing icon and plot an anchoring point on the chart. The information window displays the Range and Bearing from the bow of the ship to the Anchoring point and the ETA.The position of the pop window, of the VRM/EBL is user adjustable. Left click and drag to reposition the prompt window **Point to Point, Range and Bearing**. To set two points at a fixed range and bearing from each other click on the Point to point, range and bearing icon to activate/deactivate the mode. When mode is activated, the cursor will first appear as a cross. Move it to the first desired position and click left to fix the point. When the cursor is moved it will have a circle attached to it plus the actual range and bearing data, measured from the first point. Move the cursor to the desired second position (range and bearing) and click left to fix the second point. To set another two points :Move the cursor to the desired location for the first point, click left then follow the above steps. **New Route**. Click on the New Route icon to create a new route and to plot waypoints on the chart with the mouse. The waypoints can be plotted on the chart with the mouse or entered by keyboard in the route plan window which is activated by clicking the button Route Plan just after the New Route tool has be selected. **Route Plan**. Click on the Active Route plan button to display the Route planning window of the active route. The button is enabled when the Route tool has been selected. Then, if the route is plotted graphically the button is disabled. The button is disabled when no active route has been activated. Press Hot Key F6 to access to the route plan of loaded routes. Press several times to change the selected route. **New Log Book Record**. To enter a new record in the log book click on the New Logbook record icon. **Log Book**. Click on the Log Book Window button to display the logbook window and list the entries of the active logbook. It will now be possible to change the settings, print the logbook, load an historical book and replay it. **Set Target**. To plot a manual target click on the Set target icon. **Target List**. A double click on the target name will centre the chart on the target. A click on the title sorts out the targets*.* *Centre the chart and access Properties:* Double click on the target name centres the chart on the target. Right click on the target's name to access to the properties. *Show Hide targets*: Press Hide target to hide the targets. All targets are hidden except the target on CPA / TCPA alarms which will always been displayed. *Lost Targets alarm***:** Press button to configure Alarm when a target is lost within a given Range around ship position. This alarm is available for both AIS and ARPA targets. First, Check box to activate alarm, Setup range, When Alarm is active, lost targets are not remove automatically from the list after normal timeout (1mn). Alarm acknowledgment will remove lost targets from the list. **Target Prediction**. To predict the position of the ship and any ARPA targets click on the Target Prediction. The Target prediction window will appear with a time slide bar (in minutes). Moving the slide bar will move the ship along its scheduled course and the targets according to their current course and speed by the corresponding time margin. Use own vector predictor. Linear predictor calculates future positions according to current course and speed. The screen shows the predicted positions. **Docking function**: Refer to Predictor chapter for more detail. Docking function allows to display distance to anchoring point and speed for both bow and stern. **Chart Handling**. To view and amend the chart catalogue click on the Chart Handling icon. This function allows the user to list the charts installed in the chart catalogue, to install new charts and to delete charts from the catalogue. **Load/Unload objects**. Routes and tracks are stored in a database. The Load/Unload functions allow the operator to: **Load** - displays routes or tracks on the chart. **Unload** - erases routes or tracks from the chart. **Tide and Current information**. Push the button \"Show \\ Hide tide stations and ocean current\" and icons showing the tide level are displayed at the tide stations locations. More than 2000 main tide stations are available in ECDIS900. ***IMPORTANT***: The icons are visible when the chart scale is bigger than 1 / 2 000 000. Select BA Total Tide or ECDIS tide data and display mode. Right click on the Tide button when tide is activated and tick the mode. The list of tide stations is displayed (red). For the BA total tide local currents are listed (blue). Double click to get more information. **ECDIS Tide**: The small Tide icon displays in red the tide level at the current chart time and small black oriented arrows indicate rising or falling tide. Right click on the icon gives access to detailed description of the tide but also to the moon and sun rise and set hours for the selected station. - **Standard Ports** - These are ports where the tidal predictions are calculated from a set of harmonic constants - **Secondary Ports** -- same as Standard port, however the observations made to collect this information generally were not as extensive as with standard ports and so the tidal predictions are of secondary quality. - **Secondary Ports (non-harmonic)** - These ports do not have any harmonic constants, instead their tidal predictions are calculated by taking the prediction for a reference port and applying time and height differences. Main tide stations are represented by a red square icon, and secondary stations by a yellow one. In this case, click the link to open the main station window. - **Custom Ports** - These ports are ones that are defined by the user by manual input of a set of harmonic constants. **Option/Vessel**. This page allows you to configure information about your vessel that will be used when calculating maximum and minimum safe tidal heights for entering ports. The page allows you to enter settings for your vessel\'s draught, the under-keel allowance and the masthead height. Just click on the box you wish to enter information in and then use the keyboard to type in the value or alter the value using the up/down buttons. **Port Database**. To display the port icons on top of the chart click on the Port database icon. Access to the port information is possible only if the user has subscribed to Fairplay database. To subscribe and install the database see the Annex Fairplay database. Right click on the port icon to access to all information stored in Fairplay database. **ECDIS Options**. To effect changes to the settings of the console, the time, the route parameters or the security click on the Options icon. The Options dialogue box has with 5 bookmarks: - **Console**: to customize the console layout. - **Time**: to adjust ECDIS local time and chart time. - **Route**: to select the route parameters by default. For more details see Chapter. Route paragraph Route Options. - **Email account**: to enter and edit email account for email chart update service and back up service. - **Back up**: to back up and restore user data. **Print**. To print the chart click on the Print icon. **Help.** To display the software version and to access the on-line user manual click on the Help icon