B.C. Ferries finds ‘paper charts’ after problem with navigation system

[jackdale]

Paper charts do not have mechanical failures.

https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news...gation-system/

[StuM]

“paper charts have been sourced" sounds like they didn't have them on-board.
I thought it was a requirement on Canadian vessels.

[SeanPatrick]

[grammar rant]

I'm confused as to why the phrase "paper charts" is in quotes. I mean ... it makes sense in the sentence I just typed, but not in the context of the article title. Unless the charts being referred to are not actually paper charts, but are similar to such in one way or another.

[/grammar rant]

[Kelkara]

Originally Posted by StuM

“paper charts have been sourced" sounds like they didn't have them on-board.
I thought it was a requirement on Canadian vessels.

I don't think they're required on big ships with a redundant ECDIS..

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Paper charts do not have mechanical failures.

https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news...gation-system/

True, but they can become illegible when soaked in water or coffee, get blown overboard when used in the cockpit, be destroyed by rats or mice, or be misfiled and hard to locate quickly when plans change. And the tools needed to effectively use them can be lost or damaged.

Yes, paper charts have failure modes too!

Jim

[chrisr]

my interpretation of this article is that the ship (ferry) had an electronic charts system (ECDIS) which failed or otherwise went on the fritz.

such have redundancy which is supposed to stop this happening but as we know, anything electronic will find a way to fail. des[ite this, i expect somebody will have some explaining to do !

the operators then found some paper charts in the back of a filing cupboard somewhere which then enabled the ship (ferry) to get running again

nb : if a vessel has an approved ECDIS then she is not required to carry paper charts

cheers,

[RaymondR]

Comes down to risk evaluation, is the risk of spilt coffee greater than the risk of a blown fuse.

[Oeanda]

I could have lent them my phone.

[smac999]

These guys go back and forth 8 times a day on the same route. Should not need a paper chart.., Should be in their head.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by smac999

These guys go back and forth 8 times a day on the same route. Should not need a paper chart.., Should be in their head.

I realize, there are probably liability reasons prohibiting them from departing without charts but yeah, I would be worried if the ferry captain couldn't pull up google maps and make the run perfectly safely based on past experience.

[GordMay]

Appendix 6, of the IMO ECDIS Performance Standards, specifies the requirements for adequate independent back-up arrangements, that can take over, in the event of system failure.

The main requirement is the ability to make a timely transfer, to the back-up system, during critical navigation situations.

The majority of Flag States’ back-up requirements consist of an independent second ECDIS, or a folio of adequate, and up-to-date, paper charts.
However, each flag state may have differences in the interpretation of the SOLAS regulations. This may lead to differences in the back-up systems, and the level of redundancy required for the primary ECDIS.

Here’s an interesting paper, on the subject:
“Handling the ECDIS failure at sea” ➥ https://aga21.aast.edu/Attachment/download/204

[Sand crab]

Originally Posted by Oeanda

I could have lent them my phone.

Exactly, none of the crew had any of the navigation apps loaded on their phones, pads or puters?

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by StuM

“paper charts have been sourced" sounds like they didn't have them on-board.
I thought it was a requirement on Canadian vessels.

That requirement has been changed. They are going entirely digital. All they have done with their tide and current tables, chart 1, etc. is pdf them which make them really difficult to use.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

True, but they can become illegible when soaked in water or coffee, get blown overboard when used in the cockpit, be destroyed by rats or mice, or be misfiled and hard to locate quickly when plans change. And the tools needed to effectively use them can be lost or damaged.

Yes, paper charts have failure modes too!

Jim

No food or drink at the chart table (ask me why), No paper charts in the cockpit.

Check you charts before leaving.

[requiem]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

I realize, there are probably liability reasons prohibiting them from departing without charts but yeah, I would be worried if the ferry captain couldn't pull up google maps and make the run perfectly safely based on past experience.

Exactly; larger vessels have chart carriage requirements. Not having up-to-date official copies on properly validated software would be like sailing without your flares/PFDs/fire extinguishers/etc: penalties if caught, and extra liability should something go awry.