ECDIS

[prof_mariner]

Does anyone know if OpenCPN might be used for "general" (as opposed to "type specific") ECDIS training? I've seen a few ECDIS training systems and they seem very similar to OpenCPN.

[yannis]

The IMO (imo.org) has extensively described the the conditions to be met concerning ECDIS training equipment, amongst in this paper: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/HumanElem...rculars/10.pdf
Hope this helps,
/Ger

[P_Dub]

The following taken out of the IMO data is very important when it comes to limited area in restricted passage:-

.10 safety values setting according to size and manoeuvring parameters of the

vessel;

This is always emphasis when following a course on ECDIS, because many equipment were not capable of the latter.
Regards.
P_Dub

[prof_mariner]

Thanks Yannis and P_Dub. Do you know of any low cost e-navigation packages that include ship specifications parameters so could be used for general ECDIS training?

[HotRod]

The regulations state that you need to do training on the same type of ECDIS system as the one you shall operate.
OpenCPN will never do as a training system for any ECDIS system.

And a combination of "low cost" and ECDIS... I do not think so...

[P_Dub]

ECDIS is generally acceptable at high cost installation and with the use of ENC Charts for the area into which you would normally navigate. Useless to say that it is not for sail boat navigation (unfortunately). One could use the C_Map 93 Dos program for training as it provide ship adjustable size ad antena location. There exsit also ship simulator for some European Harbour which you could use, it could be fun.
Regards

[yannis]

@ HotRod: The OP is referring to general ECDIS training, not "ECDIS Type Specific" training. These are two different training levels defined by the IMO. I agree that OpenCPN will not be accepted by IMO for either, but as a preparation for Type Specific training OpenCPN might help I guess. You will definately not receive your "General ECDIS" certificate just using OpenCPN I'm afraid.
@P_Dub: NemaStudio from Sailsoft can succesfully be used as own ship and AIS target simulator when connected to any ECDIS.

[Jenia]

>Do you know of any low cost e-navigation packages that include ship
>specifications parameters so could be used for general ECDIS training?

Yes, Navpak Pro has that. Also it has a simulator for GPS, AIS, ARPA RADAR, compass and Log. You can stage a scenario to see the effects of current set and drift during a collision of an AIS and ARPA target, super fun and educational. Also there are some free charts for it at this link:

4shared - My 4shared - shared folder - free file sharing and storage

[HotRod]

prof mariner:
What are you training against - ECDIS sertification?
If that is the case, you will need to do the training on a full ecdis, single standalone ecdis (planning or master) or a trainee. It also has to be of the same make as you plan on using in your line of work.