Ecdis training should include traditional navigation

摘要

Ecdis training should not just be about teaching cadets how to use the instruments. It should also involve traditional navigation skills and awareness of maritime situations, said training expert Christian Hempstead. The owner of Hempstead Maritime Training said his cadets are taught to be aware of situations outside the window of the bridge as much as how to use the technology. This is because ecdis should be viewed as an aid to navigation that could be fallible and incorrect. He also thinks cadets should be taught about all of the different methods of securing an accurate position for the vessel on electronic navigational charts. Mr Hempstead said training should provide seafarers with the knowledge to ask the instruments the right questions. "We teach traditional navigation, so that they are able to ask how they can get those answers," he added. "It should not just be about teaching ecdis, as crew should not wholly rely on ecdis. They need to look out of the window and this can be a problem if it is not practised."