Electronic Chart Display and Information System

ECDIS displays IHO S-57/S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and integrates GPS, radar overlay, and AIS to provide continuous passage monitoring and recording. SOLAS regulation V/19 mandated ECDIS carriage in phases from 2012 (passenger ships) to 2018 (cargo ships ≥500 GT on international voyages). Two independent ECDIS units are required on most ships. Charts must be updated weekly; software patches must be current. On type-approved ECDIS, paper charts may be dispensed with, though some administrations still require a backup portfolio.