Traditionally mariners have been limited in navigation accuracy by the physical limits of plotting a hand drawn manual fix and by the frequency of fixes which can be plotted on the conventional paper chart. The introduction of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) changes this.
The ECDIS permits a chart display with continuous position update for the bridge staff. The display can be orientated North Up for ocean and coastal navigation or Course Up – for example when in a fairway or in congested waters. Radar target tracks, or even radar video, can be overlaid on the chart image. The ECDIS can be used for passage planning, perhaps located at the back of the bridge and for position and situation monitoring in a ‘look ahead’ location at the bridge front. These safety enhancing benefits of electronic navigation inevitably lead to greater reliance on electronic position fixing devices.
Marinestar high performance navigation products and services not only increase accuracy of position, course and speed but also add to reliability and integrity by utilising a mix of navigation satellites to produce either a composite, multi constellation Global Navigation Satellite System solution or independent navigation system solution.
“A combined receiver, when compared to either the GPS or GLONASS receiver, offers improved availability, integrity, accuracy and resistance to interference………” IMO Res. MSC.115 (73).