The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has heeded a call by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) to give shipowners using the Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS) for navigation more time to obtain the correct software updates for using the new IHO-52 presentation library.

The postponement until August 31, 2017 gives shipowners extra time to comply with the guidelines on maintenance of ECDIS software contained in IMO MSC 1.circ 1503.

"By extending the time available for shipping companies to upgrade their ECDIS software to the new IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 we have been able to alleviate the imminent pressure on the shipowner and the overall supply chain," said chairman of the IHO's ENC working group, Tom Mellor.

"Shipowners are encouraged to contact their ECDIS manufacturer to start the transition to the updated ECDIS Standards to ensure a smooth switchover and to take advantage of the benefits that the new editions will bring to the bridge."

Source: shippingazette.com