New standards for electronic charts, confirmed by the MCA last month, have been drawn up in a way that will not unduly impact under-24m fishing vessels, the NFFO has told FN, whilst maintaining safety standards.

An amendment to Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 319 (M+F) setting out updates for accepted standards and compliance for electronic chart systems could have meant that many chart systems available on the market no longer met required standards, requiring much of the UK fishing fleet to install costly new updates or systems.

The MCA said: “Industry feedback resulted in the decision in 2024 to review the ‘Mini-ECDIS’ performance standard to ensure it remained relevant to modern operational requirements as well as future-proofing the system for potential wider use within the industry.”

Originally developed with Seafish in 2006, and now renamed the Small Vessel Electronic Chart System (SV-ECS), this will allow skippers on the majority of under-24m vessels to continue with their existing electronic charts.

Mini-ECDIS systems installed onboard existing vessels up to 31 July, 2026 and in conformance with the Seafish performance standard will now remain valid. Any systems installed after this date must be compliant with the new SV-ECS performance standard.

Charles Blyth, NFFO risk, training and safety lead, told FN: “The conversations with the MCA as they developed this new standard for larger vessels was very constructive. We made MCA officials aware of the impact the new guidelines could have on the fishing industry, without any tangible safety improvements resulting from the changes.

“We were able to establish that the new standards outlined by the MCA are largely in line with the existing equipment – so long as skippers keep their software updated.

“This is a sensible decision by the MCA, reflecting the hard work the NFFO has put in to discussions with the agency.”

Mike Bunton, MCA head of navigation, said: “Clear and reliable navigation systems, when used by a well-trained navigator, can significantly improve safe navigation at sea. The MCA is updating its guidance to stay ahead as technology develops and maritime practices change.

“With safety in mind this Marine Guidance Note update supports operators to understand their obligations clearly. It also guides manufacturers of electronic charting hardware and software so their products provide the tools needed for safe and efficient navigation.”

The full marine guidance note, which applies to all vessels under 24m, can be found here and here.

This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.50 here. 

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