Question 1

What is the key difference between an ECDIS and a standard Electronic Chart System (ECS) used on leisure craft?

Accepted Answer

ECDIS meets IMO/SOLAS standards and can legally replace paper charts on SOLAS vessels; ECS (used on most leisure GPS plotters) cannot replace paper charts in any jurisdiction ECDIS is type-approved to IEC 61174/S-52/S-57 standards and can replace paper charts for SOLAS ships. Consumer GPS plotters with electronic charts (ECS) are powerful navigation aids but are not ECDIS-compliant — paper charts (or equivalent approved backup) are still required for many commercial vessels and recommended for all passages.

Question 2

In IALA Region A (UK, Europe, Africa, most of Asia), what does a port hand lateral mark look like?

Accepted Answer

Red can or pillar with flat top, red light (any rhythm) IALA Region A: port hand marks are RED, can/pillar shape, red light any rhythm. Keep them to port when entering harbour (coming from sea). Starboard hand marks are GREEN, conical, green light. Memory: "Red right returning" applies in Region B (Americas) — the OPPOSITE of Region A.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a North Cardinal mark?

Accepted Answer

Black over yellow, two cones points UP, Fl(Q) or VQ white light — pass to the NORTH North Cardinal: black OVER yellow, topmark two cones BOTH pointing UP (like a compass N). Light: Q(white) or VQ(white). The danger is to the SOUTH of the mark — pass to the NORTH. Memory: "North — both cones up, points to the sky."