The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has published a new report alongside technology research company Thetius outlining the advantages and key considerations in the changeover from S-57 to the new S-100 data standard for ECDIS.What is happening?The current data standard for Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC), S-57 has now been in place for 32 years and is no longer suitable to allow access to the volume of available data. Therefore, S-100 is a new data standard that will allow access and use of marine data for the user. This will include the next generation of (ENCs).What does this mean for ship’s crew?S-100 ENCs will allow the crews to access data that they previously could not on their ECDIS, such as bathymetric surface data, water levels and surface currents data. These new standards will assist crews in making improved decisions, and unlock safety, environmental and economic benefits with the use of accurate and timely marine data. Examples of this would include the ability to calculate a dynamic under keel clearances, more accurate safety contour use with improved bathymetric data and more accurate just in time calculations that will be possible with the use of data such as surface currents enabling decarbonisation benefits and economic benefits.Above: an example of a S-100 ENCWhat is in the new report?The report explores the transition between form S-57 to S-100 and is based on the data gathered in a large-scale maritime research project. As well as outlining potential availability dates and use cases, it also outlines five key recommendations:The need to foster collaboration and communication amongst key stakeholders.Consider new training modules for those working with S-100 ECDIS systems to ensure complete understanding.Ship owners will need to revise safety management system (SMS) to reflect the new standard.To allow the continuous uninterrupted data flow operators should consider investing in in VHF Data Exchange System (VDEs) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity.Prepare and plan for the dual-fuel ECDIS period, systems should be capable of handling both S-57 and S-100 data formats and the users of the ECDIS system able to interpret both as well.To read the full report in more detail is can be downloaded on the Admiralty website here: New S-100 report | ADMIRALTYExisting ECDIS Training Material:NorthStandard has long recognised the need to increase focus on the use of ECDIS. To help with this we launched ECDIS Training Assessment (ETA) for members.Based on the current S-57 data format and associated IMO model course, the ETA platform is free for NorthStandard members and assists them in identifying potential areas of weaknesses in their crew’s ECDIS knowledge.There is a range of publications available to assist crews and members in their campaigns to continuously monitor and develop crew ECDIS knowledge.More information on both the ETA platform and NorthStandard’s ECDIS material can be found here: ECDIS Training Assessment (ETA) | NorthStandard | Marine Insurance