Day 1 - 19 October 2009

ECDIS has been a regular feature on the maritime conference circuit since the early nineties but up to now the limitations of both the system and the official electronic chart data needed to run it have limited take up. So just what’s changed to make the IMO confident enough to mandate it? This invaluable first session will look at the significant developments in both systems and charts over the last three years and set the scene for the international shipping industry’s transformation from paper to e-Navigation.

Conference Dinner

All delegates are invited to a specially hosted Conference Dinner on the opening night of the conference on 19th October.  As a relaxing social event, delegates will be encouraged to network and take some time to relax and enjoy their stay in Singapore. 

Transportation will be provided from Regent Singapore to the venue and back to Regent.

Session 2: ECDIS – Time to get serious?

With less than 20% of SOLAS class vessels fitted with ECDIS, just when will shipping companies have to start taking ECDIS mandation seriously? What are the risks and rewards of action now? What do you need to know to make the right decision about when to switch your fleet? Just how much of a transformation might it be? Our industry-leading speakers and panellists from shipping, government and technology sectors will discuss views on the opportunities and benefits of an early transition to e-Navigation versus the 'wait and see' approach.

Instead of a burdensome imposition, more and more shipping companies are now finding the switch to e-Navigation can be a trigger for greater cost efficiencies, better charter rates and more professional, more highly skilled crews. How should you think about e-Navigation? As a cost reduction opportunity? As a brand enhancer? Could you use technology to transform the effectiveness of fleet operations? Can e-Navigation really give you better financial results? The safety case has been made but is there a business case for ECDIS?

OPTIONAL: Morning Jog at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens showcases many outstanding plant collections.  Highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden. The numerous plant species, including many rare specimens, reflect the Singapore Botanic Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life.

Enjoy an active start to your morning with a leisurely jog around the Singapore Botanical Gardens, just a stone’s throw away from The Regent Singapore. Towels and bottled mineral water will be provided at the Hotel after the end of the morning jog.

Time                 : 7.30am to 8.30am
Venue               : Singapore Botanical Gardens
Meeting Point    : Start off point is at the lobby of The Regent Singapore

Session 4: Training for ECDIS

Recent high profile incidents have raised the issue of training both in terms of systems and also ENCs. What is available in terms of training? What are the training considerations when transitioning from paper to e-Navigation? What’s available? What’s needed? What do you need to know to manage it well and what are the implications of getting it wrong?

Session 5: ECDIS – Beyond Navigation

ECDIS has provided e-Navigation but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Increasingly systems are offering more and more features and functionality that far exceed basic navigation. Just what does the future hold? How will our bridge systems of the future compare to today? How can you future-proof your fleet and make the most of your ECDIS investment?

Conference Closes

Closing Address

OPTIONAL: Technical Site Visits

Three Technical Site Visits have been planned for the afternoon of Wednesday 21 October, following the main Conference. As these site visits are held concurrently, delegates can join only one of the three Technical Site Visits. The duration of the site visit is approx three hours inclusive of travelling time:

1. Visit to POCC2 The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) manages shipping traffic in the Singapore Strait and port waters. It operates a multi-radar Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS), to provide a real-time picture of traffic situation in the Straits and port waters. The system employs Singapore Electronic Navigation Charts, displayed on high-resolution graphic computer terminals. A ship database system provides information on vessels’ particulars. Operating 24 hours, the POCC operates a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) facility to monitor distress alerts and calls from ships, and co-ordinate SAR operations. It also disseminates Maritime Safety Information (MSI) through the VHF, NAVTEX and SafetyNET systems. Time                  : 2.00pm to 5.00pm Venue               : Port Operations Control Centre Meeting Point    : The Regent Singapore, Royal Pavilion Ballroom foyer

2. Visit to Integrated Simulation Centre The Integrated Simulation Centre of Singapore (ISC) offers state-of-art maritime simulation training in a safe environment. Participants will be able to tour the ECDIS Simulator, Crisis Management Simulator, Full Mission Ship Handling Simulator, and Engine Room Simulator. Time                 : 2.00pm to 5.00pm Venue               : Integrated Simulation Centre, Singapore Polytechnic Meeting Point    : The Regent Singapore, Royal Pavilion Ballroom foyer

3. Boat Tour A boat tour at Marina South Pier will demonstrate the high density ENC areas. Time                 : 2.00pm to 5.00pm Venue               : Marina South Pier Meeting Point    : The Regent Singapore, Royal Pavilion Ballroom foyer

To register your place at any of these events, click here to email your preferred activity. Please note, you will need to be a registered conference delegate to register for additional activities.