The classification society ClassNK has announced that it has certified the type specific ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) training courses provided by the newly established ECDIS training center, Philippines-Japan Maritime Training Management (PJMTM).

New amendments to SOLAS requiring ECDIS systems be installed on vessels are being phased-in beginning this year, and related changes to the STCW convention require masters and deck officers to prove their understanding and proficiency with the ECDIS systems installed onboard their vessels.

Established with funding from the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), an association of 96 Japanese companies who collectively employ almost 50,000 seafarers on more than 2,300 vessels, PJMTM’s new facility in Manila will boasts 56 dedicated ECDIS simulators and will provide comprehensive type-specific ECDIS training for Filipino seafarers who serve on Japanese merchant vessels. The ECDIS training course certification provided by ClassNK covers type specific ECDIS training for systems from all four of the manufacturers used by the centre, including Japan Radio Corporation (JRC), FURUNO, Tokyo Keiki, and Transas Group.