News and insights

Setting the ECDIS safety contour correctly is one of the most effective things a bridge team can do to prevent grounding. When configured for the vessel's actual draught, margins and operating conditions, it controls how depth information is displayed in ECDIS and alerts the crew before the vessel approaches unsafe water.

Could having more maritime data actually reduce the amount of interpretation required on the bridge? In this multimedia feature article, pilots, mariners and hydrographic offices reflect on evaluating trial S-100 data sets across four challenging port environments, revealing a consistent view of how richer maritime data could support more efficient navigational decision-making.

For most navigators, the sound of an ECDIS alert is unmistakable. Depending on the watch, an ECDIS alert can mean anything from a routine chart update to an imminent grounding risk. The challenge is knowing which is which – and acting accordingly.

In March 2026, the UK Hydrographic Office (the UKHO), in collaboration with NorthStandard and ship operators Minerva Marine and the Angelicoussis Group, carried out S-100 simulator trials in Athens, Greece.