The WORLD ECDIS DAY, dedicated to maritime electronic navigation and ECDIS, seems to have become a well-recognized and influential event in the maritime industry sector. Different from most of the other conferences of this sort, it is a non-profit event. The focus is set to the issues shipping companies, the industry and authorities have to deal with today and tomorrow.
The 2017 edition of World ECDIS day was opened with a motivational speech by the recently elected IHO secretary general, Dr. Mathias Jonas. Much to the positive surprise of the more than 200 participants from all over the world, the conference turned out to be far more than the usual get-together or marketing event. The workshops delivered a range of new technologies and interesting trends, whereas the high level panel discussions addressed the most pressing issues of today. Personal communication lasted long after midnight at the evening reception, which took place on a rooftop location offering stunning views over the Hamburg Harbour.
“Having attended the first WORLD ECDIS DAY in 2015, this second event topped my expectations considerably”, said one superintendent. Personally, the workshop provided me with ideas for the future, whereas the panel discussions were very useful, greatly increasing my understanding of flag state and port state control positions when dealing with ECDIS. All this, combined with a fantastic location and the publishing of the beautiful ENC book made it an unforgettable experience. I am looking forward to the 3rd WORLD ECDIS DAY.”
