Successful completion of an Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) course is a requirement for progression within the MCA system of Yacht Officer Certificates of Competency: Officer of the Watch (OOW) to Chief Mate and then Master 500 & 3 000t. 

ECDIS is a geographic information system used for nautical navigation and, in order to be used as an alternative to paper nautical charts, systems must comply with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations.

PYT offers the MCA-approved ECDIS course at the premises of SAMTRA in Simon’s Town.
This 40-hour (5 day) course complies with IMO requirements. 

Candidates should be familiar with navigational computer operations and be experienced in coastal navigation. 

It is strongly recommended that candidates have completed training or have experience in collision avoidance on ARPA and Radar. 

Students who successfully complete this course will be issued with certification for generic ECDIS training but should be aware that type-specific training may be required by certain flag states.