ECDIS Type-Specific Familiarisation

Code ecdis-typespecific · STCW A-II/1, A-II/2

Type-specific (vendor) ECDIS familiarisation — required by the ISM Code for any officer joining a vessel with an unfamiliar ECDIS model, in addition to the generic ECDIS course (STCW A-II/1). Typically a 1- or 2-day vendor course (Furuno, JRC, Transas / Wartsila, Sperry, Kongsberg, Raytheon) or an equivalent CBT module backed by onboard familiarisation.

Prerequisites: ecdis
Duration: 8 hours
Validity: 5 years
Refresher: —
Typical cost: ~$180 USD

Often delivered onboard or by the manufacturer's authorised agent.

Where to take this course

Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:

Related glossary terms

High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.

ECDIS Type-Specific Familiarisation: FAQ

What is the ECDIS Type-Specific Familiarisation (ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC) certification?: Type-specific (vendor) ECDIS familiarisation — required by the ISM Code for any officer joining a vessel with an unfamiliar ECDIS model, in addition to the generic ECDIS course (STCW A-II/1). Typically a 1- or 2-day vendor course (Furuno, JRC, Transas / Wartsila, Sperry, Kongsberg, Raytheon) or an equivalent CBT module backed by onboard familiarisation. Referenced in STCW table A-II/1, A-II/2. Category: Navigation.
Who needs ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC?: ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-II/1, A-II/2. Recommended prerequisites: ecdis. Without ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
How long does ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC take?: Typical course duration is 8 hours (1 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
How much does ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC cost?: Typical cost is around US$180 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
Where can I get ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC?: ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
How long is ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC valid?: 5 years from issue. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.

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ECDIS Type-Specific Familiarisation: FAQ

What is the ECDIS Type-Specific Familiarisation (ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC) certification?

Who needs ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC?

ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-II/1, A-II/2. Recommended prerequisites: ecdis. Without ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.

How long does ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC take?

Typical course duration is 8 hours (1 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.

How much does ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC cost?

Typical cost is around US$180 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.

Where can I get ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC?

ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.

How long is ECDIS-TYPESPECIFIC valid?

5 years from issue. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.