| Popis: |
Current year marks the completion of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) implementation period. During the past three decades system evolved from its initial purpose to a complex navigation information system support tool. This transition represents substantial step in navigation, and one would expect that all related issues are shaped smoothly. From the very beginning of ECDIS implementation, Officers of the Watch (OOW) are experiencing various issues ranging from functional, operational, educational, legislative and finally, practical. Numerous organizational standards, resolutions, circulars, reports, guidelines and other documents support this fact, as well as number of ECDIS-related marine accidents, detentions and fines. The proposed paper represents a segment of a systematically carried long-term research aiming at educational process improvement. This aim is to be achieved through specific approach, proper communication and various and subtle activities, always striving at the user- centered, often neglected issues and their solving. The particular research refers to opinions and attitudes of OOWs towards ECDIS mandatory implementation period completion. Individual knowledge has also been examined in terms of new technology perception, as well as understanding of the system. Internationally distributed questionnaire was used for this purpose. Answers were processed and analyzed together with accompanying comments. Results are shown in the context of transitional period, representing a flow of end-user opinions over the years. Observations and findings are presented and discussed. Research results are especially referring to future officers who are given an objective, immediate and critical insight, beside official education and relevant materials. In this way, OOWs are indirectly exchanging their opinions and knowledge with their younger colleagues. This interrelation, accompanied with theoretical background, is one of the center features of the research. The paper concludes with provision of possible guidelines and planned activities towards further educational improvements, but also towards system development as well. |
