ECDIS is a complex, safety-relevant, software-based system with multiple options for display and integration. The ongoing safe and effective use of ECDIS involves many stakeholders including seafarers, equipment manufacturers, chart producers, hardware and software maintenance providers, shipowners and operators, and training providers. It is important that all these stakeholders have a clear and common understanding of their roles and responsibilities in relation to ECDIS.

In 2002, ECDIS was accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of SOLAS regulation V/19. Over the years, IMO Member States, hydrographic offices, equipment manufacturers and other organizations contributed to the development of guidance on a variety of ECDIS-related matters and IMO issued a series of complementary circulars on ECDIS.

While most useful IMO guidance on ECDIS was developed in this incremental manner, the information needed to be consolidated, where possible, to have ECDIS-related guidance within a single circular, which could be easily kept up to date without duplication or need for continual cross-referencing. Such consolidation of information offers clear and unambiguous understanding of the carriage requirements and use of ECDIS.

The consolidated guidance termed "ECDIS – Guidance for Good Practice" is set out in the annex to this circular. Ship operators, masters and deck officers on ECDIS-fitted ships are encouraged to use this Guidance to improve their understanding and facilitate safe and effective use of ECDIS.