Bridge Mode

Note

Bridge mode is an optional feature of NSR ECDIS NES-3000 and is available with the appropriate license and network infrastructure.

Purpose

NSR ECDIS NES-3000 supports operation as a standalone station and as part of a navigation bridge.

When operating as part of a navigation bridge, ECDIS connects to the bridge’s internal network, where information exchange occurs between network nodes.

ECDIS is a network node. To separate functional responsibilities among multiple nodes (ECDIS) on the network, each node is assigned a role: Master or Backup.

Note

A Master or Backup can operate outside the bridge’s internal network.

There can be only one Master ECDIS on the network. All other ECDIS units are Backup.

Master:

  • Has no functional restrictions

  • Is the source of navigation data for Backup units

Note

The restrictions on a Backup ECDIS are designed to ensure the integrity of navigation data on the network. All configuration changes are made only on the Master ECDIS and are automatically synchronized to the Backup units.

Backup cannot:

  • Configure sensors

  • Perform manual observations

  • Apply corrections to position, heading, and speed

  • Install ENC and their updates

  • Perform manual ENC updates

  • Perform dead reckoning, including with total drift

Important

Bridge mode is available ONLY when integrating ECDIS units from the same manufacturer.

A Backup performs all the functions of a Master, except for the prohibited ones. Additionally:

  • Synchronize the ENC collection with the Master

  • Synchronize settings with the Master

  • Synchronize routes with the Master

Attention

The Cloned key option is only available in Bridge mode.

The Cloned key supports a maximum of 5 stations simultaneously.

The Cloned key clones the HW_ID.

The Cloned key allows using one set of ENC cells on 5 workstations.

The Cloned key only works when the primary license key is present on the network.

Connecting ECDIS to the Navigation Bridge and Configuration

Connecting ECDIS to the navigation bridge and configuring it must be performed by specialists qualified as information network administrators. Connection and configuration are carried out in accordance with the technical documentation for the ship’s networks and the recommendations of the NSR ECDIS NES-3000 manufacturer.

With proper network and firewall configuration, further ECDIS configuration and synchronization occurs automatically.

Warning

Master/Backup can only be ECDIS units from the same manufacturer.

Viewing the bridge network node composition:

Menu path

Menu → Settings → System → Workstations

or

Backup mode ↔ Master mode

Workstations management interface

No.

Element

Description

1

Master request

Button to request the Master role. The Backup ECDIS sends a request to the Master to transfer the Master role

2

Master accept

Button to accept the Master role

3

Synchronize with Master

Synchronize databases with the Master ECDIS

4

Name

ECDIS name within the navigation bridge

5

Placement

ECDIS location on the vessel

6

SFI

System Function Identifier — unique station function identifier according to IEC 61162-450 (e.g., E10002 for ECDIS No. 2)

7

Transfer

Button to transfer the Master role to the selected Backup ECDIS. Available only on the Master ECDIS

Caution

When configuring the Bridge, the SFI Transmitter must be enabled and configured.

ECDIS Role Management

When the navigation bridge is powered on, there is no Master ECDIS on the network.

A notification about the absence of a Master ECDIS on the network will be displayed in the notification area:

The notification is displayed immediately after the navigation bridge is powered on, when no ECDIS has yet assumed the Master role.

The navigator can assign the Master role to any ECDIS that is part of the bridge, depending on operational necessity.

Subsequently, the Master role can be delegated to any other ECDIS as needed, or it can be requested by a Backup from the Master.

Assigning the Master role

Menu path

Menu → Settings → System → Workstations → Master Accept

or

Backup mode / Master mode → Workstations → Master Accept

The ECDIS will send a network notification that this workstation has accepted the Master role.

A message will be displayed in the notification area:

The indicator button will display the role status Master mode Master.

Transferring the Master role to a Backup

To transfer the Master role to a selected workstation:

Menu path

Menu → Settings → System → Workstations → Select Backup → Transfer

or

Backup mode / Master mode → Workstations → Select Backup → Transfer

The Master ECDIS role will be transferred to the selected workstation.

On the ECDIS from which the Master role was transferred, the role status in the permanent indication area will change from Master to Backup mode Backup.

In the workstation list, the workstation that received the Master role will display the new status.

On the ECDIS that received the Master role, the role status will change to Master mode Master.

Requesting the Master role

When necessary, a Backup ECDIS can request the transfer of the Master role to itself:

Menu path

Menu → Settings → System → Workstations → Master Request

or

Backup mode / Master mode → Workstations → Master Request

The Master will display a request from the Backup.

To transfer the role, confirm the transfer on the Master by pressing the Confirm button.

The Master role will be transferred to the Backup ECDIS.

Synchronization

To prevent data discrepancies in the bridge network, the information from the Master ECDIS takes priority.

Any Backup ECDIS on the bridge network can synchronize data with the Master:

  • ENC

  • Settings

  • Individual user settings: setting presets, ENC presets

ENC Synchronization

ENC synchronization is only possible with the Cloned key (Clone) license option, which allows using a single ENC collection on multiple workstations. When this option is activated on multiple Bridge ECDIS, hardware keys with the same HW_ID are installed.

Important

ECDIS supports operation with up to 5 stations sharing the same HW_ID.

This means one set of ENC can be installed on 5 stations with a single set of ENC licenses (Cell Permits).

When ENC is updated on the Master station, the Backup stations will display a notification about the ENC collection change.

Without this option, only the user chart (User Chart) is synchronized.

Attention

If the Cloned key option is not enabled, ENCs will be synchronized, but encrypted cells will not be displayed.

ENC synchronization is performed in the following cases:

  • Installation of new ENC into the collection

  • Receipt and application of ENC updates

  • Addition of new Cell Permits

  • Addition, deletion, or modification of certificates

  • Execution of manual ENC updates

  • Creation or deletion of new Mariner’s Objects

Synchronize ENC on the Backup ECDIS:

Menu path

Menu → Settings → System → Workstations → Synchronize with the Master → Charts → Sync

or

Backup mode → Master mode → Workstations → Synchronize with the Master → Charts → Sync

ENC synchronization dialog:

The window displays the progress of chart collection synchronization between the Backup and Master ECDIS.

Warning

After ENC synchronization, the workstation will automatically restart. Ensure that the restart will not affect current navigation operations.

Important

The synchronization time for chart collections depends on the volume of charts on the ECDIS. All collections are synchronized, including those with expired licenses.

Settings Synchronization

Settings synchronization is performed in the following cases:

  • Changes to vessel dimensions (e.g., towing)

  • Changes to registration data

  • Changes to sensors (configuration, binding, connection parameters, sentence filter changes)

Synchronize Settings on the Backup ECDIS:

Menu path

Menu → Settings → System → Workstations → Synchronize with the Master → Settings → Sync

or

Backup mode / Master mode → Workstations → Synchronize with the Master → Settings → Sync

Important

ECDIS performs only the synchronization of settings saved to a settings set.

If no saved set exists on the Master, synchronization will not be performed.

After settings synchronization on the Backup ECDIS, the **Settings Management** section will display a list of settings sets identical to the Master’s settings sets list.

To apply the required set on the Backup ECDIS, select and apply the set as described in the **Settings Management** section.