Event Points (EP by route)

Menu path

MenuRoutes → Select Route → Select leg → Create control point

During navigation along a route, the navigator may need to be alerted about a specific event: transition from one VTS area to another, confirmation of port entry, etc. For this purpose, event points (alert points) are implemented in ECDIS.

Important

ECDIS generates a warning that after a time and/or distance set by the navigator, the vessel will approach the event point. The approach warning must contain the text entered by the navigator during creation.

Event point interface

Event point management interface

Interface elements

Element

Description

1

Event Point

Position of the event point on the map

Not necessarily located on the route centerline

Can be placed anywhere on the map

2

Create event

Button to create a new event point

Adds an EP at the current cursor position on the map

3

Delete event

Deletes the selected EP(s)

Works with multiple selection

Irreversible operation

4

Event description

Text description of the event

Will be displayed in the notification area when one of the event criteria is met

It is recommended to use brief but informative descriptions

5

Distance notification

Distance in nautical miles at which a notification will be generated

Measured from the vessel’s current position to the EP

6

Time notification

Time to the point in minutes, upon reaching which a notification will be generated

Time to the point is calculated based on the vessel’s current speed

7

EP positioning

Center the event point on the screen

For quick navigation to the EP area

8

Select

Mode for selecting multiple event points

For batch editing or deletion

9

Back

Return to the previous window

Exit event point management mode

Creating an event point

Step-by-step procedure:

  1. Precise coordinate input — the LAT, LON fields can be used for precise EP positioning

  2. Enter EP text description — fill in the Description field with a brief description of the event

  3. Enter warning generation criteria:

    • By distanceNotifications for (NM)

    • By timeNotifications for (min)

    • Warning generation occurs based on whichever criterion is met first

  4. Save event points — press Back and then Save in the main route window

Note

Using this method, event points can be set for different sections of the route. All event points belonging to the route will be displayed on the map when the route is activated.

Working with event points

Management features:

  • Affiliation indication: Event points do not have an indication of affiliation with a route leg

  • Editing: To modify EP settings:

    • Open the route for editing

    • Left-click (tap) on the map at the position of the required point

  • Moving: To move an event point:

    • Hold the left mouse button (hold finger)

    • Drag to a new position on the map

Alerts during navigation:

When navigating along a route with event points, warnings will be generated when approaching EPs with the specified parameters.

Event point notification example

Tip

Use event points for important navigational events: VTS area change, entering a narrow channel, port approach, change of navigation mode. This enhances the situational awareness of the officer of the watch.

Deleting event points

To delete an event point:

Menu path

MenuRoutes → Select Route → Select leg → Create control pointDelete route

Deletion procedure:

  1. Select the event point in the list or on the map

  2. Press Delete EP or use the Delete event button

  3. Confirm deletion

  4. Save changes via Back and Save

Warning

Deleting event points is irreversible. Make sure you are deleting the EP that is no longer needed. When a route is deleted, all associated event points will also be deleted.

Usage recommendations

Event point planning:

  1. Place EPs at key points along the route

  2. Use clear event descriptions

  3. Set reasonable alert criteria (distance/time)

  4. Test settings on short passages

Alert criteria:

  • By distance: suitable for precise navigational maneuvers

  • By time: convenient for planning crew actions

  • Combined: provide maximum alert reliability

Event descriptions:

  • Use standard terminology

  • Specify concrete actions: “VTS change”, “Port entry”, “Pilotage”

  • Avoid long descriptions — they may not fit in the notification window

Important

Event points are an important element of maritime safety. Properly configured EPs help prevent navigational errors and ensure timely execution of necessary actions along the route.