Below is a summary of the points raised at the Mini-ECDIS Workshop of 17th October 2002 in Hull.
Note: This summary is not an exhaustive list of requirements for Mini-ECDIS.

• Reasons for Mini-ECDIS
• Fishing vessels have a poor safety record
• Navigation in practice uses unregulated systems

• MCA Requirements
• Navigation equipment should be fit for purpose
• Hardware should be manufactured to recognised standards
• Software should be written to comply with a Mini-ECDIS Specification
• Self-certification is an acceptable route
• ENC's (S57 Vector) charts and official national hydrographic office raster charts should be supported where appropriate.

• Functional and performance specification
• Should be based on modified ECDIS
• Compatible with Inland-ECDIS
• Should generally identify functional requirements rather than solutions
• Should use the IHO/IMO approved presentation library for official data
• Should not rule out embedded non-keyboard systems

• Technical options
• Mandatory support for a common format for own, local & published data
• User defined text size
• Dual-fuel vector / raster
• Dual Screen operational / navigational modes should be allowed
• AIS ready
• Optional dead man's handle
• Optional security levels of access
• Optional black-box record / playback facilities
• Permits additional information layers e.g. tides, temp, weather, depths etc.
• Additional layers could form a potential reliability problem - the whole system should meet the standard

• Minimum Systems Requirements
• Mini-ECDIS should be an integrated hardware / software platform
• The operating system should be inaccessible to the user
• Should meet IEC60945
• Allow manual update
• Backup Systems should be specified
• Spare Charts or System Mini-ECDIS perhaps with relaxed criteria may be acceptable
• Spare navigation systems should be specified e.g. GPS receiver
• Allowance for spare power systems should be detailed

• Charts
• UKHO timetable for production has been provided and should be adhered to
• Charts / updates must be inexpensive or even free
• Installation of chart data should be an easy process
• ENC's/ Official Raster is required by regulations for navigation

• Sales Issues
• Capable of ECS operation if ENC's are not available
• Cost effective system
• Help fishermen catch fish
• Manufacturers should be free to innovate
• Can use extra information layers to encourage sales

• Drawbacks of Mini-ECDIS
  • Could result in information overload, with too much information on a small screen.
  • Could increase complexity of operation, resulting in user confusion of operation.
  • Confusion with symbology with added information layers could result identification confusion.
  • Complexity could adversely affect system reliability
  • Could stagnate market by promising something which is not immediately available.