Electronic navigational chart
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An electronic navigational chart (ENC) is a database with standardized content, structure and format created by national hydrographic office for use with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). An ENC contains the chart information necessary for safe navigation and may contain supplementary information, such as sailing directions.
Electronic Navigational Charts are available from REGIONAL ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CENTRES (RENC's) operated by govenrnmental orgainisations such as Primar or hydrographic offices such as NOAA who then distribute these to standard chart agents and distributors. Only ENCs can be used within an ECDIS to meet the IMO performance standard for ECDIS and in July 2008 the first Mandatory Requirements for the use of ENC and ECDIS will become international law (IMO/NAV).
The IHO standard S63 developed by ECC is used to encrypt and secure ENCs.
