The Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS) is Australia's national hydrographic authority and the Commonwealth Government agency responsible for the publication of official nautical charts and other information required for the safety of ships navigating in Australian waters. It publishes Australia's official paper and electronic navigation charts and publications such as Notices to Mariners (NTM), Sailing Directions and Australian National Tide Tables.

Seafarer RNC (Raster Navigational Chart) is Australia's authorised raster format electronic charts for use in International Maritime Organisation (IMO) compliant Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and compatible Electronic Chart Systems (ECS).


Seafarer RNC

Seafarer RNC is a fully electronic chart service providing high quality digital reproductions of the official Australian paper charts and maintains the same standards of accuracy, reliability and clarity as the paper versions. It is suitable for use in a wide range of maritime applications, from fully integrated bridge systems to stand alone PC based Electronic Charting Systems.

These systems bring a range of benefits to chart users and can significantly reduce the time taken to perform many routine navigational tasks such as bearing and distance calculation, waypoint insertion and route planning. Most will allow a link to GPS to automatically display vessel position accurately, and in real time, and provide a range of tools to help improve navigational safety.

Seafarer RNC also includes an update service as an integral part of its program. This service provides the latest new editions and Notice to Mariner updates on a CD that automatically updates the customer’s charts. Recognising the different requirements of mariners, two update services are available: a Monthly Update Service which provides the mariner with an update CD each month and a Periodical Update Service which allows mariners to update their charts less frequently at a discount.

What is an ENC?

An ENC, or Electronic Navigational Chart, is an official vector electronic chart produced in International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S57 Edition 3.1 format. It is authorised for use in International Maritime Organization (IMO) compliant Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and can also be used in compatible Electronic Chart Systems (ECS).

More information can be found on our website at www.hydro.gov.au.

The versatility of the ENC vector chart database and the comprehensive ECDIS display and performance standards allow the mariner to select and display relevant navigational information to the requirements and the situation at the time. For example:

• ECDIS will respond to the safety depth contour based on a vessel's actual draft.
  
• Dangers or hazards be identified automatically and warnings and alarms raised.
  
• The level of chart detail be adjusted according to the circumstances.
  
• Alternative colour schemes can be selected for use by day or by night.
  
• Provision of alerts and prompts for planned course alterations.