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NOTICES TO MARINERS
Fortnightly Notices to Mariners are available in PDF format. We also publish tracings, blocks, cumulative lists and other supplements.
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You may also be interested in our charting products - Paper Charts, ENC's RNC's and more...
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Australian ENC
(Electronic Navigational Chart)
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 and protected using the IHO S63 data protection scheme. 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).
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
The Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS) is aware that there is some confusion in the marine environment in relation to “S57” and ENCs. Please note that “S57” is an IHO transfer format and is not an official ENC. Anyone can produce “S57” formatted data but only the official ENC complies with SOLAS requirements and carries the warranty of a National Hydrographic Office. The AHS does not publish “S57” formatted data.
More information about ENCs and ECDIS can be found in the section Electronic Charts.
Australian ENCs
Australian ENCs, are published by the Australian
Hydrographic Service. They are produced in International
Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S57 Edition 3.1
format and are protected using the IHO S63 data
protection scheme. See Press
Release.
Official Electronic Chart Status
When used in an IMO compliant ECDIS, Australian ENCs
(and Seafarer RNCs for those areas not yet covered
by Australian ENCs) will allow vessels navigating in
Australia to meet the strict electronic chart carriage
requirements of SOLAS Chapter V.
Australian ENCs satisfy Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention
as amended in 2002 and promulgated for Australia under
AMSA Marine Orders Part 21, Order 6 of 2003, which
details carriage requirements for nautical charts and
publications necessary for the intended voyage.
Australian ENC Coverage
Click on the image above to be forwarded to our Australian Chart Index page. There you will be able to select from the Standard (text-based) and Advanced (graphical-based) versions of the Chart Index to find more details on ENC Cell coverage.
Data Appearance
It should be noted that the appearance and content of Australian ENCs may differ substantially from the same or similar data in the paper chart form. In particular shoal areas within the Great Barrier Reef may contain depth data at 1-metre contour intervals taken from original surveys rather than from the existing paper charts. This will enable the full benefits of ECDIS and particularly its safety depth alarm function to be used most effectively.
Australia’s ENC Production Priorities
ENCs usually contain much more information than a paper chart, so it will take some time to provide continuous coverage of ENCs for world voyages. However the Australian Hydrographic Service is committed to providing ENC coverage for all areas covered by Australian paper charts in 2010. In the meantime, Australian ENCs will be released in stages according to the following priorities:
- Navigationally restricted and environmentally sensitive areas
- Major shipping routes
- Harbour approaches
- Coastal regions
For more information on planned ENC production activities see the National Chart Production Schedule in Hydroscheme.
Global ENC Coverage
For details of worldwide offical ENC availability go to http://www.iho.shom.fr. From the home page, select the ENC drop-down menu and click ENC Coverage.
How do I obtain Australian ENCs?
Australian ENC's are commercially available through the IC-ENC’s international distribution network. Details can be found at www.ic-enc.org.
However, Australian port authorities and Australian pilot companies may request Australian ENCs that cover their port limits or areas of operation, directly from the Australian Hydrographic Service. These are supplied under the 'Seafarer ENC' label. Beyond these limits, it is considered that the IC-ENC network should be used.
For further information please contact the AHS Licensing Manager.
| Phone: | 02 4223 6500 |
Fax: |
02 4223 6599 |
Email: |
Note: Australian ENCs are protected using the IHO S63 data protection scheme. Mariners wishing to use Australian ENCs should confirm that their viewing system is IHO “S63” compatible before purchase.
How are Australian ENCs updated?
Australian ENCs are supported by an update service which is included in the ENC purchase price. Further information can be obtained from IC-ENC distributors (see www.ic-enc.org).
Seafarer ENCs released directly by the AHS to port authorities and pilot companies are supported by a monthly CD based update service. Updates for existing ENC cells can also be obtained from the Product Downloads section of this website. However, new cells and new editions will require new permits which will be provided through the monthly CD update service. For further information please contact the AHS Licensing Manager.
In July 2010, the Australian Hydrographic Service commenced updating ENCs for Temporary and Preliminary notices in addition to Permanent notices. A full suite of Temporary and Preliminary notices are expected to be available by January 2011.
Priority for population is:
- Depth information for berths
- Scientific instruments
- Harbour works
- Wrecks
- Damaged navaids
- Others
Until population of Australian Temporary and Preliminary Notices for ENCs is complete, mariners should consult fortnightly Australian Notice to Mariners which can be downloaded from the Notices to Mariners section of this website or acquired in paper form from AHS distributors offering a ‘Paper NtMs’ service.
What is the cost of Australian ENCs?
For pricing and availability contact an IC-ENC distributor (www.ic-enc.org).
Australian port authorities may acquire (direct from the AHS only) Australian ENCs within their port limits or areas of vessel management (which ever the greater), under a licensing arrangement, free in exchange for hydrographic information. Australian pilot companies are permitted to purchase (direct from the AHS only) Australian ENCs of their area of operation at equivalent rates to the IC-ENC’s but with no minimum spend policy. For further information please contact the AHS Licensing Manager.
Australian ENC Sample Cell
To assist mariners and developers an unprotected ENC sample cell can be found here.
NOTE: Commercially available Australian ENC's are protected using the IHO S63 data protection scheme. Mariners wishing to use ENCs should check that their preferred viewing system is IHO S63 compliant before purchase.
