The U.S. Coast Guard printed steering February fifth that permits mariners to make use of digital charts and publications as an alternative of paper charts, maps and publications.

The Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, NVIC 01-16 establishes uniform steering on what’s now thought of equal to chart and publication carriage necessities.

Combining the suite of digital charts from the U.S. hydrographic authorities and the Electronic Charting System (ECS) requirements printed this previous summer time by the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services, the Coast Guard believes official digital charts present mariners with an alternative choice to the standard official paper charts. 

“After consultation with our Navigation Safety Advisory Committee, the Coast Guard will allow mariners to use official electronic charts instead of paper charts, if they choose to do so. With real-time voyage planning and monitoring information at their fingertips, mariners will no longer have the burden of maintaining a full portfolio of paper charts,” stated Capt. Scott J. Smith, the chief of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Navigation Systems.

The new steering applies to vessels topic to U.S. chart, or map, and publication carriage necessities codified in Titles 33 and 46 CFR and gives a voluntary different means to adjust to these necessities.

“Mariners have been requesting the recognition of this capability for some time,” stated Smith.  “When you combine the new expanded Automatic Identification System carriage requirement and the capability that an ECS provides, it should provide a platform to move American waterways into the 21^st century.”

This expertise can even enable mariners to make the most of data and knowledge to reinforce situational consciousness throughout voyage planning and whereas underway.

“Together, with our industry and international partners, we are leveraging modern technology to contribute to the safety, security and prosperity of our nation,” stated Smith.

 View NVIC 01-16 at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/pdf/2016/NVIC_01-16_electronic_charts_and_publications.pdf