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Land Information New Zealand have launched a free electronic navigational charts service to help keep New Zealanders safe on the water this summer.
ENC are sometimes referred to as nautical or marine charts and in this country is a subscription service that requires a navigation system which is configurable and compatible with International Hydrographic Organization S-63 encryption. Once subscribed, users will receive regular updates drawn from LINZ official data.
The NZ ENC service has been developed in response to mariners increasingly using electronic charts and plotters for navigation and LINZ and Maritime NZ worked closely together on the project.
“By using the NZ ENC service, recreational and commercial mariners will have the very best and most up-to-date data available to sail safely in New Zealand waters,” LINZ chief executive Gaye Searancke said.
Mariners can choose from six chart pack regions covering the North and South Islands, with specific packs for the Auckland area, Bay of Islands, Cook Strait and the inland water of Lakes Wakatipu and Taupō.
“Free access to navigational charts makes New Zealand waters safer for boaties and commercial shipping,” Maritime NZ principal nautical advisor Matt Dean said. “I encourage everyone who can use electronic charts to take advantage of this excellent offer.
“Up-to-date navigational charts are crucial to the safety of boats and ships, the people on them and our environment. The easier they are to access, the safer we are.
“LINZ and Maritime NZ are keen to continue developing improved navigational products to help keep New Zealanders safe.”
The Ports of Auckland were involved in the NZ ENC service’s trial and now have 12 Ports of Auckland pilots using it on their portable piloting units.
For technical information about the NZ ENC Service and to download, visit https://www.encservice.linz.govt.nz/
- Pic: An aerial view of Opua marina in the Bay of Islands. Photo: LINZ.
