C-MAP have developed a world wide portfolio of electronic charts in what is known as a System Electronic Navigation Chart (SENC) format. Simply this means that the C-MAP chart database may be loaded directly into an Electronic Chart System (ECS) or an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). The majority of manufacturers of these systems have incorporated the ability to utilise the C-MAP CM93/3 SENC format.

As part of the development of CM93/3 a very important step forward has been taken in the facility for vessels to visit the C-MAP website, or Email request to C-MAP for updating with the latest Notices to Mariners, ensuring that the latest updates are automatically incorporated into the vessels electronic chart folio. This updating procedure is an essential part of the approval for distribution of official ENC in CM93/3 SENC format, with the benefit to all users of CM93/3 whether utilising ECDIS or ECS displays.

ENC's are produced and distributed by Hydrographic offices and are supplied in the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) standard format known as S57. This alpha-numeric format needs conversion to a binary (SENC) format before the ECDIS can use the information. Onboard conversion, within the ECDIS, as with any conversion of electronic formats may be subject to errors and in addition is a very lengthy process.

C-MAP now have formal approval to convert S57 data to the CM93/3 SENC format under strictly controlled and quality tested conditions and distribute these as official ENC. So far, this approval applies to limited areas but we are working hard to increase the areas of coverage which will be of great benefit to our customers.