engleski

The role of regional electronic navigational charts coordinating centers in the provision of ENC services

Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) have a very important role in modern maritime navigation. Their development and application on ships directly contributes to maritime traffic safety. The International hydrographic organization (IHO) has developed a whole series of ENC standards. Regional Electronic Nautical Charts Coordinating Centers (RENCs) have important role in the process of implementation of these standards. The RENCs are non-profit government services. They are operated on behalf of national hydrographic offices. To date, two RENCs – PRIMAR and IC-ENC, are in operation. The main role of RENC is to participate in the IHO data protection scheme. RENCs among other things, carry out the activities of collection, distribution and update of the ENCs. They maintain ENC databases and their updates. ENC cells and updates are available to end users through the network of authorized distributors. Although, a number of nations still distribute their ENCs individually either through individually appointed chart data suppliers or directly, many national hydrographic offices send their products to RENCs for the collection and distribution. The paper analyzes the organization and activities of RENCs within the IHO data protection scheme. The advantages and disadvantages of the scheme are considered with special emphasis on the solutions related to the whole process of using ENCs.

Electronic Navigational Chart ; RENC ; Data protection scheme ; Chart updates

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