Indian Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) Programme: Marching Towards Self-Reliance Dr. U. K. Singh and Rajesh Kumar Civil Hydrographic Officer (
[email protected]) Principal Civil Hydrographic officer Indian National Hydrographic Office 107-A, Rajpur Road, Dehradun (UA), INDIA-248 001 Tel: 91-135-2747365-211 (Extn.) Fax: 91-135-2748373 ABSTRACT : Marine navigational safety is the prime concern of Hydrographic Office (HO) in order to provide safe and efficient navigation and for the development of nation maritime policies. The efforts for safe and efficient use of hydrographic products and services have paved way for development of the Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). The recent developments in Electronic Navigational Charts(ENCs) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System(ECDIS) are panacea in this direction. With this pertinent ambition the Electronic Navigational Charting programme of India started in 1997 with a vision to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the use of electronic charts when operating in its Waters. More than 206 ENC’s were generated for all 6 usage bands in short span of 5 years. This paper describes vision, initial accomplishments, production flow of ENC and future vision of Indian National Hydrographic Office (INHO) in development and marketing of its Electronic Navigational Charts. The paper also described the regional cooperation in production and setting-up of RENC for North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC). 1. INTRODUCTION : Navigation of ships through nation's coastal waters and channels using improved navigational systems and new navigation technologies is the prime concern of any Hydrographic Office (HO) in the world. HOs have been haunted in past years, by shipping disasters, which have questioned the safety of life at sea, both to the mariners and ocean environmentalists.