Marine guides

How to organise offline nautical chart updates

Review chart sources, coverage and local copies before a voyage.

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Plan coverage

Identify the intended route and possible alternative ports. Check the origin, licence and currency of the charts you need with the relevant provider.

Import and review ashore

Download and import updates when you have connectivity and time to check them. Open the relevant areas and scales on the onboard device and keep a licensed backup.

Record your review

Document the sources and dates used and establish a pre-departure routine. Keep alternative navigation resources and consult applicable notices to mariners.

A record for each source

Record provider, coverage, edition or date, licence and local storage location. Check each source for updates before a trip and keep download documentation. Do not treat the import date as the chart revision date.

Test on the vessel

Inspect the main route and alternatives on the actual device and installed storage. Test several zoom levels and restart the server without internet. If one file replaces another, confirm which is displayed and retain a recoverable copy when the licence allows.

Sources and further reading

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