ENC Essentials

Electronic navigational charts (ENC) are the only official nautical charts produced by NOAA, having replaced all traditional paper charts as of January 1, 2025.


ENC contain much more information than paper charts do, they are easier to keep up to date, and they add notable safety features to navigation underway.


But ENC look different and are structured differently than paper charts. The safe use of ENC requires new knowledge on charts and chart reading.


This booklet is a quick guide on how to use these powerful electronic charts, which are quickly becoming what we mean when we say “nautical chart.”


Booklet includes an in-depth online news and support page.


Table of Contents


Preface

Internationality of ENC

Acknowledgments 

1. What is an ENC? 

2. Chart Numbers, Boundaries, and Sources

3. How to View an ENC 

4. Display Modes and Minimum Scales 

5. Objects, Attributes, and Cursor Picking 

6. Symbols, Labels, and Chart No. 1

7. Lights, Buoys, and Rocks 

8. Water Depths and the Danger Symbol 

9. Electronic Chart Scales 

10. Rescheming, Regridding, and Metrification 

11. International ENC

12. Other Benefits of Electronic Chart Navigation

References 

Index