Extended Abstract
The Basic role of a Hydrographic Office’s (HO) is to provide essential hydrographic Services to support safe and efficient navigation and promote national maritime development for the nation. In recent years HOs all over the world are playing leading role in development of Electronic Navigational Charts for marine community so that vessels can navigate safely on their voyage across oceans.
Navigation of ships in and out of the nation's coastal waters and channels could be made safer by improving the Navigational systems by adopting new navigation technologies. In recent years, well-publicized shipping disasters have called into question the safety of life at sea both to the mariners and ocean environment, the effectiveness of navigation technology thus is facing challenges and looking into future for a technology that the Navigation system uses. Presently although Navigational systems for the most part are safe, but could be made more safer with improvements in onboard navigational systems performance by better use of new technologies including improved coordination of vessel traffic and using digital/electronic navigational charts for improved safety.
Innovations in navigation technology hold significant potential for reducing operational risk and improving safety performance, and their introduction should be expedited. Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) coupled with Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) holds particular promise.
The Electronic Navigational Charting programme of India started with a vision to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the use of electronic charts when operating in its waters. Beside this the purpose was to develop an information system and demonstrate world that India is capable of producing full coverage of its National Chart series digitally and as per the specifications laid down by IHO/IMO.
This paper describes initial accomplishments, present scope and future vision of Indian National Hydrographic office (INHO) in development of its Electronic Navigational Charting programme.
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