Efficient voyage planning shouldn’t mean paying for navigation charts you don’t need. Whether you’re navigating familiar waters or charting new routes, OpenC247’s intelligent chart selection system ensures you purchase only the essential navigational charts (ENCs) required for your specific journey – saving money while maintaining full compliance.
Why smart navigation chart selection matters
Traditional chart subscriptions often bundle extensive coverage areas, forcing you to pay for charts you’ll never use. With OpenC247’s pay-as-you-go model, you can plot your exact route and purchase only the charts that your vessel will actually transit through. No subscriptions, no unnecessary coverage – just the charts you need, when you need them.
Watch our short video guide then read on for tips and tools to get you started.
Getting started: two ways to define your route
If you use an ECDIS then it’s simple to export your planned route and import it into OpenC247.
If you don’t have an ECDIS then you can plot your route manually in seconds.
Option 1: Import your ECDIS route
Already finalized your route on your ECDIS? Perfect. Simply:
• Access the OpenC247 platform from any device (PC, tablet, or smartphone)
• Export your route from your ECDIS in the following formats:
GPX | RTZ | RTX | CSV | RT3 | RT4 | .TXT
• Import it directly into OpenC247 with one click – ‘Import Route’.
The system instantly identifies all required ENCs and Admiralty Digital Publications (ADP and e-NP) for your exact path.
This method ensures maximum accuracy, as it uses your actual planned track to determine chart requirements.
Option 2: Plot your route in OpenC247
If you prefer to plan directly in OpenC247:
• Access the OpenC247 platform from any device (PC, tablet, or smartphone).
• Click ‘Draw a Route’ to place waypoints from departure to arrival port.
• Adjust your route as needed.
• Select ‘Get a Quote’ when finished.
The intuitive interface makes route planning straightforward, even for complex voyages.
Automatic chart identification
Once your route is saved, OpenC247’s intelligent system springs into action:
Route analysis: The software analyses every nautical mile of your planned voyage.
Chart identification: It identifies every ENC cell your vessel will pass through.
Required charts: You receive a clear list of only the charts you’re missing.
This automated process eliminates guesswork and ensures you don’t miss critical coverage areas.
Fine-tuning your selection
Scale-based filtering
Not every voyage requires every scale of chart. OpenC247 lets you filter by usage bands:
Berthing: Large-scale charts for port approaches
Harbour: Detailed port and anchorage charts
Approach: Charts for coastal approaches
Coastal: General coastal navigation
General: Passage planning charts
Overview: Small-scale planning charts
Toggle between scales to match your operational needs and budget.
Holdings check
The system can cross-reference your existing chart inventory – based on more than 30 days validity, less than 30 days validity or expired charts. This ensures you only pay for charts you actually need.
Finalizing your order
Review your basket
Select ‘Get a Quote’ when finished with your route.
Before purchasing:
• Verify all required charts are included.
• Check chart validity periods (3 months is standard for most voyages).
• Review total costs with OpenC247’s transparent pricing.
• Export your basket for approval if needed.
Manual selection control
Need even more control? At checkout you can:
• Click any highlighted ENC cell to add or remove it from your basket.
• Review coverage areas visually on the map.
• Ensure you have appropriate chart scales for critical areas.
• Remove unnecessary charts for areas with good local knowledge.
Instant digital delivery
Once you complete your order:
• Digital permits download immediately.
• Compatible with all major ECDIS systems.
• Free updates and corrections included.
• Available 24/7 from any location.
Paper chart options
Need paper charts? The same simple process applies:
• Select paper versions during checkout.
• Choose your next convenient port for delivery.
• Track your order status online.
Installing your digital charts
After receiving your permits this is a typical process to follow:
• Prepare the files
• Download permit files (usually delivered as ZIP files).
• Extract to a clean USB drive.
• Separate permits for Master and Backup ECDIS if applicable.
• Load into ECDIS or chart reader
• Navigate to chart management/inventory section.
• Import permits from USB.
• Permits act as “keys” to unlock your purchased ENCs.
• Complete the installation
• Install permits first.
• Load base ENC data.
• Apply latest weekly updates (free from OpenC247).
• Verify all charts display correctly.
Cost savings in action
Consider a typical voyage from Rotterdam to Singapore:
Traditional subscription: Covers entire Indian Ocean region.
OpenC247 approach: Only charts along your actual route.
Potential savings: 20-30% on chart costs.
Pro tips for efficient chart selection
Plan ahead: Import routes early to identify chart requirements.
Check holdings first: Avoid purchasing charts you already own – or ensure you use OpenC247 ‘s included tools to check this for you.
Bundle wisely: If planning multiple voyages, check for overlapping coverage.
Update regularly: Free updates from OpenC247 ensure compliance without additional cost.
Ready to optimize your chart purchases?
OpenC247 makes port-to-port planning simple, cost-effective and fully compliant when used correctly. No subscriptions, no contracts – just the charts you need for safe navigation.
Get started today:
• Register free in under 60 seconds.
• Plot or import your route.
• Review automated chart selections.
• Purchase only what you need.
• Download instantly or arrange port delivery.
• Discover how much you could save on your next voyage.
Remember: With OpenC247, you’re always in control. Select only the charts you need, pay only for what you use, and maintain full compliance – all without the burden of expensive subscriptions. Register here.