Navigating the seas is no small task, and having the right charts and publications is essential for safe and compliant voyages. ADMIRALTY charts and digital solutions have revolutionised maritime navigation by providing accurate, up-to-date information on-demand.
However, for captains operating within small commercial fleets, smaller vessels, fishing boats or superyachts, there’s often confusion about ADMIRALTY terms like ENP, ADP and AVCS.
At OpenC247.com, we’ve identified areas where confusion often arises and are here to provide clarity on what these tools are, how they benefit you, and how we make them easier to use.
What are ADMIRALTY charts and digital navigation solutions?
ADMIRALTY charts and services from the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) provide reliable and detailed navigational data to mariners worldwide. However, in the digital era, they come in various formats that captains may not fully understand.
ADMIRALTY offers three main digital solutions to replace or complement traditional paper charts and publications. (While ADMIRALTY does still support paper, they are very much leaning on digital for the future. See the bottom of this article for details).
Here’s a simplified explanation of these tools and their role in maritime navigation:
AENP – ADMIRALTY Electronic Nautical Publications
Digital counterparts of traditional paper publications, ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publications (referred to as AENPs or just ENPs) include essential resources like ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions, Nautical Almanac, and the Mariners Handbook. In fact there are 90 official ADMIRALTY e-publications.
Delivered as Secured PDFs, these publications offer features such as quick search, bookmarking, and weekly updates.PDF are accessed only using ADMIRALTY e-readers.
Benefits of AENPs:
- Weekly Notices to Mariners are quickly applied with precision, ensuring continuous safety and compliance while removing human error in publication maintenance.
- 90 official ADMIRALTY publications accessible via e-reader, reducing need for storage space of hardcopy publications.
- No need to wait to arrive at next port for deliveries as can receive eBook permits within a minute of purchase.
- Approved for use by Flag Stages of over 80% of ships trading internationally, with clear display of NM updates to aid inspections.
Find out more from ADMIRALTY here.
OpenC247.com makes AENPs available through:
1. Instant digital access
- Once purchased, the AENP can be accessed using ADMIRALTY e-reader on Windows PC.
2. Free weekly updates
- AENPs are kept current via free, Notices to Mariners updates through the platform.
3. Pay-as-you-go model
- No contracts or subscriptions — buy only the AENPs you need.
- Ideal for smaller vessels, one-off voyages, or dynamic fleets.
4. Audit-ready compliance
- All purchased AENPs and their update logs are stored in your account for inspection or record-keeping.
- Helps you stay SOLAS-compliant with full traceability.
ADP – ADMIRALTY Digital Publications
ADMIRALTY Digital Publications or ADPs are software versions of specific ADMIRALTY publications, such as the Digital List of Lights, Digital Radio Signals and Digital Tide Tables. These are installed on onboard Windows PCs and updated via email or the internet. They are essentially the official, SOLAS-compliant digital alternatives to the traditional paper versions and are designed for fast, efficient use on a vessel’s computer.
Benefits of ADPs:
- Quick search and filtering tools for enhanced usability.
- Reliable updates with an audit trail to maintain compliance.
- Fully compliant with SOLAS carriage requirements when used correctly.
The ADPs include:
1. ADMIRALTY Digital List of Lights (ADLL)
- Covers over 85,000 light structures worldwide.
- Allows filtering by region, range and type.
2. ADMIRALTY Digital Radio Signals (ADRS)
- Volumes 1,2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- Includes maritime radio, coast stations, rescue coordination centres, and more.
3. ADMIRALTY TotalTide
- Global tidal predictions based on real data.
- Used for voyage planning, pilotage and port entry.
OpenC247.com offers a simple and modern way to buy and manage ADPs:
1. Instant purchase & licensing
No subscriptions or contracts — you can buy ADP titles as needed.
2. Downloadable software
Once purchased, OpenC247.com provides:
- Links to download the ADP software.
- Instructions for installation and activation.
- Supply of the licence key.
- Each publication runs on Windows-based PCs and is designed for use offline.
3. Free weekly updates
OpenC247.com gives users access to weekly update files, which:
- Keep your digital publications accurate and compliant.
- Can be applied easily through the ADP software interface.
4. Audit-ready record keeping
All purchases and update logs are available in your account.
Ensures you meet compliance inspections with minimal effort.
Find out more from ADMIRALTY here.
AVCS – ADMIRALTY Vector Chart Service
ADMIRALTY Vector Chart Service or AVCS is a digital charting system that delivers official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) used in electronic chart display systems (ECDIS) to enable SOLAS-compliant digital navigation.
AVCS is the world’s most comprehensive and trusted official ENC service. It covers global waters, offering real-time positioning, route planning and frequent updates.
Benefits of AVCS:
- Meets International Maritime Organization (IMO) SOLAS regulations for paperless navigation.
- Enables precise real-time navigation and greater safety.
- Comprehensive global coverage with over 90 hydrographic offices contributing.
- Covers over 90% of the world’s commercial shipping routes.
- Is compliant with SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19.2.1.4
What’s in the AVCS ENC data?
- Depths, coastlines, hazards.
- Navigational aids (buoys, lights).
- Ports, shipping lanes, anchorages.
- Regulatory zones, restricted areas.
OpenC247.com offers a flexible, pay-as-you-go way to access AVCS, ideal for captains and operators needing speed, compliance and control.
1. Instant permit delivery
Purchase ENCs via route planning or area selection.
Get instant access to AVCS permits – ready for upload to ECDIS.
No subscription — buy only what you need (e.g. a route from Rotterdam to Jeddah).
2. Smart route planner
Input a route (ports, waypoints) and OpenC247 selects all required ENC cells.
Avoids overbuying or under-covering.
Allows you to preview and edit selections before payment.
3. Automatic updates
Access free weekly updates to ensure compliance.
Updates come in a format compatible with your ECDIS system.
Complies with flag-state and port-state audit requirements.
4. Flexible licensing options
Standard licence: Valid for 3, 6,9 or 12 months.
You pay per ENC cell— no locked bundles or minimum purchases.
Find out more about AVCS from ADMIRALTY here
Why digital navigation is increasingly vital
Digital navigation tools represent a practical, cost-effective alternative to traditional paper methods. Here’s why they matter:
Space-saving: Replace stacks of heavy paper publications with easily accessible digital versions.
Time-saving: Streamlined route planning and automatic updates reduce administrative burdens.
Cost-efficient: Pay-as-you-go models like OpenC247.com make high-quality navigation options affordable for smaller operators.
Easy maintenance: Updates and licensing are handled digitally, ensuring compliance without added stress.
Use OpenC247.com with confidence
At OpenC247.com, we aim to empower captains with the tools they need to sail confidently and safely without unnecessary expense or complexity. Whether you’re charting for new waters or sticking to familiar routes, our flexible, accessible and compliant solutions are here to keep you on course.
Want to see how it works? Try OpenC247.com for free today and explore how easy it is to plot your course with the right tools at your fingertips.
A note about ADMIRALTY paper charts
ADMIRALTY initially announced they would discontinue paper charts in 2026. However there has been a ‘stay of execution’. UKHO reconfirmed the 2030 target in 2023 but then later clarified it would proceed gradually and in close consultation with users like commercial shipping, fishing fleets, recreational sailors and defence and maritime authorities.
The reason for this is the declining use of paper charts as a global trend. But they have stated their “commitment to maintaining a viable paper chart service”.
OpenC247.com understands there is still need for paper charts and publications while all vessels transition to a fully paperless, digital bridge. All ADMIRALTY Charts can be purchased on OpenC247.com with ease and can supply these and deliver to wherever you are in the world.
You can read more from ADMIRALTY here.