With the recent announcement that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will cease offering paper nautical charts as of April 13, 2014, boat owners and mariners may be in a quandary on how to remain current on these critical charts for safe marine navigation. Printed nautical maps have been the traditional navigational method for boaters, both commercial and pleasure, for centuries, with the US government printing these charts dating back to 1862.
Like other industries and fields, nautical navigation is going digital. It's time to get aboard with the nautical technology changes announced. GPS nautical charts and other electronic formats and apps will become the standard for many mariners. Now is the time to move your critical charts to a digital format, whether a mobile application or online service. Raster Navigational Chart (RNC) DVDs are available currently, and it is expected that newer, user-friendly applications and online services will quickly fill the gap which will be left when the NOAA ceases printing nautical charts. MyNOAACharts from the NOAA was in late beta-testing for Android tablets in the summer of 2013, and offered built-in GPS capabilities, could be used from land or water, and other features. Depending on user feedback during this beta period, the NOAA may move forward with additional O/S platforms in the future.
As with any other technological leap, there are numerous vendors, programs, and applications available to help mariners remain abreast of the announced changes from the NOAA. When looking for an application or other online chart option, be sure to carefully review the features and any feedback provided by other customers to determine the best alternative for your needs. Conferring with a reliable boat dealer is another terrific option to help you decide which program or application conforms to your particular needs and boating concerns.
What is your favorite chart app?
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