Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)

An official vector chart database issued by or under government authority for use in an Electronic Chart Display and Information System.

Usually abbreviated ENC, it has standardised content, structure and format conforming to International Hydrographic Organization standards. Its geo-referenced objects can be queried and selectively portrayed, allowing ECDIS to perform route monitoring and safety checks when correctly configured.

An ENC is not simply any electronic or vector chart sold for a chartplotter. It must be kept updated and used at a suitable scale, with correct safety settings and sensor inputs; alarms and automated display functions support but do not replace the navigator’s assessment.