In February 2016 the Coast Guard released Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-16: Use of electronic charts and publications in lieu of paper charts and publications. Through our own evaluation and a review of stakeholder feedback, we are aware that it has not allowed certain existing equipment to replace paper charts. Therefore, we are working to amend this policy and update third-party consensus standards.
2/5/2016: New NVIC published – Use of electronic charts and publications in lieu of paper charts, maps and publications
The Coast Guard published uniform guidance on what is now considered equivalent to chart and publication carriage requirements. The Coast Guard believes that electronic charts provide substantially more information to the mariner and will enhance navigational safety beyond that of official paper charts.
