ECDIS and ADMIRALTY Information Overlay compatibility

All ECDIS equipment must undergo a type-approval certification process to ensure it meets IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS. AVCS is compatible with all ECDIS and ECS (Electronic Chart Systems) that meet these requirements. You can find out more about type-approval and get advice on ECDIS implementation by talking to an ADMIRALTY Chart Agent.

The following table lists display systems that currently support both AVCS and the ADMIRALTY Information Overlay (AIO).

* AIO compatible ECDIS version numbers indicate the minimum ECDIS software version required to view the AIO.

AVCS, AIO, TotalTide, ADRS and ADLL can be displayed in ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Station.

Below you'll find information to help you update AVCS. This includes links to the AVCS Online Updating Service software, as well as cancelled and replaced folios.

AVCS Online Updating Service

The AVCS Online Updating Service provides immediate access to the latest digital chart updates for subscribers of the AVCS service. The service is complimentary to the standard DVD and CD-based updating services for AVCS and offers quick access to the most up-to-date information.

Download the AVCS Online Updating Service software 

Cancelled and Replaced folios

Periodically, changes to the ENC coverage available worldwide make it necessary to cancel and replace both ENC Units and AVCS Folios. The below Excel files contain a full list of cancelled Units and Folios, along with the Units and Folios that replaced them:​

AVCS Cancelled and Replaced Folios 

Replacements for Cancelled Cells 

Withdrawn Cells

AVCS Support Films

Guides to help you download updates for AVCS, as well as complete installation, are listed on our Support Tab.

Find out more about support for AVCS >

ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Station

ADMIRALTY e-Navigator Planning Sta​​​​​​​tion is a voyage planning and chart management tool that helps bridge crews to view, order and manage ADMIRALTY Maritime Data Solutions. ​​

Find out more about e-Navigator Planning Station >

Downloading updates via the FTP site

We supply all AVCS customers with​  weekly electronic updates via Internet download, email or DVD. To obtain AVCS updates via the Internet, you can use our public FTP website with the following login credentials (the username and password details are case sensitive).

URL: FTP://ukho.gov.uk​

Username: ukhopublic

Password: Public12345​

Below you will find information to support you in your use of the ADMIRALTY Vector Chart Service, including detailed user guides and support films. If you cannot find the answer to your questions, kindly contact us for more details.

AVCS User Guides

Download the AVCS User Guide  

Download the ADMIRALTY Information Overlay (AIO) Version 2 User Guide 

Download AIO Version 2 Frequently Asked Questions 

Download AIO Version 2 Letter for Compliance Inspectors  

READM​E file

Information on the use of ENCs in ADMIRALTY services. This information may be navigationally significant and should be reviewed for changes when you update your ECDIS.

Download the README.txt 

Important information for A​VCS users

Includes information on general cautions about the use of ENCs within ECDIS.

Download Important Information for AVCS Users 

T&P NMs in ENCs

Not all ENC producers include Temporary and Preliminary (T&P) Notices to Mariners (NMs) in their ENCs. The following table lists the confirmed status of T&P NMs in the ENCs that are available in AVCS and the ADMIRALTY ECDIS Service.

Download the current status of T&P NMs in ENCs 

ENC Update Status

AVCS Installation Guides for ​​ECDIS

The following guides are designed to help you install AVCS on specific ECDIS types. Installation films are also available on the AdmiraltyTV YouTube Channel for a select range of ECDIS, or simply scroll down below this page to see How to Install AVCS.​

Digital Media Ordering Schedule​

Below you'll find issue dates for each base disc, as well as countries covered.

You can purchase charts in AVCS as individual ENCs, or in folios covering a geographic region. These ENCs and folios, which are outlined below, can be purchased on a subscription basis for periods of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months where countries allow. Additional coverage can also be purchased at any time, and each chart has its own subscription period.

Transit Folios

These folios provide ENC coverage at a scale appropriate for vessels not engaged in local trade, saving you the expense of purchasing detailed coverage where it's not required. Transit folios also provide increased coverage of major choke points, such as the Suez Canal and Malacca Strait. 

View a Transit Folio example >

Regional Folios

These cover a much smaller geographical area than Transit Folios and include all Coastal and some Approach ENCs, where coastal coverage is not available. Regional Folios are designed for local and coastal trade, where more detailed coverage of complex coastal waters is required. They do not include Port Approaches or Entry.

View a Regional Folio example >

Port Folios

These typically comprise of Approach, Harbour and Berthing ENCs, grouped together into a single sales unit.

View a Port Folio example >

Individual ENCs

Instead of purchasing your ENCs as folios, it is also possible to buy ENCs individually, allowing you complete control over your chart holdings. Most ENCs in the AVCS service can be selected on a chart-by-chart basis and typically contain ENC data approximately equivalent to that of a paper chart.

Combination

Combine AVCS Folios of your choice with individual ENC charts for unrivalled coverage and voyage flexibility.

The ADMIRALTY Digital Catalogue (ADC) can also provide you with a comprehensive and up to date reference of current ADMIRALTY Maritime Data Solutions, with functionality that allows you to search for products by type, scale or a defined route.

Find out more about the ADC > ​