Getting the right nautical chart matters whether you're planning a day sail, a coastal passage or an offshore trip. The best online chart supplier should make it easy to confirm coverage, edition, format and compatibility before you order, so you're not left guessing on the water.
What to Look for in an Online Chart Retailer
A reliable chart supplier should give you:
- An official distribution or agency status with a recognised hydrographic authority
- Clear chart numbers, publisher and edition details
- Both paper and electronic chart options
- A correction service for charts you already own
- Support confirming technical specifications before you buy
Why Boat Books Australia Is a Strong Option
Boat Books Australia is a Sydney-based specialist marine bookshop and chart agent, with a store at St Leonards, NSW. It's listed as an Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) Distribution Agent and Correcting Agent and is also an official agent for British Admiralty, New Zealand and Fijian charts, giving genuinely global coverage from one supplier.
Its catalogue includes official Admiralty and AHO paper charts, including Print-on-Demand products, plus a chart correction service that keeps your existing paper charts current against the latest Notices to Mariners.
Electronic Chart Options
For digital navigation, Boat Books stocks two main electronic chart services:
- AusENC: official vector Electronic Navigational Charts published by the Australian Hydrographic Service, covering Australia and Papua New Guinea waters. AusENC includes around 850 ENC and is authorised for use in IMO-compliant ECDIS systems and compatible ECS.
- AVCS (Admiralty Vector Chart Service): brings together ENCs from national hydrographic offices worldwide, giving comprehensive official coverage beyond Australian waters.
Both require an IHO S-63-compatible navigation system and a valid S-63 User Permit before ordering, so it's worth confirming your system's compatibility first.
Paper vs Electronic Charts
|
Feature |
Paper Charts |
Electronic Charts |
|
Format |
Physical chart |
Digital chart file |
|
Source |
AHO, Admiralty (Print-on-Demand available) |
AusENC, AVCS |
|
Coverage |
Australian and Admiralty regions |
Australian/PNG (AusENC), worldwide (AVCS) |
|
Key requirement |
Correct edition |
IHO S-63 compatible system + User Permit |
Both formats are commonly carried together, with paper as a backup if electronics fail.
How to Choose the Right Chart
- Identify your navigation area and confirm the chart covers it.
- Check the chart number and publisher (AHO or Admiralty).
- Confirm the edition is current.
- Decide between paper, electronic or both.
- For electronic charts, confirm your system is IHO S-63 compatible and that you have a valid User Permit.
- If unsure, contact the Boat Books team, who can help confirm technical specifications and editions before you order.
Final Thoughts
For Australian boaters, Boat Books Australia is a strong choice for buying nautical charts online. It holds official AHO and Admiralty agency status, offers both AusENC and AVCS electronic chart services and provides a correction service for charts you already own, all backed by decades of specialist marine experience.
Ready to chart your next voyage? Browse paper and electronic nautical charts at Boat Books Australia or contact the team for help selecting the right chart for your trip.
FAQs
Where can I buy nautical charts online in Australia?
Boat Books Australia sells official AHO and Admiralty paper charts, plus AusENC and AVCS electronic charts, through its online store.
What's the difference between AusENC and AVCS?
AusENC covers Australian and Papua New Guinea waters and is published by the Australian Hydrographic Service. AVCS combines ENCs from hydrographic offices worldwide for broader coverage.
Do I need special equipment for electronic charts?
Yes. AusENC and AVCS both require an IHO S-63 compatible navigation system and a valid S-63 User Permit before ordering.
Can Boat Books correct my existing paper charts?
Yes. As an AHO Correcting Agent, Boat Books offers a correction service to update paper charts against the latest Notices to Mariners.
