The Next Generation of Sailing Directions

ADMIRALTY Digital Sailing Directions (ADSD)

ADMIRALTY Digital Sailing Directions (ADSD) is the next generation of the UK Hydrographic Office’s trusted Sailing Directions – the same authoritative content, delivered in a geo-referenced, searchable digital format built for passage planning, port entry and coastal navigation.

Boat Books Australia is an authorised ADMIRALTY distributor. Contact us to order ADSD, or to talk through whether it suits your vessel.

What is ADSD?

ADSD transforms ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions from static publications into a dynamic digital tool. It displays Sailing Directions content alongside geographic information, so you can see port approaches, hazards and routeing guidance in context instead of hunting through volumes.

Developed with navigating officers worldwide, ADSD reduces planning time while improving situational awareness and efficiency on every voyage.

ADSD is supplied electronically, with updates applied digitally rather than corrected by hand.

Watch the familiarisation guide

Key Features of ADSD

Designed to support smoother navigational preparation:

Trusted ADMIRALTY Content

The same authoritative UKHO Sailing Directions mariners already rely on, in a familiar look and feel.

Geo-Referenced Guidance

Sailing Directions content linked to geographic locations, helping bridge teams understand routes and navigational features in context.

Search, Filter and Bookmark

Find relevant guidance quickly, then save, organise and revisit important passages during voyage preparation and review.

Integrated Imagery

Coastal views, landmarks, beacons and port views built in to support situational awareness and route familiarisation.

Coverage

ADSD will be available for up to 72 ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions volumes, but not all volumes have been released yet. UKHO is adding volumes progressively, with initial coverage focused on major global shipping routes.

UKHO updates the coverage map on its website as new volumes are released. Please check that the volumes you need are available in ADSD before ordering – contact us and we will confirm.

View the latest coverage map (UKHO)

What You Need

  • An ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publications (AENP) licence. ADSD requires AENP. If you do not already hold one, we can arrange the licensing for you.
  • A Windows PC – recommended minimum: 2 GHz+ processor with 4+ cores, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, DirectX 12-compatible graphics (WDDM 2.0 or later) and a 1280×720 display or better.
  • Software files and a licence key, which we supply along with installation guidance.
Download the factsheet (PDF)

Pricing

ADSD is licensed per volume. All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.

Existing AENP Customers

Where a vessel already has a current AENP Sailing Directions licence and the publication is available in ADSD, the same subscribed area can be enabled in ADSD at no additional charge.

New Purchases – $117.50 inc GST

Per volume, 1-year licence. New Sailing Directions are ordered through the existing e-NP process, so the normal AENP/e-NP price applies – there is no separate ADSD charge.

Fleet Manager

The ADSD permit is generated/downloaded in Fleet Manager so that the vessel’s holdings are synchronised with the ADSD account.

Prices are subject to change. A current volume list and pricing is available on request.

How to Order

Getting started with ADSD is simple:

1. Contact Us

Send us your vessel details and the Sailing Directions volumes you need.

2. Confirm & Quote

We confirm availability and licensing, and issue your quote.

3. Install & Navigate

Once ordered, we supply your software files, licence key and installation guidance.

Phone (02) 9439 1133 · Email shipping@boatbooks-aust.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ADSD replace paper Sailing Directions?

ADSD carries the same authoritative content as the paper and AENP editions. Whether you can transition fully to digital depends on your flag state’s carriage requirements, so please confirm acceptance with your flag state or AMSA before relying on ADSD as your sole onboard reference.

How is ADSD different from e-Nautical Publications (AENP)?

AENPs are encrypted digital versions of the paper publications, with search and electronic corrections. ADSD adds a new interface with geo-referenced display, filtering, bookmarking and integrated imagery. ADSD requires an AENP licence.

I already have AENP Sailing Directions. Do I pay extra for ADSD?

No. Where a vessel already has a current AENP Sailing Directions licence and the publication is available in ADSD, the same subscribed area can be enabled in ADSD at no additional charge.

Can I see ADSD before I buy?

Yes – UKHO has produced an ADSD familiarisation guide (YouTube playlist) and a product factsheet (PDF).

ADMIRALTY and the ADSD logo are products and marks of the UK Hydrographic Office. Boat Books Australia is an authorised ADMIRALTY distributor. © Crown copyright. Product information sourced from the UKHO.

Need more information on ADSD or volume availability?

Contact our team to confirm coverage, licensing and pricing for your vessel.

Contact Us