The Present and Future of China’s Electronic Nautical Publications

With the continuous advancement of e-navigation, the publication of nautical publications is increasingly moving towards electronic and digital formats. Electronic Nautical Publications (ENPs) differ from electronic navigation services used in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and Electronic Chart Systems (ECS). ENP focuses on digital publications based on existing paper publications. This paper, based on the current state of domestic and international ENPs, proposes future development directions for China's ENPs including the development of Regulations or Guidelines for the use of ENPs, the development and implementation of the conversion/compilation, updating, pricing, distribution mechanisms for ENPs, the development of ENP Readers and the training for the use of ENPs. And corresponding algorithms are recommended for data signature and encryption.