The new ‘Navigational Information’ feature displays safety-related information – such as displaced buoys, temporary restricted areas and newly identified hazards – directly as an overlay on the map. The feature is currently available for Denmark, France, the USA and Canada – there is as yet no data integration for German waters.
Why this is important for boaters
Electronic nautical charts only ever reflect the situation at the time of their publication. In practice, however, things are constantly changing on the water: buoys can drift, lighthouses can fail, construction sites can appear, or restricted areas can be set up at short notice. It is precisely this kind of information that is crucial for boaters and skippers – yet it does not automatically appear on the chart.
Until now, skippers often had to go to great lengths to gather this information from various sources: through notices on government websites, PDF bulletins or separate apps. Aqua Map now brings these safety-critical updates directly into the navigation system: changes to navigation marks, new hazards, temporary obstacles, restricted zones and ongoing maritime operations are displayed as standardised symbols on the map.
Denmark and France in the spotlight – Germany is missing
The app obtains its reports from the relevant maritime authorities. In Denmark, for example, the data comes from the Søfartsstyrelsen. France is covered by PING (Plateforme d'Information Nautique Géographique), the official French nautical information service. Coverage includes mainland France, the French Antilles, French Guiana and the North-East Atlantic (NAVAREA II).
For German waters – the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and inland waterways – the notices to mariners issued by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) have not yet been integrated. Boaters must continue to access this information separately via the BSH’s channels.
In addition to coverage of Northern Europe, Aqua Map also supports the USA (Coast Guard Local Notices to Mariners) and Canada (Canadian Coast Guard NAVWARNs).
Operation and updates in practice
Once enabled in the app settings, relevant alerts appear as overlays on the map view – using standardised symbols and colour codes. A tap opens the detailed view, showing:
- full text of the message
- issuing authority
- Validity period
- Coordinates
- recommended measures
The system automatically updates content when connected to the internet, downloads new alerts and removes expired notifications. For journeys in areas with limited network coverage, alerts can be cached locally.
Prices and requirements
This feature is part of Aqua Map’s Advanced Tools subscription. Users can choose between two plans:
- Expert (Pro features without local data)
- Master's degree (Pro features plus local data, including navigation information)
Prices are €14.99 per year (Expert) and €24.99 per year (Master) – prices may vary slightly depending on the region and currency. A 14-day free trial is available. Important: The Advanced Tools subscription requires an active chart subscription for the relevant region.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
