Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Departement nautical chart

The nautical charts published by the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department (ENHD) are the official reference for navigation in waters under Egyptian jurisdiction. Offered by the Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop, these charts are used by professional mariners, experienced recreational sailors, shipping companies, and international trade operators wishing to navigate safely in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal.

On this category page, Nautic Way provides a comprehensive presentation of Egyptian nautical charts, including their specific features, advantages, limitations, and intended uses, to help you choose the most suitable charting for your navigation area and sailing activity.

The Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department: Egypt’s Hydrographic Authority

The Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department is the official hydrographic service of the Egyptian Navy. It is responsible for collecting, analyzing, updating, and disseminating hydrographic data required for the safety of maritime navigation in Egyptian waters. ENHD is a member of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and produces charts compliant with internationally recognized standards.

Egypt’s strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia gives its maritime domain exceptional importance. ENHD nautical charts cover some of the busiest shipping areas in the world, where cartographic accuracy is essential to mitigate risks related to dense traffic and geographical constraints.

Strategic Charting Between the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal

ENHD nautical charts notably cover:

• The Egyptian Mediterranean coastline (Alexandria, Port Said)
• The Red Sea, a complex navigation area rich in coral reefs
• The Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba
• The Suez Canal, a major axis of global maritime trade
• Commercial, military, and industrial ports
• Offshore zones and access channels

These regions are characterized by high traffic density, dangerous reef areas, local currents, regulatory restrictions, and significant security challenges.

Types of Nautical Charts Published by ENHD

The Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department produces several chart formats to meet modern navigation needs:

Official Paper Nautical Charts

Paper charts remain widely used for voyage planning, maritime training, and as an onboard backup, especially in sensitive areas such as the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Content and Information on Egyptian Nautical Charts

ENHD nautical charts are distinguished by the richness of information essential for safe navigation in sensitive waters:

• Bathymetry: depths shown in meters, detailed depth contours, shallow areas
• Coasts and shorelines: beaches, cliffs, rocky areas, port facilities
• Coral reefs: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, highly detailed hazardous zones in the Red Sea
• Aids to navigation: lighthouses, lights, buoys, beacons, leading lines
• Navigational hazards: shoals, wrecks, submerged obstacles
• Regulated areas: military zones, port areas, navigation restrictions
• Additional information: cautionary notes, port information, local currents

This information is vital for safe navigation in areas where navigational errors can have serious consequences.

Advantages of Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department Charts

Official and Recognized Charting

The primary advantage of ENHD nautical charts lies in their official status. They are produced or validated by the national hydrographic authority in accordance with IHO standards and constitute the legal reference for navigation.

Essential Accuracy in High-Risk Areas

Egyptian waters—particularly the Red Sea—are well known for coral reefs and shoals. ENHD charts provide the level of detail necessary to avoid groundings and ensure prudent navigation.

Essential for Suez Canal Transit

For navigation in the Suez Canal, official nautical charts are mandatory. They include channels, regulated areas, and infrastructure essential to traffic safety.

Following the construction of the New Suez Canal, the Suez Canal Authority and the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department produced three nautical charts to assist mariners in navigating safely through the canal:

• SC1 – Suez Canal
• SC2 – Suez Canal
• R11 – Suez Canal

These charts are mandatory onboard for all vessels transiting the Suez Canal. Navigation in the canal must be conducted exclusively using charts SC1, SC2, and R11.

As a result, inspections by the Egyptian Navy may be carried out to verify that vessels carry charts SC1, SC2, and R11 onboard. No vessel transiting the Suez Canal may be exempt from this requirement.

Charts SC1, SC2, and R11 carried onboard must be dated after August 6, 2015.

Regular Updates

ENHD publishes regular updates incorporating Notices to Mariners, port developments, and changes to aids to navigation. Electronic versions allow faster integration of updates.

Limitations and Drawbacks of Egyptian Nautical Charts

Limited Access to Highly Detailed Information

Compared with some private or Western charting products, certain areas may offer variable levels of detail, particularly for very local recreational navigation.

High Technical Complexity

The symbology and presentation of official charts require a solid understanding of nautical chart reading. They are less suitable for beginners without prior training.

Significant Cost

Official ENHD charts, especially paper editions, may represent a substantial investment, particularly when covering large navigation areas.

Sometimes Limited Distribution

Some specific charts may be less readily available outside specialized distribution channels, which highlights the value of purchasing through an expert maritime bookshop such as Nautic Way.

Who Are ENHD Nautical Charts Intended For?

ENHD nautical charts are primarily intended for:

• Professional mariners and commercial shipping
• Masters transiting the Suez Canal
• Experienced recreational sailors in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea
• Navigation schools and maritime training centers
• Offshore and maritime transport operators

They form an essential foundation for safe and compliant navigation.

Why Buy Your Egyptian Nautical Charts from Nautic Way?

The Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop carefully selects and offers official Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department nautical charts, tailored to the needs of demanding navigators.

By choosing Nautic Way, you benefit from:

• Official, up-to-date charts
• Expert advice on international maritime cartography
• Recognized nautical expertise
• Reliable service dedicated to professionals and sailing enthusiasts

Conclusion

Nautical charts published by the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department are essential navigation tools for safely operating in Egyptian waters. Their official status, accuracy in high-risk areas, and strategic importance for the Suez Canal make them an indispensable reference.

Despite their sometimes higher cost and technical complexity, they remain essential for navigators focused on safety, compliance, and reliability.

Before choosing your nautical chart, it is recommended to clearly define your navigation area and specific needs. All paper and electronic charts are produced on demand and include the latest available updates. In accordance with applicable regulations, these products are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.

With official Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department charts, available from Nautic Way, navigate with safety, precision, and confidence.

Before choosing your nautical chart, it is interesting to know the particularities and differences between nautical charts.

All nautical charts are edited on request and include the latest updates; due to obsolescence, they can neither be returned, nor exchanged.