Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department Nautical Chart

The nautical charts published by the Egyptian Navy Hydrographic Department (ENHD) provide the official reference for navigation in waters under Egyptian jurisdiction. This maritime domain, located at the strategic crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, plays a major role in global trade. The area covered includes the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, all characterised by heavy maritime traffic and demanding geographical conditions. Choosing an official ENHD chart is essential for safety and regulatory compliance for any mariner operating in these waters, providing the level of accuracy required in a region where navigational safety is particularly critical.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of an official ENHD nautical chart lies in its ability to provide comprehensive hydrographic information, turning the navigation chart into a strategic decision-making tool.

• Voyage planning and safety: Essential for planning safe routes, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Red Sea, which is known for its extensive reef systems.

• Navigation through the Suez Canal: Essential and mandatory for transit through the Suez Canal, incorporating the specific channels and regulated areas required for navigation.

• Traffic management: They help mariners anticipate manoeuvres in areas where maritime traffic density is among the highest in the world.

• Onboard backup: Beyond digital navigation systems, the paper chart remains an essential backup in the event of electronic equipment failure.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these publications to meet the operational requirements of a wide range of maritime users.

• Professional mariners and commercial shipping: For whom official status and reliable hydrographic data are essential for legal compliance and navigational safety.

• Masters transiting the Suez Canal: Essential for vessels passing through the Suez Canal, as inspections by the Egyptian Navy may verify that the required charts are carried onboard.

• Experienced leisure sailors: Particularly those navigating in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea, where accurate charting around reefs is critical.

• Maritime training centres: These charts are ideal for learning chartwork and navigation in complex maritime environments.

Reading and understanding the chart

The strength of ENHD charts lies in the wealth and accuracy of their technical information, produced in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards.

• Detailed bathymetry: Depths are shown in metres, together with accurate depth contours and identification of shallow areas.

• Coral reefs: The charts provide a high level of detail on fringing reefs and barrier reefs, particularly in the Red Sea.

• Aids to navigation: Accurate positioning of lighthouses, lights, buoys, beacons and leading lines.

• Regulated areas: Military and port areas, together with navigation restrictions, are clearly delineated.

• Professional format: Charts are generally supplied flat and rolled in a tube for optimum use on the chart table.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety in Egyptian waters depends on keeping official navigation information continuously up to date.

• Update system: ENHD regularly publishes Notices to Mariners incorporating changes to port infrastructure and modifications to aids to navigation.

• Suez Canal requirement: The specific Suez Canal charts (SC1, SC2 and R11) must be dated after 6 August 2015 in order to comply with the stated requirements.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all charts are printed to order to ensure that you receive the latest available hydrographic corrections.

• Contractual provisions: Due to their rapid obsolescence, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged, in accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in international nautical charts and maritime documentation.

• Specialist reference: Nautic Way specialises in nautical charts and navigation books, supporting leisure sailors and professional mariners with more than 25,000 references.

• Specialist advice: Our team provides professional expertise to help navigators select the most appropriate charts for their specific route.

• Reliability and local presence: Based at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, 85300 Challans, France, Nautic Way provides a dedicated service for maritime professionals and sailing enthusiasts.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in this area?

The choice depends on your route. For the Suez Canal, charts SC1, SC2 and R11 are mandatory. For ports, detailed charts such as M18 for Alexandria are available. You can use our interactive chart map on Nautic Way to identify the exact chart numbers required.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?

Although they provide the essential official reference, these charts should form part of a broader navigation strategy that also includes sailing directions and route planning specific to the area.

How often should I replace my ENHD chart?

It is essential to use charts incorporating the latest Notices to Mariners. Nautic Way prints charts with the latest available updates at the time of your order.

Can it be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official ENHD paper charts allow accurate manual plotting of GPS positions to cross-check and validate electronic navigation data, particularly in reef areas where positional accuracy is critical.

What is the difference compared with other charting products?

The ENHD is the official hydrographic authority of the Egyptian Navy and a member of the IHO. Unlike private charts, ENHD charts have official status and provide the official reference for navigation in waters under Egyptian jurisdiction.