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The IC-ENC team conducts a full and independent quality assurance of all of the ENC files it receives. This work is guided by an "errors database" that ensures a consistent and comprehensive approach is always applied.
Both the DKart and 7Cs validation tools are used, along with at least one well known and widely used ECDIS system. IC-ENC also makes use of some internal software which has been specially written and maintained by the IC-ENC operational unit, and which is designed to supplement the existing off-the-shelf validation tool software
This process helps to ensure the ENCs that are finally released to the market are universally compatible with the variety of ECDIS available.
The errors database lists the many error and warning messages produced by the various validation tools used as part of the quality assurance process. For each message, the database defines clearly its meaning, with examples and the types of actions that may need to be taken by the HO.
The IC-ENC team keeps the database updated as its gains further experience from seeing more ENCs from a growing number of countries, and based on feedback it receives from other users of the same software and its manufacturers.
The IC-ENC team is also presently working with other international groups like the TSMAD and the Colours and Symbols working groups, together with customers, to help develop guidelines for its members when designing their ENCs.
These guidelines will help members to produce more consistent ENC products, so making them more useable when displayed together on screen by the mariner - where any differences will be much more noticeable than was the case with paper charts.
Issues being considered include the ENC's content, boundary consistency, optimal scales and zoom ranges, display rules at different zoom levels and cell schemas.
Following the successful completion of quality assurance, the newly released ENC files are added to the central ENC database. The team manages this database and provides its customers with a secure means of receiving formatted exchange sets extracted from the up to date database.
IC-ENC manages the appointment of Value Added Resellers (VARs) which are companies that have the experience and expertise to develop, promote and supply "one-stop-shopping" services to the mariner through extensive distribution networks.
Typically these companies bring together ENCs from a variety of RENCs and national HOs and make these widely available within innovative end-user services alongside other complementary navigational products.
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