[RBJ]

http://www.iho.shom.fr/ECDIS/s63intro.htm

I think I'm finally seeing what's going on here. The first couple of paragraphs from the link above make it very clear.

S-63 describes the IHO recommended standard for the protection of ENC information. It defines security constructs and operating procedures that must be followed to ensure that the IHO Data Protection Scheme is operated correctly and to provide specifications that allow participants to build compliant systems.

The IHO Data Protection Standard has been developed and is maintained by the International Hydrographic Organisation's (IHO) Data Protection Scheme Working Group (DPSWG).

Edition 1.0 of the S-63 standard is based on the protection scheme developed and operated by Primar as part of their protected ENC service. The Norwegian Electronic Chart Centre AS (ECC - www.ecc.as) and United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO - www.ukho.gov.uk) were the original contributing organisations.

S63 is a standard for the protection of data. No surprise that the two hydrographic services mentioned above were behind it.

"Open" is not the word I would use about data supplied in S63 format. I would describe S57 data as "open"

The situation we face is very similiar to what the music companies forced on Apple when the I-Tunes music store started. Copyright holders terrified of what will happen to their legacy high cost/high price business model and it's revenue stream when faced with new low cost technology.

Just this week one music company blinked and removed DRM though not before increasing prices 30%. I'm not holding my breath that that will happen with digital charts.

My goal was to buy one set of charts and use the data on my plotter and my MacBook using MacENC.

Chartworld were adamant that this would not be possible with their S63 charts. They will work with MacEnc but not with the plotter.

Raymarine have not replied but my Navionics Gold Charts certainly won't work on MacENC (at present).

However the door is not closed entirely. If I buy a Raymarine card reader and download some Raymarine planning software I can use my Navionics Gold card on a PC. I don't know whether this would work under Boot Camp on my MacBook or whether MacENC might eventually evolve to read Navionics Gold cards.

Interestingly I was able to upgrade the software on my plotter by downloading a Mac file from the Raymarine site. This file was copied to a compact flash card using my newly acquired card reader then then the card was inserted into the plotter and the software upgraded without difficulty.

I have failed in my quest. The only currently available option is to buy the same charts twice (Isn't DRM wonderful!). Once as Navionics Gold and once as Chartworld Navionics S63. This might be an option if I remained in one sailing area but not on my present cruise.

For now it looks like I will have to opt for Navionics Gold and that is a shame.