AIS Class B Transponders, reportedly, have been approved by the FCC. As soon as our distributor makes them available, you can purchase the ACR Nauticast B AIS Transponder here. Please be aware that your MMSID will need to be provided so that the unit may be pre-programmed to identify your vessel before the AIS Transponder is shipped.

ACR’s Nauticast B AIS not only will transmit vessel information to surrounding traffic, but also allows the user to participate with neighboring vessels to avoid collisions.

The Nauticast AIS Transponder is also a fully functional receiver that is fully compatible with Coastal Explorer and Visual Navigation Suite MAX Pro.

We have made a new page available for NavSoftware customers to download the most current NOAA RNC charts. NOAA RNC, Raster, S-61 Charts are compatible with both Visual Navigation Suite and Coastal Explorer.

These charts are continually updated to the most current available from NOAA. Enjoy!

http://www.navsoftware.com/charts/rnc.php

Admiral MAX Pro & VNS MAX Pro Service Pack 1 is now available for download via the Nobeltec.com website.
This software will update the VNS MAX Pro and Admiral MAX Pro Navigation Software to the latest Service Pack 1.

I took a break from June 1st - 4th for the opportunity to crew aboard s/v Sequoia. Overall it was a nice transit voyage with minimal amounts of wind and moderate amounts of moisture along the way. We all wished there could have been more wind, but hey - there could have been more rain!

It was a great experience being on board with veterans of blue water cruising. The lessons of this particular passage was not just realizing just how much I had to learn about seamanship, the right knots for the right task and how to plan legs and change plans with the currents, but understanding just how important it is to know your vessel from the inside out.

Plan on failures, have redundant systems and a solid plan when problems occur.

This insight has me re-thinking the critical systems aboard C# and how I can build in some redundancies.

Thanks Craig and Barbara for having me aboard and wishing you a pleasant voyage to Alaska and back home.

I’ve been a little neglectful in not talking about one of the premier marine navigation software packages for the Mac. MacENC is put together with simplicity and ease of use in mind. MacENC includes a DVD of all NOAA vector charts making it one of the best values in marine navigation for $139 USD. See more about MacENC???????? ????? ???????? features and view some screenshots in our online store.

I just received the dealer NFR copy of NOBELTEC Admiral MAX Pro today. I Will install soon and provide a brief rundown on the features and functionality. C-Map chart integration is of course the key feature, but I am curious to see what other new functionality and features are included. Stay tuned…

NOBELTEC Admiral and VNS MAX Pro will begin shipping on May 5th. Below is a list of some changes communicated from NOBELTEC:

1. No more site keys. Program unlocks are managed through the USB hardware key and will allow customers to install on up to six PCs as planning stations
2. Passport Deluxe and S-57 charts are no longer supported
3. Raster Plus Pack is required for viewing BSB charts (free plus pack)
4. MAX Pro charts will not be sold in packages with vouchers until the next database (like WF) is released as all full packages and upgrades will contain all required chart discs.
5. New chart installer for MAX Pro charts. Same chart installer for plus packs, radar, sounder, etc

I just got word from Rose Point Navigation Systems tonight that Coastal Explorer 2.0 was available for beta download. After a quick look there are many new features like support for radar (a whole different topic), enhanced AIS collision avoidance mechanisms like highlighted danger areas, a very slick cruise mode interface that removes the list clutter and arranges the items neatly behind large (vista like) icons. There is a new ship’s log area where it looks like users can share information, much like Active Captain and others.

There was a mention in the beta release communication that not all features and functionality are present in this initial beta. There will be much more to come after a more in-depth look in the near future.

NavSoftware has been approved to be a marine chart distributor for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). We are excited to be able to offer official NOAA chart products for all united states waters. NOAA ENC and RNC Charts are compatible with most all marine navigation software products we offer for sale.

We just got word from Rose Point Navigation Systems that Coastal Explorer 2.0 is coming very soon!

Please see the release below:

Rose Point Navigation Systems is happy to inform you that a new version of Coastal Explorer, version 2.0, will be released soon. We will be demonstrating the new pre-release version at the 2008 Seattle Boat Show in January, and anticipate a considerable wave of interest from the boating public.

Stay tuned for more details, pricing, feature lists, etc. as they become available.

Nobeltec has released important information regarding Admiral and Visual Navigation Suite. This notice pertains to chart accuracy issues and information regarding a patch to correct the issue. Please find more information from the official JEPPESEN MARINE CUSTOMER BULLETIN.