POD charts and NCCs are automatically updated, unlike older paper charts, which required manual corrections.
Navigational charts in the U.S. have moved away from traditional, bulk-printed paper toward "print-on-demand" and digital PDF formats. NOAA now focuses on , while still offering, as a paper alternative, NOAA Custom Charts (NCCs) , which allow users to create updated paper charts from the latest data. NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS ONLINE
For casual users, NOAA offers free 8½ x 11-inch PDF replicas of nautical charts designed to be printed on home printers. Where to Buy/Find: NOAA Custom Chart Application: nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ POD charts and NCCs are automatically updated, unlike
NOAA provides free, high-resolution PDF nautical charts that can be downloaded and printed on plotters. NOAA now focuses on , while still offering,
Mariners can still purchase high-quality paper charts. These are "print-on-demand," updated with the latest Notice to Mariners (NTM) corrections at the time of purchase.
These are digital PDF files generated from the most recent NOAA ENC data. You can download and print these yourself or have them printed. They are generally updated and, according to, offer superior up-to-date information.
NOAA has stopped maintaining and printing traditional lithographic paper charts. As of January 2025, they have cancelled all 1,007 traditional paper charts to focus on electronic products.