Marinenavsys software consists of computer programs for reading electronic charts and handling the full range of navigational operations and complementary functions.

Such programs can be used aboard any vessel, recreational, professional and commercial, equipped with a desk or laptop computer, a tablet or smartphone.

This software can be designed for professional use aboard yachts and ships and for recreational activities, especially sailing and racing. Most can read electronic raster (scanned) or vector charts, and can be linked to GPS for position, course and waypoint management.

Certain versions offer specific capabilities such as displaying GRIB or other weather files and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Weather information can be used aboard sailboats to determine course as a function of polar curves. When linked to the vessel’s NMEA it can display wind, speed, depth, other data and the option to interact with your autopilot.

The software must be compatible with the computer’s operating system, as well as with the functional parameters of on-board communication systems such as NMEA or SeaTalk®.

Historically sailors would have to rely on their years of navigational experience, understanding complex sea charts and determining their position and heading by using the positions of the sun and stars. Luckily modern technology has evolved to make marine navigation far easier than ever before.