Navigation: Navigation app Aqua Map integrates notices to mariners - Germany is missing
Hauke Schmidt
· 10.06.2026
The challenge for sailors: nautical charts show the status at the time of publication. Buoys can drift away, beacons can fail, construction sites can arise, restricted areas can be established - none of this is recorded on the chart. Until now, skippers have had to painstakingly gather this information from various sources: as notices to mariners on government websites, PDF bulletins or via separate apps. The navigation app Aqua Map now integrates this critical safety information directly into the navigation. Changes to navigation marks, newly discovered hazards, temporary obstacles, restricted areas and active maritime operations are marked as standardised symbols on the map.
Focus on Denmark and France - Germany missing
The app obtains the data from the relevant maritime authorities. In Denmark, for example, the Søfartsstyrelsen. France is covered by PING (Plateforme d'Information Nautique Géographique), the official French service for nautical information. Coverage includes mainland France, the Antilles, French Guiana and the North-East Atlantic (NAVAREA II).
For German waters - North Sea, Baltic Sea and inland waters - there is still no integration of the notices to mariners from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). German sailors still have to access this information separately on the BSH website. In addition to Northern European coverage, the USA (Local Notices to Mariners from the Coast Guard) and Canada (NAVWARNs from the Canadian Coast Guard) are also supported.
Operation and updates
Once activated in the navigation app settings, relevant warnings and notices appear as overlays on the map, marked with standardised symbols and colour codes. A tap shows the full text of the warning, including the issuing authority, validity dates, geographical coordinates and recommended measures. The system updates automatically when connected to the internet, downloads new alerts and removes expired ones. Messages are cached locally for offshore passages or areas with limited connectivity.
The function is part of Aqua Map's Advanced Tools subscription. Users can choose between two tariffs: Expert (includes only Pro features without local data) and Master (includes Pro features plus local data including Navigational Information). Prices are €14.99 per year for Expert and €24.99 per year for Master, but may vary slightly depending on currency and region. A 14-day free trial period is available. Important: The Advanced Tools subscription requires an active nautical chart subscription for the corresponding region.
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Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
