If you are a mariner who uses Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) for navigation, you might have heard of AIO. AIO stands for ADMIRALTY Information Overlay, and it is a digital dataset that provides additional information for passage planning on top of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) in ECDIS and other chart display systems. In this article, we will explain what AIO is, how to get it, how to use it, and how to update it.
What is ADMIRALTY Information Overlay?
ADMIRALTY Information Overlay (AIO) is a worldwide digital dataset that is designed to be displayed over ENCs in ECDIS and other chart display systems to provide additional information during passage planning. AIO contains Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners (T&P NMs) and Extra Preliminary Notices to Mariners (EP NMs) that highlight the differences between ENCs and paper charts. AIO also draws attention to areas where there is no ADMIRALTY chart at equivalent scale to the ENC, indicated by ‘No Overlay’ polygons. AIO is updated weekly and is available for free for AVCS users.
You can download the complete official AIO user guide by clicking on Download button below
How to get AIO in ECDIS?
To get AIO in ECDIS, you need to have a compatible ECDIS system and an AVCS subscription. You also need to obtain a free AIO permit from your ADMIRALTY Chart Agent and install it on your ECDIS. You can download the AIO data from the ADMIRALTY File Share Service (FSS) or receive it on a disc as part of the AVCS Weekly Update.
How to use AIO in ECDIS?
To use AIO in ECDIS, you need to activate the AIO layer on your ECDIS screen during passage planning. The AIO layer will show the areas affected by T&P NMs and EP NMs as hatched polygons. You can access the details of each notice by using the pick report function on your ECDIS. The AIO layer will also indicate the areas where there is no ADMIRALTY chart at equivalent scale to the ENC as ‘No Overlay’ polygons.
How to update AIO in ECDIS?
To update AIO in ECDIS, you need to apply the weekly updates to the AIO data, either by downloading them from the FSS or by using the disc. The updates can only be applied to the most recent base edition of the AIO data, and must be applied in sequence. You should always use the latest version of the AIO data to ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your passage planning.
