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ROUTE FILES · FOR OFFICERS WHO PLAN THE PASSAGE

RTZ files: open and convert

By the NaviBoss team · Updated

RTZ is the IEC 61174 route exchange format that most current ECDIS models import. NaviBoss opens a RTZ file for free, draws the route on the chart, and converts it to any of 35 route formats, both directions: more than any voyage planner we know of.

File.rtzECDIS standard (IEC 61174)
Converts to and from35 formatsECDIS, plotters, office
ImportFreewith an account
Export7-day trialthen with a plan

The RTZ format in NaviBoss

FormatFileWhat it isHow sure we are
RTZ.rtzECDIS standard (IEC 61174)Checked against real ECDIS files

How to convert a route

  1. Open the planner and drop in the route file you have (any of 35 formats), or plan the route there.
  2. Check it on the chart: every waypoint, leg, distance and turn radius.
  3. Press Export and pick RTZ.
  4. Copy the file to a USB stick and load it with your ECDIS's route import function, as its manual describes.

Questions officers ask

What is a RTZ file?

A .rtz file holding a route as waypoints: the IEC 61174 route exchange format that most current ECDIS models import.

How do I open a RTZ file?

Drop it into the NaviBoss planner (free with an account): the route is drawn on the chart with every waypoint, leg and distance. Nothing to install.

How do I convert RTZ to another format?

Import the RTZ file in NaviBoss, choose Export and pick the format your ECDIS or plotter takes: 35 route formats, both directions. Importing is free; exporting needs a plan after the 7-day trial.

Is the RTZ file NaviBoss writes checked?

Checked against real ECDIS files. Still, check the route on the ECDIS after loading it.

Other makers and formats

Convert your route now

Drop in the file you have and export the one your ECDIS takes. Import is free with an account; the first 7 days include export.

Open the Export tool →

About our guides

NaviBoss guides are written and checked by maritime industry experts, masters and deck officers. Each one is built from the same data the planner uses, dated, and rebuilt when that data changes. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.

A planning aid, not for navigation. Always check an imported route on the ECDIS against the official charts before you use it.