UKHO intends to cease production of paper charts by 2026

There is no detailed timeline for the phase-out process at this point, although it will begin this year, starting with cards where demand is low and the maintenance costs are high associated with maintaining service. ‘supply. Additionally, they announced that they will offer digital alternatives for maritime sectors still using paper charts.

The UKHO will remove Standard Admiralty Nautical Charts (SNC) and Thematic Charts (specialist charts which supplement standard nautical charts) from production as most ships primarily use digital products and services for their display; such as vessels fitted with Electronic Chart Display Systems (ECDIS).

Most ships have moved to a digital platform because of the ease and speed of accessing and updating Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). In addition, ENCs allow the overlay of Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) and Automatic Identification System (AIS).

Electronic chart display systems (ECIDS) can significantly improve safety of navigation if used correctly. For example, fixes and updates are instantaneous and done via digital versatile disc (DVD) or the ship’s internet.

Members who still have vessels that only use paper charts for navigation should start preparing their vessels to move to digital navigation through the installation of primary and secondary (backup) ECDIS.

The implementation of the installation of ECDIS on board ships must be type approved, with a certificate of conformity issued by the ship’s classification society, the port State control (PSC) and the administration of verification. These requirements ensure full transport compliance with ECDIS – SOLAS Regulation V/19 – Transport requirements for on-board navigational systems and equipment.

In addition, all deck officers using shipboard ECDIS must have completed generic ECDIS training (in accordance with Chapter II of the STCW Convention) with the provision of familiarization or type-specific training (in accordance with I /14, paragraph 1.5 of the STCW Convention and sections 6.3 and 6.5 of the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code)).
Source: West of England P&I Club