Over three-quarters of the global fleet now authorised to use ADMIRALTY Nautical Publications in electronic format in place of paper equivalents
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced that three more Flag States have approved the use of electronic-Nautical Publications (e-NPs) and ADMIRALTY Digital Publications (ADP) in place of paper equivalents.
This decision means that US, Lithuanian and Belgian-flagged ships can now carry ADP and e-NPs whilst continuing to meet SOLAS carriage requirements.
The US is the fifth largest flag state in the world, with a total of 3, 614 ships and as a result of these latest Flag State approvals, over 79% of the global fleet is now authorised to use digital publications in an electronic format in place of their paper equivalents to meet the carriage requirements of SOLAS.
Christine Trickett, Senior Product Manager (Publications) at the UKHO commented: “We are delighted that the USA, Lithuania and Belgium have joined most of the world’s leading Flag States in approving the use of ADP and e-NPs to meet SOLAS carriage requirements. All US, Lithuanian and Belgian flagged ships can now benefit from the speed, accuracy and ease-of-use of ADP and e-NP. What is more, over three-quarters of the global fleet can now draw upon the benefits of the digitalized versions of important publications, helping to support safe and efficient navigation around the world.”
e-NPs are the e-book versions of renowned ADMIRALTY Nautical Publications, including ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions and the new edition of ADMIRALTY Mariners Handbook (NP100).
ADMIRALTY Digital Publications comprises ADMIRALTY Digital List of Lights, the world’s most advanced source of light and fog signal data; ADMIRALTY Digital Radio Signals Volumes 2 and 6, a source of maritime radio communications for pilot and vessel traffic services plus international port operations; and, ADMIRALTY TotalTide, the world’s most comprehensive tidal prediction programme.
Full details and supporting documents from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Lithuanian Maritime Safety Administration, the Belgian Maritime Inspectorate and all Flag States that have approved the use of ADMIRALTY publications in electronic format can be found at http://www.ukho.gov.uk/ProductsandServices/DigitalPublications/Pages/ADLL.aspx?tab=3
About the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
1. UKHO, an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence, has been charting the world’s oceans for more than 200 years with the primary aim of providing navigational products and services for the Royal Navy and merchant mariners to save and protect lives at sea. In addition it serves small craft and leisure mariners and provides a range of consultancy services.
2. UKHO also plays a central role, in support of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in discharging the navigation element of the UK’s Safety of Life at Sea Treaty obligations for waters of UK national responsibility.
3. UKHO produces a worldwide series of some 3, 500 paper nautical charts, 200 publications under the ADMIRALTY brand and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). The ADMIRALTY portfolio is sold globally and used by nearly 70% of international shipping.
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