Why Will Marine Charts No Longer Be Printed, And What Problems Will This Cause?

For the uninitiated, marine charts are navigational maps mariners use to navigate safely through waterways, avoid hazards, and reach their destination. These charts have been printed on paper for hundreds of years and sold to mariners through chart agents… However, there has been a shift towards digital navigation systems and electronic charting in recent years.

There are several reasons why marine charts will no longer be printed:

• Cost: Printing and distributing paper charts is expensive. In contrast, electronic charting allows for easy distribution and updates without the cost of printing and shipping.
• Accuracy: Electronic charting allows for more frequent and up-to-date information, as data can be quickly and easily updated. On the other hand, printed charts may become outdated quickly and may not reflect changes in water depth, navigational hazards or additional important information.
• Accessibility: Electronic charting allows mariners to access charts quickly and easily without needing physical storage or transportation of large volumes of paper charts.

However, there are also potential problems that may arise as a result of the shift away from printed charts:

• Reliance on technology: Mariners who rely solely on electronic charting systems may become overly reliant on technology, which can be a problem if the system fails or malfunctions. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has already seen this problem, even when used with paper charts. Combining GPS with electronic charts can magnify the problem unless we think differently on the bridge.
• Loss of traditional skills: Some mariners may argue that the move away from paper charts risks the loss of traditional navigation skills, which could be a concern for future generations of mariners. A total power loss or significant IT failure onboard could leave future watchkeepers helpless even if they did have paper charts onboard.

Many large yachts navigate exclusively with approved electronic charts and an approved chart display system (ECDIS). They are required to have either backup paper charts in reserve or a second, completely independent ECDIS system. These are both expensive, but what about smaller vessels? What about leisure craft, who have neither the room nor the budget for two independent ECDIS systems? There is currently no approved electronic charting system for such vessels. There isn’t even an approved standard for what such a system should be able to do. It is unlikely that there will be by 2030!

So, while the shift away from printed marine charts has many advantages, there are also potential drawbacks. It will be important for mariners to use electronic charting systems responsibly and to maintain the skills necessary for safe navigation, regardless of the type of charting system being used. Yacht training providers are still currently heavily focussed on paper chart navigation but will be moving to digital charting within the next year to 18 months. At Bluewater, we fully engage with the regulatory authorities to find a way. We are working with our colleagues in other schools to develop a harmonised response. Watch this space for more news!

John Wyborn