The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) today has announced the introduction of two new Admiralty Maritime Security Charts to cover The Mediterranean (Q6111) and The Persian Gulf (Q6110).
The two new paper charts, together with a new online update service, provide a simple, single point of reference for the most up to date security information to make passage planning safer.
The new Maritime Security Charts are designed to be updated by ship personnel or shore-side security managers with information that represents a risk to the security of navigation. This includes data on piracy, terrorism, mine warfare, embargo, illegal fishing and exclusion zones, as well as routeing and reporting requirements implemented by military or security forces.
This information can be accessed via a new Admiralty service, Security-Related Information to Mariners (SRIM), available free via a dedicated website. SRIM provides only official information which has been validated at government level. It is collated by the UKHO through its work with NATO and government-to-government organisations, ensuring the most accurate and timely official information is available to mariners and shipping companies.
The new Maritime Security Charts have been developed in response to the increasing need for readily available official security information. The charts also provide a variety of useful security related information including contact details for regional security centres, advice on incident reporting and a reporting template.
Stein Olav Hagalid, CDR SG, Head, NCAGS/NATO Shipping Centre , says: “Security threats are an ongoing risk to the shipping industry, so it’s vital that mariners and shipping companies have access to the latest validated navigational information. The Admiralty Maritime Security Charts combined with the SRIM service, as well as relevant information on the NATO Shipping Centre website, will help users collate the most up-to-date official security information available, ensuring passage planning can be made simpler and voyage routes more secure.”
Dan Mackley, Product Manager, UKHO , says: “The UKHO prides itself on giving the mariner a range of products that promote the safety of life at sea. The Admiralty Maritime Security Charts are an important new tool, which will help ship personnel or shore-side security managers plan the safest possible passage for their vessels and crew.”
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Source: UKHO, September 4, 2012