What Publications Are We Required To Carry
The regulations pertaining to the requirements of the carriage of publications, is contained in SOLAS.
In SOLAS Chapter V a Nautical Publication or Nautical Chart is defined as:
“a special purpose map or book, or a special compiled database from which such a map or book is derived, that is issued officially by or on the authority of a Government, authorised Hydrographic Office or other relevant government institution and is designed to meet the requirements of marine navigation”
On a merchant vessel according to regulation 19.2.1.4:
All ships irrespective of size shall have:
Nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ship’s route for the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage; an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) may be accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of this subparagraph.
On a merchant vessel, other than:
a) UK Ships of Class V
b) UK Ships which are neither passengers ships nor seagoing
c) New ships of class A, B, C or D
d) Fishing vessels
e) Pleasure vessels under 150gt
The following publications need to be carried, so as to satisfy the requirements of Regulation 19.2.1.3, listed to Annex 3, of Chapter V:
- International Code of Signals (IMO)
- IAMSAR Manual Vol. III
- Mariner’s Handbook (UKHO)
- Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine Guidance Notes and Marine Information Notes (MCA)
- Notices to Mariners (UKHO)
- Notices to Mariners – Annual Summary (UKHO)
- Lists of Radio Signals (UKHO)
- Lists of Lights (UKHO)
- Sailing Directions (UKHO)
- Nautical Almanac
- Navigational Tables
- Tide Tables
- Tidal Stream Atlases
- Operating and Maintenance Instructions for Navigational Aids Carried by the Ship
Vessels need only carry parts of the publications relevant to the vessel’s voyage and operation. SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 27 states that all publications “shall be adequate and up to date”
These publications can be carried in either paper or digital format, so long as the digital format is approved by the issuing body, the International Hydrographic Office. If digital publications are used, they must be contained on two systems and one of the systems must be connected to a back up power supply.
