UKHO Plans Hundreds of Port Approach Guides

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) announced it continues to expand its Port Approach Guide portfolio, with coverage in Asia set to increase through the inclusion of ports in China.

The UKHO's Port Approach Guides are port-scale charts that contain a range of planning and support information for some of the world's busiest ports. By providing bridge crews this information in one place, each guide can help simplify a number of passage planning tasks; making port entry and exit quicker and easier. Taken from official ADMIRALTY charts and publications, this planning information usually includes Vessel Traffic Service Information (VTS), Principal lights and landmarks, tidal information, pilotage, port regulations and other port specific warnings.

Each Port Approach Guide can also be used to understand changes to a port area, with Quick Response (QR) codes providing quick links to relevant updates on ADMIRALTY EasyTide and Notice to Mariners WebSearch. Preliminary Notice to Mariners are also included in Section II of paper NMs. International Code of Signals (ICS) flags are also used as a way of drawing attention to features, helping mariners to quickly link chart features to the associated text panels. When used in conjunction with official navigational charts, this information can enhance situational awareness when making the port approach.

Nick Dekkers, UKHO Product Manager – Charts at the UKHO commented, said, “The UKHO’s goal is to save mariners time during passage planning and Master Pilot Exchange (MPX). There is a clear requirement for passage planning assistance at the world’s busiest ports, giving bridge crews clarity and reassurance during times of peak workload and pressure. We have published over 90 Port Approach Guides, and the feedback from mariners, pilots and port authorities has been very positive.”

“We have been able to take advantage of our cartographic expertise and strong relationships with our partners around the world to cover hundreds of the world’s busiest ports. Given the growth enjoyed by many leading Asian ports, this will include a significant increase in Port Approach Guide coverage in Asia, including coverage of a number of Chinese ports later this year.”