Feedback sought to plot future of local nautical chart program

Skippers and other enthusiasts who use Department of Transport (DoT) nautical charts to safely navigate WA waterways are being asked for feedback to determine the future of the service.

DoT Coastal Infrastructure General Manager Steve Jenkins said the agency was conducting a review of the production and distribution of its nautical charts to provide a plan that will best meet the future needs of the State's boating community.

"To assist safe navigation, skippers have always been able to access DoT produced nautical charts in a paper format. However, Royal Australian Navy chart production, advances in technology and the growing popularity of electronic navigation systems on vessels and other digital platforms have prompted a review," Mr Jenkins said.

Currently DoT produced nautical charts for the majority of the WA coastline are available for free download to skippers and the agency's valuable data is also used by a number of chart plotter distributors under a licence agreement.

As part of the review DoT will gauge the value of DoT's chart production program, consider provision of charts in other digital formats, including those available for free download and investigate current and future partnership opportunities across Government and with the private sector.

Mr Jenkins said DoT was seeking feedback from users via an online survey until May 18, 2018.

"Initial discussions with key stakeholders has provided valuable information and strong support for the retention of charts in the paper format that will be considered as part of the review," Mr Jenkins said.

"This is a good opportunity to look to the future and I encourage all users of DoT nautical charts to participate and have their say."

Participate in the review by visiting www.transport.wa.gov.au/nauticalchartsurvey

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au