Around two thirds of the Norwegian coast is presently covered by ENC's with the remainder expected to be completed by 2006-7. For HSC's operating in waters already covered by ENC's, the requirement will most probably come into effect in 2006 and for the remaining parts of the coast, 12 months after coverage is extended. The Directorate points out that use of conventional paper charts aboard HSC's does not necessarily give the navigator information early enough to avoid dangerous situations.

The NMD's concern has been prompted by the grounding and capsizing of the stone carrier, Rocknes, with the loss of 18 crew members last January - although it hastens to add that charts may not have contributed to the disaster which is currently the subject of an official inquiry