This course is part of the UKHO Bursary programme which supports the International Hydrographic Office’s (IHO) commitment to capacity building, and developing international capability. The course introduced the students, who were from Vietnam, Venezuela, Argentina, Romania, Poland and Thailand, to the international standards relating to ENC production and maintenance.

The training team of Ken Blagdon and Nick Morrison, led by corporate training manager Peter Westcott, oversaw training in the classroom as well off site where the students were able to make practical use of their new found skills. At Devonport they  went onboard 'HMS Somerset' to familiarise themselves with the layout of a bridge and navigational equipment.

The course provides the students with the key skills and knowledge to produce and maintain ENCs in support of the IHO’s programme to ensure the quality and consistency of ENC provision worldwide.

In February 2005, the UKHO's cartographic and ENC training courses achieved recognition from the IHO, the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the International Cartographic Association (ICA) when the FIG/IHO/ICA advisory board awarded Category B accreditation in the Standard of Competence for Nautical Cartographers

Peter Westcott said, 'The hydrographic and marine cartographic community is truly international. Our courses not only provide attendees with the skills and knowledge required to produce navigational charts to international standards but also provide a forum for marine cartographers to share experiences and knowledge and in the future to continue to communicate, thus creating an international network of learning that can only be beneficial to enhancing capacity and supporting Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).'

The UKHO has now trained over 200 students from over 40 countries since 2002. In addition to delivering training at the UKHO HQ in Taunton, the training team also provides training 'in country' and in the past year has delivered its accredited 15 week course to the Royal Malaysian Hydrographic Office in Malaysia, amongst others.