Comprehensively updated, it features revised information on assessment and promulgation of safety-critical data for Notices to Mariners and Navigation Warnings. Other topics covered are How to Interpret Source Data, Charting of Wrecks, Important Information on Minefields, Improved Photography on Sea States, Marine Pollution Reports (MARPOL), and Enhanced Charts with Diagrams.

There are also new sections on aquaculture and fish havens and long-period swell waves as well as a revised Hydrographic Note form (H102) together with a complete listing of all current national flags and merchant ensigns.