During the visit Sir Jonathon, who is the professional head of the Royal Navy and is responsible to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service, was given the latest information and development plans for the defence services and products UKHO provides.

He saw for himself first hand the operation of the Radio Navigational Warning Service, which sends out emergency chart information to mariners 24 hours a day, Electronic Navigational Chart production, submarine support services and the Source Data Receipt operation that receives and analyses chart information that comes in from all over the world.

His visit comes the day after UKHO announced major changes to its structure that will see 250 to 300 jobs reduced over the next five years.

Sir Jonathon said, 'With regard to yesterday’s announcement, the MoD has clearly set out the objectives and operational outputs expected of the UKHO. I look forward to seeing the same world class UKHO products and services supplied to the Royal Navy and the commercial Mariner.'

The UKHO, which is part of the Ministry of Defence, has been charting the world’s oceans for more than 200 years with the primary aim of providing navigational services for the Royal Navy and merchant mariners to save and protect lives at sea.

Yesterday, Defence Minister Derek Twigg announced the UKHO would remain owned by the MoD and continue to operate as a Trading Fund. Investment would be put into a new office premises in Taunton and that a major restructuring programme would be carried out. Consultations with Trade Unions are now underway and staff are being kept informed of developments.