UKHO warns against counterfeit nautical charts

The warning comes as the UKHO has seen an increase in the number of counterfeit versions of its Admiralty charts and publications in circulation. In a bid to reduce the safety risk for vessels, crews and cargoes, the UKHO has produced a simple guide to help users and inspectors to distinguish official charts from fake ones.

John Dawson, head of marketing, UKHO, said: “The UKHO urges all purchasers, users, inspectors and regulators to be vigilant for counterfeit Admiralty charts and publications. Because counterfeit versions have not been through the same rigorous checking procedures as official Admiralty charts and publications, they cannot be trusted for voyage planning or navigational purposes.”

He added: “We are actively seeking to stop the production and sale of counterfeit copies of our charts and publications and have raised our concerns with the International Maritime Organisation, the International Hydrographic Organisation and Flag States. We also encourage anyone that suspects they may be in possession of counterfeit products to get in touch with us.”

Suspect charts and publications can be identified against official Admiralty versions, where variations may be spotted in the look, feel and weight of the product, the colour tone and strength of the ink, the folds on charts and the height and binding quality of publications.

Copies of the UKHO’s guide are available to download from www.bit.ly/admiralty-genuine