Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico

La Librairie Maritime Nautic Way is an approved Shom Agent, and offers the complete catalog of charts and works of the SHOM (Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy).

Beware of discount price announcements for Shom charts

The Lang law of August 10, 1981 protects the margins of publishers and bookstores from any competition through the practice of significant discounts on prices. The sale price of Shom charts is regulated and the maximum discount granted by this law is 5%. Beware of shops or e-shops offering these charts for sale with discounts greater than 5%, this practice violates the law, but above all it generally hides the sale of obsolete charts which the merchant is trying to get rid of without taking your security into account. at sea.

A little history

The SHOM (Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy) is a specific establishment of the French Navy whose main mission for 300 years has been to measure bathymetry, to design nautical charts and to distribute them. The establishment also distributes a certain number of nautical documents that are useful or even essential for navigation: RIPAM, beaconing, current charts, etc.

The Shom exercises the powers of the State in matters of general hydrography for the benefit of all users of the sea in accordance with France's international obligations, defined in particular by the international convention SOLAS for the safety of human life at sea and by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They apply by ensuring the collection, archiving and dissemination of official information necessary for maritime navigation.

Shom's nautical charts and nautical works are suitable for navigation for yachtsmen and merchant marine professionals. With these documents, you will be able to navigate many miles with your pleasure boat, discover wonderful anchorages, go coastal or offshore sailing.

Before choosing your nautical chart, it is interesting to know the particularities and differences between nautical charts.

Information from Shom regarding the change of paper in early 2019

Shom abandoned the offset production technique several years ago in favor of plotter production that is generally more economical and better able to deliver up-to-date charts of their corrections in a short time. Shom therefore set out to find a paper that was technically more suitable and easier to renew. But it was impossible to find a paper that satisfied all the criteria sought. The old paper purchased in 2013 was suitable for offset production and of a substantial weight (150 g/m²). This paper, specifically manufactured for Shom, came with a minimum quantity clause unsuited to current Shom production.

"Our main user, the French Navy, whose seriousness and level of requirements can hardly be questioned, was associated with the final choice: a lighter paper (120 g/m²) but easier to correct and use on a chart table. We are aware of the changes in habits that this can cause beyond the a priori and remain attentive to feedback. We therefore invite you to not hesitate to inform us of the difficulties and relevant negative opinions of your customers. On our side, we do not consider the choices made as fixed ad vitam æternam and are constantly looking for the most suitable products for the use made of them by our customers".

Differences between Shom C, L, G, Z and Raster charts

• Shom C: flat (to roll) and unfolded nautical charts, on 120 gr/m² paper, close to an A0 format. They are printed when ordered and include the latest updates: the vintage corresponding to the date of the last printing is indicated in italics in the GC or T column.
• Shom L: folded nautical charts in A4 format (21 x 29.7 cm), unfolded they measure 84 × 119 cm, on 120 gr/m² paper. They are the subject of updated prints at regular intervals: the vintage corresponding to the date of the last print is indicated in italics in the GC or T column.
• Shom G: they have the same characteristics as the Shom L charts. These are sedimentological charts that indicate the nature of the bottom. The number is followed by the letter G. They are produced from multiple data (lateral sonar, Rox Ann system, etc.) and describe the distribution of the different types of sediment (gravel, gravel, sand, etc.). They offer classic information from nautical charts, a summary of the environment intended in particular for fishing professionals. The bottom nature information is represented overlaid on a nautical chart background.
• Shom Z: they have the same characteristics as the Shom C charts. These are exercise zone charts that indicate military exercise zones. The number is followed by the letter Z, called Zonex variants. They have an overprint representing the limits and names of the exercise and firing areas used by the maritime forces. They thus allow easy identification of areas whose activity is announced by Notice to Mariners.
• Some Shom nautical charts exist in different versions: C, L, G, Z. They strictly show the same cartographic information but with specificities.
• Shom digital raster: some Shom nautical charts are also reproduced in digital nautical chart for use on a plotter or computer.

Are your Shom charts and guides up to date?

More and more Shom works only exist in digital version. What about during a check?

Article 240-2.04 General provisions on armament and safety equipment " - VII. "Nautical information and documents may be collected in one or more books or electronic media that can be consulted at any time.

2009 Shom article on nautical and computer cartography.

All nautical charts, paper or digital, are edited to order and benefit from the latest updates. In accordance with the provisions of Article L221-28 of the Consumer Code, the right of withdrawal cannot be exercised for the supply of goods likely to be obsolete quickly. These charts are neither taken back nor exchanged. Consequently, these orders are concluded definitively as soon as the order is placed by the Customer according to the methods specified in these GCS.