Australian Hydrographic Office Nautical Chart

The nautical charts published by the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) constitute the official and essential reference for navigation in Australian waters. This service, which operates under the Royal Australian Navy, manages one of the largest maritime domains in the world, with more than 60,000 kilometres of coastline including the Coral Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Choosing the right chart for your type of navigation is essential for safety and regulatory accuracy, particularly in extremely complex and environmentally sensitive areas such as the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you are a leisure sailor making a coastal stopover or a professional involved in international commercial shipping, these charts ensure compliance with international IHO hydrographic standards.

What is this chart used for?

The value of an official AHO nautical chart lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive hydrographic database to support safety throughout every stage of a voyage.

• Planning and safety: It is the reference tool for route planning and provides a reliable onboard backup.

• Bathymetry and seabed features: It provides a detailed representation of depths in metres, which is essential for avoiding the risk of grounding on coral reefs or shoals.

• Pilotage assistance: The chart accurately identifies lighthouses, lights, lateral and cardinal marks, as well as the specific buoyage systems used in Australia.

• Management of protected areas: It clearly indicates marine parks, environmentally sensitive areas and navigation restrictions, which are essential for complying with local regulations.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

The selection offered by Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop is intended for a broad and demanding range of users.

• Leisure sailors: For those undertaking coastal or offshore navigation around the Australian coastline.

• Professional mariners: Essential for commercial shipping, fishing and offshore fleets.

• Navigation schools: A valuable teaching resource for learning chart plotting and standardised nautical symbology.

• Long-distance sailors: Essential for international sailors undertaking major ocean passages or circumnavigations.

Reading and understanding the chart

The catalogue available includes 78 official products, providing precise coverage according to your operational requirements.

• Different scales and coverage areas: Mariners can choose from 23 coastal charts, 52 nearshore charts and one offshore chart.

• Professional format: All paper charts are supplied flat and rolled in a tube for optimal reading on the chart table.

• Examples of covered areas: The catalogue includes key areas such as the approaches to Fremantle (AUS112), Port Jackson (AUS200) and the Prince of Wales Channel (AUS293).

• Technical information: It is essential to understand the information provided on currents, tides and mangrove areas shown on the charts.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends on the continuous updating of navigation resources.

• Continuous updates: The AHO regularly incorporates new bathymetric surveys and Notices to Mariners to ensure the highest possible level of reliability.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all charts are printed to order to ensure that they incorporate the latest corrections issued by the hydrographic authority.

• Regulatory provisions: In accordance with the French Consumer Code, these products cannot be returned or exchanged because they may become rapidly obsolete (Article L221-28).

• Digital transition: Although the AHO is progressively shifting its production towards Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), paper charts remain an essential safety backup.

Nautic Way's expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in international nautical charting.

• A specialist supplier: Nautic Way supports mariners with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references.

• Expert advice: Based in Challans (85300), at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, our team helps you identify the appropriate navigation area and specific charting requirements for your maritime projects.

• Quality and expertise: By choosing Nautic Way, you benefit from reliable products and clear professional expertise to navigate the Australian coastline with confidence.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in this area?

The choice depends on your itinerary. You can use our interactive chart map to select the chart numbers corresponding precisely to your intended navigation area, whether coastal, nearshore or offshore.

Is this chart sufficient on its own?

Although comprehensive, it provides an essential foundation that should form part of a broader navigation strategy including other documents such as sailing directions and Lists of Lights.

How often should the chart be replaced?

Nautical charts are products that may become rapidly obsolete. It is essential to use editions incorporating the latest available updates, which is why Nautic Way prints them to order.

Can it be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official paper charts use geographic coordinates and standardised symbology, allowing mariners to manually plot and cross-check their electronic position for enhanced safety.

What is the difference between an AHO chart and a SHOM chart?

SHOM is the official hydrographic authority for French waters, while the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) is the official hydrographic authority for Australian waters. Nautic Way offers the catalogues of both hydrographic authorities to meet your worldwide navigation requirements.