Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department Nautical Chart

The nautical charts published by the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department (JHOD), also known as the Japan Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, provide the official reference for navigation in Japanese waters. Produced under the authority of the Japan Coast Guard and in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards, they are recognised and used by professional mariners, experienced leisure sailors and maritime institutions worldwide.

Japan has an extensive and highly complex maritime domain, with more than 29,000 kilometres of coastline, numerous islands, straits and heavily trafficked ports. Choosing the appropriate chart for your type of navigation is essential for safety, accuracy and regulatory compliance in an environment characterised by significant seismic and volcanic activity that can influence seabed morphology.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of an official JHOD nautical chart lies in its ability to provide comprehensive hydrographic information, turning the navigation chart into a strategic decision-making tool.

• Safe voyage planning: Paper charts remain essential for voyage planning, maritime training and as a reliable onboard backup.

• Managing a complex environment: They enable precise navigation despite major challenges such as powerful currents, including the Kuroshio, heavy maritime traffic and highly regulated port areas.

• Official reference: These documents provide the official reference for navigation in Japanese waters, supporting compliance with international requirements.

• Operational value: They provide the level of detail required to avoid hazards associated with irregular seabeds and seismically active areas.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these products to meet the operational requirements of a wide range of maritime users.

• Professional mariners and commercial shipping: For whom official status and accuracy are essential requirements for international maritime transport.

• Offshore fishermen and industrial vessels: They support safe navigation in fishing grounds and approaches to industrial facilities.

• Experienced leisure sailors: Recommended for sailors navigating around Japan who have a good understanding of nautical chartwork.

• Maritime schools and training centres: A reference resource for teaching chartwork and hydrographic analysis in accordance with IHO standards.

Reading and understanding the chart

The strength of JHOD charts lies in the wealth and accuracy of the technical information they provide, specifically adapted to Japanese waters.

• Detailed bathymetry: Depths are shown in metres, together with detailed depth contours and an accurate representation of the complex underwater terrain.

• Scales and coverage: The catalogue available from Nautic Way includes 139 products covering coastal areas (92 charts) and nearshore areas (47 charts).

• Aids to navigation: Charts show lighthouses, lights, buoys and specialised lighting systems essential for accurate positioning.

• Identified hazards: Careful identification of shoals, rocks, wrecks and submarine volcanic areas.

• Regulated areas: Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), military areas and port sectors are clearly delineated.

• Delivery format: Paper charts are supplied flat and rolled in a tube.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends directly on the reliability and continuous updating of navigation information.

• Regular updates: JHOD regularly publishes Notices to Mariners to incorporate changes to port infrastructure and newly identified hazards.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all nautical charts are printed to order so that you receive the latest available updates at the time of purchase.

• Operational caution: Although highly accurate, these charts require a good understanding of nautical chartwork and may present a language barrier, as some annotations are in Japanese.

• Contractual provisions: In accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged because they are products that may become obsolete rapidly.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in international nautical charts and maritime documentation.

• Specialist reference: Nautic Way selects official JHOD charts, providing documents that meet the requirements of professional mariners.

• Specialist advice: Our team provides professional expertise and cartographic advice to help each navigator identify their specific requirements.

• Local presence: Based at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, 85300 Challans, France, Nautic Way puts its professional expertise at the service of safe navigation around the world.

FAQ

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

The choice depends on your specific navigation area, whether coastal or nearshore, and on your requirements. It is recommended to define your route carefully before selecting from the 139 available references, such as JP1065 for Tokyo or JP1061 for the northern part of Tokyo Wan.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?

Although comprehensive and official, a JHOD chart is an essential foundation that should form part of a broader navigation strategy including other nautical documents for comprehensive risk management.

How often should I replace my JHOD chart?

It is essential to use the latest edition available. As Nautic Way prints charts to order with the latest available corrections, we recommend having up-to-date charts before each voyage in Japan to ensure the accuracy of safety-critical information.

Can it be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official paper charts are based on Japan's national hydrographic data, providing consistency with electronic navigation systems and allowing accurate manual plotting of GPS positions.

What is the difference between a JHOD chart and a SHOM chart?

SHOM is the official hydrographic authority for French waters, while JHOD is the official hydrographic authority for Japanese waters. Each produces nautical charts in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards for its respective area of jurisdiction.