Dutch Hydrographic Office Nautical Chart

The nautical charts published by the Dutch Hydrographic Office (DHO) constitute the official reference for navigation in Dutch waters and certain areas of the North Sea. Recognised for their accuracy, reliability and compliance with the standards of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), they are essential for navigating maritime areas characterised by a high degree of hydrographic complexity. Choosing the right chart for your type of navigation is essential for safety, accuracy and regulatory compliance, particularly in this geographical area where conditions can change rapidly.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of an official DHO chart lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive hydrographic database to support safe navigation in busy and complex maritime environments.

• Navigation in complex areas: They enable mariners to plan routes through strong tidal currents and shifting sandbanks.

• Managing heavy maritime traffic: These charts are essential for anticipating manoeuvres in shipping lanes where maritime traffic is among the heaviest in the world.

• Identifying offshore infrastructure: The chart accurately records the numerous offshore structures located throughout the North Sea.

• Strategic decision-making tool: Unlike digital resources used on their own, paper charts provide a robust overall view, ideal for developing a clear and safe route strategy.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Given their high level of accuracy and official status, these charts are primarily intended for demanding users.

• Professional mariners and pilots: For whom the reliability and official status of the document are essential operational requirements.

• Navigation schools: A reference resource for teaching chart plotting and hydrographic analysis in accordance with IHO standards.

• Experienced leisure sailors: Recommended for sailors who regularly navigate Dutch waters and require comprehensive technical documentation.

• Precision navigation: Ideal for those who need to manoeuvre through narrow channels or areas subject to significant sediment movement.

Reading and understanding the chart

The effectiveness of DHO charts is based on rigorous cartographic standards designed for professional use.

• Hydrographic accuracy: Mariners will find essential information on depths, hazards and aids to navigation.

• Bathymetry and seabed features: The data are regularly updated to reflect the actual condition of the seabed, particularly in areas affected by shifting sandbanks.

• Standardised symbology: All codes and symbols comply with international conventions, facilitating universal interpretation by trained mariners.

• Professional format: Like most official charts offered by Nautic Way, they are generally supplied flat and rolled in a tube for optimal use on the chart table.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends directly on the use of official charts incorporating the latest corrections.

• Frequent updates: The DHO operates a regular correction system to ensure the reliability of safety-related information.

• Printed to order: Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop prints all charts to order to ensure that mariners receive the latest available corrections.

• Contractual provisions: Due to their nature as products that may become rapidly obsolete, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged, in accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

• Best practices: It is recommended to use paper charts alongside digital navigation tools to provide optimal safety redundancy.

Nautic Way's expertise for mariners

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

• A leading specialist: Nautic Way supports leisure sailors and professional mariners with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references.

• Specialist advice: Our team provides professional expertise to help mariners choose the charting products best suited to their specific itinerary.

• Local presence: Based in Challans (85300), at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, Nautic Way puts its expertise at the service of safe and efficient navigation on seas around the world.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in Dutch waters?

For safe professional or offshore navigation, you should choose official DHO charts. An interactive chart map is available on the Nautic Way website to help you identify the chart numbers that best correspond to your intended navigation area.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?

Although they provide the best official hydrographic foundation, these charts should form part of a broader navigation strategy that also includes sailing directions and local weather information.

How often should a DHO chart be replaced?

Given the rapid obsolescence of hydrographic data, particularly in areas affected by shifting sands, it is essential to use recently issued editions. Nautic Way ensures that charts are printed with the latest available information at the time of order.

Can DHO charts be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official paper charts can be used for manual position plotting and cross-checking electronic navigation data.

What is the difference between a DHO chart and an ANWB chart?

While ANWB charts are specifically designed for recreational boating and Dutch inland waterways, DHO charts are official hydrographic documents that comply with international professional standards for coastal and offshore navigation.