Shom L nautical chart English Channel

Nautic Way Maritime Bookstore is an authorized Shom agent and offers the complete catalogue of SHOM charts and publications (Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the French Navy).

The Shom (Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy) is the official French authority responsible for marine charting and the dissemination of nautical information. For recreational boating, it provides several types of nautical charts adapted to sailors’ needs:

Types of Shom charts available for recreational boaters and the merchant navy:

• Rolled charts: Shom C charts, large-format paper charts ideal for detailed reading on a chart table on board.
• Folded charts: Shom L charts, more manageable and suitable for small boats; they are folded for easy storage.
• Shom G charts: sedimentological charts.
• Shom Z charts: military exercise charts.
• Geotiff raster charts: digital charts for certain navigation software. They are generated from official paper charts and faithfully reproduce their content, symbols, and layout.

Content of Shom charts
Each chart shows:

• the seabed relief (soundings, depth contours),
• hazards (rocks, wrecks, shoals),
• buoys and lights (characteristics, sectors),
• regulatory limits (military zones, marine reserves, compulsory channels, etc.),
• and other useful navigation information (anchorages, ports, currents, etc.).

Beware of discount price offers on Shom charts

The Lang Law of 10 August 1981 protects publishers and bookstores from competition based on large price discounts. The sale price of Shom charts is regulated, and the maximum discount allowed by law is 5%. Beware of shops or online stores offering discounts higher than 5%. This practice violates the law, but more importantly, it usually indicates the sale of outdated charts that the seller is trying to clear out without considering your safety at sea.

Shom nautical charts and publications are suitable for navigation for both recreational boaters and professionals in the merchant navy. With these documents, you can sail many miles with your pleasure craft, discover beautiful anchorages, and practice coastal or offshore navigation.

Before choosing your nautical chart, it is helpful to understand the characteristics and differences between the various types of charts.

Information from Shom regarding the paper change in early 2019

Shom abandoned offset printing several years ago in favor of plotter-based production, which is generally more economical and better able to deliver charts updated with the latest corrections in a short time. Shom therefore sought a more technically suitable and more easily renewable paper. However, it was not possible to find a paper meeting all the desired criteria. The previous paper, purchased in 2013, was suited to offset printing and had a significant weight (150 g/m²). This paper, manufactured specifically for Shom, came with a minimum quantity requirement that no longer fits Shom’s current production.

"Our main user, the French Navy — whose professionalism and high standards are beyond question — participated in the final choice: a lighter paper (120 g/m²) that is easier to correct and use on a chart table. We are aware that this may require some adjustment beyond preconceived expectations, and we remain attentive to feedback. We therefore invite you to report any relevant difficulties or negative customer opinions. For our part, we do not consider these choices as set in stone, and we continually seek the products best suited to our clients’ needs."

All nautical charts, whether paper or digital, are printed on demand and include the latest updates. In accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code, the right of withdrawal does not apply to goods likely to become obsolete quickly. These charts cannot be returned or exchanged. Consequently, these orders are considered final as soon as they are placed by the customer, under the terms specified in these General Terms and Conditions of Sale.