Nautical charts will continue to be available in paper format
Paper charts are an important navigation product for many users and are expected to continue to be available for the foreseeable future. There are no immediate changes planned to phase out or stop printing paper nautical charts.
Existing paper charts will be progressively withdrawn and replaced by charts within a new chart portfolio aligned with S-100 standards.
LINZ does not intend to withdraw chart coverage. Any chart withdrawn as part of the MDT programme would be replaced by a fit-for-purpose chart product that supports safe navigation and carriage requirements.
Existing paper charts will be gradually withdrawn and replaced
Over time, many existing charts will be withdrawn and replaced with a new portfolio of charts that use revised scales and chart boundaries. The new paper chart portfolio will be derived from Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data and aligned with international S-100 standards.
Although the new charts will continue to support navigation across the same general areas, it will not be a like-for-like replacement of the current chart portfolio. As new S-100 standards and products are introduced, mariners are likely to see changes over time in how paper charts are produced, presented and delivered. The replacement may have different scales, chart boundaries or numbering.
We will communicate significant changes in advance and provide guidance to help mariners understand and prepare for them.
Timing for transitioning to updated paper charts
The earliest transition to next-generation paper charts could begin from 2028. Changes would be introduced gradually, communicated well in advance and supported with information to help mariners prepare.
No specific charts have been identified to be updated yet. Which charts and when will depend on:
- Adoption of S-100 digital products and services.
- User needs and feedback.
- International standards and practices.
- Safety, operational and regulatory considerations.
LINZ and Maritime New Zealand would engage with affected users before implementing any significant changes.
What to do when a paper chart is withdrawn
When a chart is withdrawn it will be announced through official channels, including New Zealand Notices to Mariners, along with the available replacement products.
Mariners should then:
- move to the replacement product, and
- continue to follow all applicable carriage, updating and correction requirements.
Withdrawn charts should not be used
Once withdrawn, a chart no longer forms part of the official chart portfolio and should not be relied upon to meet applicable carriage requirements.
Mariners should not assume that an older chart can continue to be used indefinitely simply because newer printed editions are no longer being produced.
A paper chart remains current only when it has been maintained and corrected in accordance with relevant requirements. Mariners should ensure they are using the most up-to-date navigational information available for their voyage.
Chart carriage requirements continue to apply
Vessels that are subject to maritime chart carriage requirements must continue to meet those requirements.
Non-regulated vessels should use the official navigation products and information appropriate for their voyage and adopt recognised good practice for safe navigation.
Digital products will complement paper charts
The MDT programme is developing a suite of S-100-based hydrographic products that will complement existing navigation products and support the maritime sector's transition to modern digital navigation.
These products are designed to support modern navigation systems and provide mariners with richer, more dynamic navigational information.
LINZ will provide further information on specific product offerings as they become available.