In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have beed advised by the UKHO that it is being notified of impacts to the availability of Foreign Government Hydrographic Office products and services, which in turn will impact their own products.

This notification highlights information from France and the Philippines.

FRANCE

The French Hydrographic Office (SHOM) has advised  that with effect from Wednesday 18 March, until further notice, no updates – including Notices To Mariner, SNC New Editions and ENC updates will be made to their products. This is in response to the current issues created by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

NAVAREA warnings will be used by France to issue the most critical navigational information.
As the respective ADMIRALTY services use French data to be kept up to date, UKHO’s own products which are reliant on that data from France will likewise be affected and will not receive updates.

Caution is advised when navigating using these products.

PHILIPPINES

The Philippines Hydrographic Office have advised due to the recent Government imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine for the whole island of Luzon, the NAMRIA – Hydrography Branch will stop it’s regular activities until further notice.

Navigational Warnings and monthly Notices to Mariners will still be promulgated in order to ensure safety of navigation.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update you with any further developments as we learn more.