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How we support Safety of Life at Sea
We are responsible for fulfilling the UK government’s obligations to provide hydrographic products and services for safe navigation in UK waters to support Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Part of our public task also involves advising on policy matters, informing policy-making and unlocking greater value from UK geospatial data by working across government with other public organisations.
We also represent the UK internationally, championing hydrography and the importance of marine geospatial data as the foundation data set essential for almost every activity undertaken in the marine domain. This includes enabling safe and efficient maritime trade, enhancing maritime security and supporting shared environmental initiatives.
Beyond UK waters
Beyond UK waters, we fulfil the charting responsibilities for 63 coastal states as their Primary Charting Authority (PCA). As PCA, we are responsible for compiling, producing and distributing official navigational products for the waters of the coastal state we represent.
We also work closely with UK Overseas Territories and Commonwealth nations to manage and fulfil their marine geospatial data requirements, supporting them in meeting their obligations regarding the safety of navigation and sustainable management of their marine environment.
From seabed to surface and beyond
Marine geospatial data is essential for almost every activity undertaken in the marine domain. From seabed to surface and coast to offshore, our world-class team of experts, in partnership with organisations worldwide, source, process and publish hydrographic and marine geospatial data.
This wide range of data serves many needs and uses, from safety-critical information for maritime navigation to environmental and scientific research. The data supports the UK government in making informed decisions on our nation's prosperity and security.
We also provide additional products and services to support the UK government and public sector organisations, including:
- Astronomical and celestial navigation data provided by HM Nautical Almanac Office
- Advice and guidance relating to the Law of the Sea, including technical aspects of maritime baselines, limits, zones and boundaries
- We administer the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM)
- Information from the UKHO Archive, which maintains one of the most complete maritime collections in the world
UK Centre for Seabed Mapping
The UK is a world leader in seabed mapping, and the UK Government alone invests in over 30 public sector organisations to collect and use it.
Launched in 2022 and administered by the UKHO, the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM) enables UK public sector organisations involved in seabed mapping to build a community where members coordinate the collection, management and access of publicly funded marine geospatial data.
The UK CSM is increasing the coverage, quality and access of seabed mapping data, promoting it as a critical component of national infrastructure.
Representing the UK internationally
We represent the UK internationally, championing hydrography and the importance of marine geospatial data as the foundation data set essential for almost every activity undertaken in the marine domain. By sharing our data and expertise, we are committed to promoting hydrography's role in addressing global challenges and ensuring the safe and responsible use of our oceans for generations to come.
Supporting national security
We play an important role in supporting the UK Government’s national defence and security policy. As a Defence Specialist Geospatial Centre, the UKHO is one of the four approved authorities providing authoritative, assured and compliant Geospatial Foundation Data, products and services to the Ministry of Defence.
The Royal Navy (RN) and all UK defence vessels, from ships to submarines, rely on the UKHO and our ADMIRALTY products and services for safer navigation. Working closely with maritime forces and global allies, our specialist teams provide bespoke solutions that enable the best possible view of the marine environment. This is essential to helping to maintain freedom of manoeuvre for the protection and prosperity of our national infrastructure, international maritime trade routes and the world’s oceans. By providing critical data and hydrographic information, we also assist with humanitarian aid and emergency relief to coastal communities in times of crisis and conflict.
Collaboration for safe maritime trade
From finding new ways to help improve efficiencies to developing the next generation of navigational solutions, collaboration is key as we continue to support the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
The UKHO holds many valuable partnerships with organisations across the globe – from ports and data suppliers to other national hydrographic offices. By pooling together our collective expertise and insight, we are identifying the challenges our customers face and the new opportunities for innovative solutions. Together, we are working to support safe, efficient and compliant navigation.
Data to inform policy and strategy development
Against the backdrop of digitalisation and decarbonisation transformation, the maritime community is facing one of its most challenging times, characterised by regional conflicts, disrupted supply chains and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
As the UK government’s centre for hydrography and seabed mapping data, we play a key role in developing maritime evidence papers, strategy, and policy documents that help form the decision-making to support safe, secure and thriving oceans for generations to come.
This includes contributing to the development of Foresight Future of the Sea, supporting other nations alongside the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and partnering with the Geospatial Commission to help unlock the significant economic, social and environmental opportunities offered by location data.