New charts at the Mandurah Boat Show

10/10/03
Recreational and commercial boat owners navigating Western Australian waters can now access detailed nautical charts in a digital format - significantly improving the safety of vessels.
The Western Australian Raster Nautical Chart Series is on view at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure's interactive display at the Mandurah Boat Show which opened today.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Ken Travers said the digital charts had been introduced to meet growing demand for a detailed, high quality series of electronic nautical charts for WA waters.
Mr Travers said the majority of commercial boat owners and an increasing number of recreational enthusiasts navigating WA waters used Global Positioning Systems (GPS) which could be used in conjunction with digital charts.
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure is responsible for producing and updating the State Government's nautical chart series. The department has been recognised nationally and internationally for its expertise in quality detailed chart production.
The department updates existing charts and produces new charts each year, adding to the 52 charts currently available in the series.
Mr Travers said a detailed nautical chart is an important piece of safety equipment and any vessel on the water should have a chart for the relevant part of the coastline.
"Improved technology on board many vessels gives skippers the ability to access precise information about the waters they are navigating with the touch of button," he said.
"Charts produced by the department have long been recognised as the most detailed for WA waters.
"Until now, boat owners with electronic navigation systems have not been able to access the official charts produced by the department.
"There has been increasing pressure from the local fishing industry and recreational boat owners wanting access to more detailed charts in a digital format.
"The department's new electronic chart series meets this demand and increases the safety of those on board these vessels."
The Western Australian Raster Nautical Chart Series is being produced under a Licence Agreement by HSA Systems Pty Ltd.
Mr Travers said funds generated from the sale of the charts would be used to extend the coverage of nautical charts being produced for WA waters.
Boat owners wanting more information about the series can visit the department's web site: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine
The nautical chart series, in both digital or hard copy, can be purchased from the department's Fremantle office and authorised chart agents around the State.
Minister's office: 9213 6400