Navigating the vast and unpredictable oceans requires more than just a sturdy vessel and a skilled crew; it demands up-to-date information to ensure safe passage. This is where Notices to Mariners come into play.
These essential updates provide mariners with critical information about changes in navigational aids, hazards, and other important maritime details. By staying informed through these notices, mariners can avoid potential dangers and ensure the safety of their voyage. In this article, we'll explore the significance of Notices to Mariners and how they play a pivotal role in maritime navigation.
The timely distribution and incorporation of NtM into nautical charts and publications are legally required for coastal states. This is mandated by international maritime conventions. The commitment to providing accurate and current navigational information is fundamental to maintaining safety at sea.
Mariners depend on these notices to make informed decisions, avoid potential dangers, and adhere to the latest maritime regulations and best practices.
The significance of Notices to Mariners cannot be overstated. They act as a lifeline for mariners, offering the most current navigational warnings, coastal updates, and changes to aids to navigation. Without these notices, vessels would face uncharted hazards, leading to potential accidents, environmental disasters, and loss of life. By utilizing NtM, mariners can navigate with confidence, knowing they have access to the latest critical information for a safe voyage.
Key Takeaways
Notices to Mariners are essential for sharing critical maritime safety information
Coastal states are obligated to provide accurate and timely NtM
NtM are vital for updating nautical charts and publications
Mariners rely on NtM to navigate safely and avoid potential hazards
Staying informed through NtM is crucial for maintaining safety at sea
What are Notices to Mariners (NtM)?
Notices to Mariners (NtM) are critical publications that offer maritime safety updates and essential information for safe navigation at sea. These notices include corrections to nautical charts, navigational warnings, and changes to aids to navigation. They are issued regularly by various countries to ensure mariners have the most current and accurate data for safe navigation.
Definition and Purpose of NtM
NtMs are official publications that alert mariners to important changes affecting nautical charts and navigational safety. Their primary purpose is to provide timely information about hydrography changes, newly discovered hazards, and updates to navigational aids. By keeping their nautical products current with the latest NtMs, mariners can maintain situational awareness and navigate safely.
Obligation of Coastal States to Provide NtM
International maritime law mandates that every coastal state chart its coastal waters and share this information through NtMs. This ensures that all vessels navigating in these waters have access to accurate and up-to-date navigational data. Over 60 countries produce NtMs, with varying frequencies of publication:
One-third of NtMs are issued weekly
Another third are published bi-monthly or monthly
The remaining NtMs are issued irregularly, as needed
The U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office has been issuing weekly NtMs since 1886. In the United States, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Ocean Service (NOS), and U.S. Coast Guard collaborate to publish the weekly Notice to Mariners. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) releases its Notice to Mariners publication monthly.
The below table is an example of how & when NtM are issued:
NtM Number | Description | Status | Date |
17/24 | Bullhole Berthing Structure Repairs | Active | 29/03/24 |
16/24 | Colonsay Scalasaig Bay North Perch and AtoN Light Missing – Update | Active | 27/03/24 |
15/24 | Colonsay Dredging | Active | 22/03/24 |
24/24 | Lochaline Buoy Re-established in Position | Complete | 27/06/24 |
By staying informed about the latest marine navigation alerts and promptly updating their nautical charts and publications, mariners can significantly enhance maritime navigation safety and comply with international regulations.
Types of Notices to Mariners
Notices to Mariners (NtM) encompass diverse forms, each with a distinct purpose in sharing essential marine safety information and navigational charts corrections. These notices are crucial for maintaining the maritime sector's awareness of the latest nautical charts updates and other pertinent news.
Local Notice to Mariners (LNM)
Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) are shared by each Coast Guard district, offering information specific to their jurisdiction. These notices address a broad spectrum of topics, including alterations to aids to navigation, temporary and permanent modifications to waterways, and critical safety advisories.
Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM)
Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) serve as urgent safety advisories broadcast by the Coast Guard via radio stations. They deliver immediate alerts regarding hazards to navigation, such as drifting debris, malfunctioning aids to navigation, or other urgent matters necessitating prompt action from mariners.
Special Notice to Mariners (SNM)
Special Notice to Mariners (SNM) encapsulate critical annual information for mariners operating within a particular region. These notices detail seasonal buoy modifications, special events influencing navigation, or other enduring alterations to the maritime environment.
Country | Publication Frequency | Content |
Finland | 3 times per month (10th, 20th, last day) | Nautical channels, aids to navigation, obstructions, winter navigation |
United Kingdom | Annually (NP 247(2)) | Updates on sailing directions and miscellaneous nautical publications |
By remaining abreast of the various Notices to Mariners and consistently updating their charts and publications, mariners can guarantee safe and efficient navigation. This adherence to international regulations enhances the overall safety of the maritime industry.
Content of Notices to Mariners
Notices to Mariners (NtM) are vital for sharing critical marine navigation notices. They ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. These notices cover a wide range of topics, from corrections to nautical charts and publications to navigational warnings and hazards.
One of the primary functions of NtM is to provide updates and corrections to nautical charts and publications. These documents are essential for safe navigation. It is crucial that they are kept up-to-date with the latest information. NtM inform mariners about changes in depths, obstructions, and other critical details that may affect their voyage planning and execution.
Navigational Warnings and Hazards
NtM also serve as a platform for issuing navigational warnings and alerts about potential hazards. These may include reports of floating debris, ice formations, or other obstacles that could pose a risk to vessels. By promptly sharing this information, NtM help mariners make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and that of their crew and cargo.
Changes to Aids to Navigation
Another critical aspect covered by NtM is changes to aids to navigation, such as lighthouses, buoys, and beacons. These aids play a vital role in guiding vessels safely through waterways. Any alterations or malfunctions must be promptly communicated to mariners. NtM provide details on the location, characteristics, and status of these aids, enabling mariners to navigate with confidence and precision.
Other Important Marine Information
In addition to the above, NtM also include a wealth of other important marine information. This may encompass details on naval operations, regattas, and other events that may affect vessel traffic in specific areas. NtM provide valuable insights into hydrographic surveys and channel depths. This empowers mariners to plan their routes effectively and avoid potential groundings or collisions.
By providing this comprehensive range of navigational safety updates and marine navigation safety tips, Notices to Mariners serve as an indispensable resource for the maritime community. They ensure that mariners have access to the most current and accurate information. This enables them to navigate the world's waterways safely and efficiently.
Accessing and Staying Up-to-Date with NtM
Ensuring safe navigation on the seas necessitates the most current and precise marine navigation data. Notices to Mariners (NtM) deliver vital maritime navigation safety advisories and updates, imperative for all mariners. It is crucial to remain current with NtM to safeguard vessels, crew, and cargo.
Weekly Publications and Printable Versions
Maritime authorities publish Notices to Mariners on a weekly basis. These are accessible in printable formats, facilitating mariners' ability to access and reference the latest marine navigation safety updates. Weekly NtM publications encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including corrections to nautical charts, navigational warnings, and changes to aids to navigation.
Overview of NtM by Week and Chart
NtM publications often organize notices by week and chart, simplifying navigation and referencing. This structure enables mariners to swiftly identify pertinent marine navigation information for their specific operational areas. The overview typically summarizes key changes and updates, along with references to affected charts and publications.
Week | Chart | Notice Summary |
01 | SAN 1011 | Sandy Point Harbour Buoys |
02 | SC 2 | Small Craft Harbour in Saldanha |
03 | SAN 1012 | Langebaan Rocks |
04 | SAN 1013 | Tables Bay Waverider Buoy |
Obtaining NtM through Selected Agents
Mariners can also acquire NtM through selected agents, in addition to weekly publications. These agents, authorized by maritime authorities, distribute marine navigation safety notices and updates. While some agents may charge a fee, it provides an alternative for accessing critical navigation information.
Mariners operating in multiple regions or Coast Guard districts must obtain NtM from each relevant authority. This ensures they remain informed about marine navigation safety updates specific to their operational areas.
Navigational Warnings are broadcast by the Canadian Coast Guard to notify mariners of changes to aids to navigation, followed by Notices to Mariners for updates.
By diligently accessing and staying current with Notices to Mariners, mariners can ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate marine navigation information. This enables them to navigate the seas safely and efficiently.
Reporting Uncharted Dangers, Changes, or Errors
Mariners are pivotal in upholding maritime sector safety by alerting authorities to uncharted dangers, changes, or errors in nautical products. This collective effort ensures the precision and thoroughness of nautical navigation alerts. It fosters marine navigation safety information across the maritime domain.
Modern tankers must report any depth under 30 meters. Reports of shoal soundings, uncharted dangers, and issues with aids to navigation can be radioed to the nearest coast radio station. Even with incomplete information, reports should be made with as much detail as possible for verification.
Accurate location details are essential when reporting. Latitude and Longitude should only be specified when fixed by GPS or Astronomical Observations. Upon receiving Hydrographic Notes, the National Hydrographic Office sends an acknowledgment, using the sender's ship or name as authority for the reported data.
Changes to port information are to be submitted on Form IH.102A along with Form IH.102. Additional sheets are available if necessary due to space limitations on the forms. Navigational reports are categorized into Safety Reports, Sounding Reports, Marine Data Reports, and Port Information Reports.
Organization | Responsibility |
U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) | Conducts hydrographic and oceanographic surveys of foreign or international waters |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | Provides charts for marine and air navigation in the coastal waters of the United States and its territories |
U.S. Coast Guard | Collects, analyzes, and shares navigational and oceanographic data, ensuring safety at sea and improving the marine environment |
Reports on ice concentrations, thickness, and position, as well as floating derelicts, wrecks, man-made obstructions, and shoals, are crucial. They ensure accurate charting and navigation safety. Discolored water sightings are also significant, indicating various underwater features, pollution or disturbances. Mariner reports are vital for updating and maintaining accurate nautical navigation alerts and publications.
U.S. Coast Guard Districts and NtM Responsibilities
The United States Coast Guard is crucial in maintaining maritime navigation safety by sharing Notices to Mariners (NtM) for their respective districts. These notices are essential for mariners to navigate safely within U.S. waters. They include updates, regulations, alerts, and notices.
Division of U.S. into Coast Guard Districts
The U.S. is segmented into several Coast Guard Districts to manage maritime navigation safety effectively. Each district is responsible for issuing Local Notices to Mariners (LNM) for their specific region. The districts span various areas:
District 1: Maine to northern New Jersey
District 5: Southern New Jersey to North Carolina
District 7: South Carolina to Florida and the Caribbean
District 8: Gulf Coast from Florida to Mexico
District 9: Great Lakes region
District 11: California and Arizona
District 13: Oregon and Washington
District 14: Hawaii and the Pacific Islands
District 17: Alaska
Contact Information for Each District
Mariners can report any changes, errors, or uncharted dangers to the appropriate Coast Guard District. The contact information for each district is provided below:
District | Phone | |
District 1 | (617) 223-8356 | |
District 5 | (757) 398-6360 | |
District 7 | (305) 415-6750 | |
District 8 | (504) 671-2114 | |
District 9 | (216) 902-6093 | |
District 11 | (510) 437-2980 | |
District 13 | (206) 220-7280 | |
District 14 | (808) 535-3409 | |
District 17 | (907) 463-2268 |
By contacting the appropriate Coast Guard District, mariners can ensure adherence to marine navigation safety regulations. They can also receive timely maritime navigation safety alerts or notices.
Importance of NtM for SOLAS Compliance
Notices to Mariners (NtM) are essential for adhering to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). This treaty requires the use of official nautical products, including NtM, for safe navigation. Mariners can follow maritime safety regulations and receive vital navigational safety updates by using current NtM information.
Statistics underscore the importance of NtM in maritime safety and compliance. For example, 20% of NtM are about Ballast Water Management for Control of Non-Indigenous Species. Also, 15% concern Vessel Security Regulations: MTSA and ISPS Code. Further, 11% are safety warnings and signals, highlighting the role of communication in marine navigation safety.
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
SOLAS is a pivotal international treaty that establishes minimum safety standards for ships. Compliance with SOLAS is crucial for vessels on international voyages. By 2018, all cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships, and mega yachts must use Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) as their primary navigation tool to meet SOLAS requirements.
Vessel Type | ECDIS Requirement |
Cargo Ships | Mandatory |
Tankers | Mandatory |
Passenger Ships | Mandatory |
Mega Yachts | Mandatory |
Mariner's Obligation to Use Official Nautical Products
Mariners must use official nautical products, including NtM, to comply with SOLAS and ensure safe navigation. This entails regularly updating nautical charts and electronic navigation systems with the latest NtM corrections and information. Such actions provide mariners with critical marine navigation safety tips and updates on hazards, regulatory changes, and other essential information.
Mariners should consult with electronic chart suppliers to ensure the timely acquisition of necessary updates for the chart portfolio.
In conclusion, NtM are vital for mariners to comply with SOLAS regulations and uphold maritime safety standards. By keeping abreast of the latest NtM information, mariners can navigate confidently and contribute to a safer maritime environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, notices to mariners are vital for maritime safety, offering critical updates and corrections to nautical charts and publications. Given that over 90% of global trade is transported by sea, the necessity for precise and current maritime safety information is paramount. Research indicates that vessels that monitor and act on marine navigation alerts are significantly less likely to be involved in maritime mishaps.
The failure to heed nautical warnings is a primary cause of maritime accidents, as highlighted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). More than 60% of maritime incidents stem from navigational errors, underscoring the pivotal role of nautical warnings in averting such calamities. By adhering to notices to mariners, mariners can ensure safe navigation, circumvent dangers, and enhance maritime security.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is instrumental in the production and revision of nautical charts, with 351 new conventional chart editions in fiscal year 1991. Private entities also contribute to the sharing of nautical charts, with digital hydrographic data sets selling in the tens of thousands annually. As the maritime sector advances, the significance of timely and accurate nautical charts updates and marine navigation alerts will escalate, ensuring the safety and efficiency of global maritime commerce.
FAQ
What are Notices to Mariners (NtM)?
Notices to Mariners (NtM) are critical documents that share essential maritime navigation updates. These include corrections to nautical charts and publications, navigational warnings, and other vital marine data. Issued by coastal states, they are pivotal for ensuring the safety of vessels and their crews at sea.
Why are Notices to Mariners important for maritime safety?
NtM are indispensable for maintaining safe navigation. They provide mariners with the latest information on changes, hazards, and corrections in coastal waters. By keeping their charts and publications current with NtM, mariners adhere to safety regulations, avoid dangers, and contribute to a safer maritime environment.
What types of information are included in Notices to Mariners?
NtM encompass a broad spectrum of information crucial for safe navigation. This includes corrections to nautical charts and publications, navigational warnings, reports of deficiencies and changes to aids to navigation, positions of ice and derelicts, channel depths, naval operations, regattas, and other hydrographic data affecting vessels and waterways.
What are the different types of Notices to Mariners?
Various types of NtM exist, including Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) issued by each Coast Guard district, Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) shared by the Coast Guard through radio stations, and Special Notice to Mariners (SNM) containing essential annual information for mariners in specific regions.
How can mariners access and stay up-to-date with Notices to Mariners?
NtM are published weekly and accessible in printable formats, weekly overviews, and through selected agents for a fee. Mariners operating in multiple Coast Guard districts must obtain NtM from each district to remain informed. Regularly updating nautical products with the latest NtM is imperative for safe navigation.
What should mariners do if they encounter uncharted dangers or errors in nautical products?
Mariners are urged to report any uncharted dangers, changes, or errors in nautical products to the relevant authorities. This action aids in maintaining the accuracy and completeness of NtM, enhancing safety for the maritime community as a whole.
How does the U.S. Coast Guard manage Notices to Mariners?
The U.S. Coast Guard divides the country into districts, each issuing Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) within their jurisdiction. These districts span from Maine to Alaska, offering contact information for mariners to report changes or obtain NtM.
Are Notices to Mariners mandatory for compliance with international maritime safety regulations?
Yes, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) mandates the use of official nautical products, including NtM, for safe navigation. Mariners are obligated to utilize these products and update them regularly to comply with international safety standards.
Source Links
Merchant shipping notices (MSNs) - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/merchant-shipping-notices-msns
About Notices to Mariners - https://msi.admiralty.co.uk/NoticesToMariners/About
Notice to mariners - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notice_to_mariners
Current Notice to Mariners - https://www.cmassets.co.uk/harbours/notice-to-mariners/
Annual Summary of Notices to Mariners : What is NP247(1)? - https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-navigation/annual-summary-of-notices-to-mariners-what-is-np2471/
PDF - https://www.traficom.fi/sites/default/files/media/file/tm_info_eng.pdf
Annual Summary of Notices to Mariners: What is NP 247(2)? - https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/annual-summary-of-notices-to-mariners-what-is-np-2472/
Keeping charts up to date is important for safe navigation - https://safety4sea.com/keeping-charts-up-to-date-is-important-for-safe-navigation/
LNM Frequently Asked Questions | Navigation Center - https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm-frequently-asked-questions
Hydrographic data, nautical charts and nautical publications - https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/Charts.aspx
Notices to Mariners - https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/safety/have-a-plan/notices-to-mariners
Australian Hydrographic Office - About Australian Notices to Mariners - https://www.hydro.gov.au/n2m/about-notices.htm
Notice 35 - 39 February 2011 Supplied Gratis - http://www.sanho.co.za/notices_mariners/2020_Series/10_OCT 20 NTM.pdf
Microsoft Word - 10 Section - https://hydrobharat.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Hydrographic-Note-Filling-Instructions.pdf
PDF - https://thenauticalalmanac.com/2017_Bowditch-_American_Practical_Navigator/Volume-_1/09- Part 7- Navigational Safety/Chapter 31- Reporting.pdf
PDF - https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/files/cp2/CPB2_C01_WEB.pdf
AC 450.161-1 Control of Hazard Areas - https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_450.161-1_Control_of_Hazard_Areas.pdf
PDF - https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/files/cp9/CPB9_C01_WEB.pdf
Special_Notice - https://msi.nga.mil/api/publications/download?key=16694429/SFH00000/UNTM/202001/Special_Notice.pdf&type=view
S-65 Ed 2.1.0 - https://iho.int/iho_pubs/standard/S-65/S-65_ed2 1 0_June17.pdf
ECDIS & Chart Types: A Guide - https://www.amnautical.com/blogs/news/17037716-ecdis-vector-charts-raster-charts?srsltid=AfmBOopJE3YVHcOk-TkE7gCeKnb9VwBav9tlC_NkfCnPwS7ZEJBC5gmQ
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