On and after 1 April 2002, Hydrographic Department of Japan Coast Guard issues all nautical charts in the World Geodetic System (WGS-84) to cope with introduction of electronic navigational equipment resulting from effectuation of chapter V of SOLAS 2000. All nautical charts in Tokyo Datum will be replaced with those in WGS-84. In this connection, all ships calling at and voyaging around Japan should be provided with the nautical charts in WGS-84 on and after 1 April 2002.

In utilising position data from GPS receivers, inconsistency of geodetic datum between GPS receivers and nautical charts might cause errors in ship's position and consequential accidents. When you change nautical charts to those in WGS-84, you are kindly requested to verify that the GPS receiver is duly set in WGS-84 mode.

It is sincerely recommended that parties concerned should take appropriate procedures for the subject, taking into account that absence of updated charts necessary for the intended voyage may result in the detention of the ship by the port state.

Contact address for Hydrographic Department of Japan Coast Guard:
Tel.: +81-3-3541-4296
Fax: +81-3-3545-2885
E-mail: consult@jodc.go.jp
Homepage: www1.kaiho.milt.go.jp

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material and Equipment Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7, Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2020
Fax: +81-3-5226-2019
E-mail: eqd@classnk.or.jp