UKHO launches next-generation ADMIRALTY Digital Sailing Directions

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has launched ADMIRALTY Digital Sailing Directions (ADSD), transforming its ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions publications into an interactive digital format designed to streamline passage planning and enhance situational awareness. 

ADSD represents a significant step in the maritime industry’s transition towards digital navigation solutions, providing mariners with faster and more intuitive access to critical navigational and routeing information.  

Key features and functionalities of ADSD include:  

- Geo-referenced display of routeing and navigational information 

- Integration of search and bookmarking to improve discoverability 

- Visualisation of indicative routes to simplify route planning 

ADSD has been developed in consultation with navigating officers and tested across a range of vessel types and operational scenarios. 

George Huish, Product Manager at the UKHO, said:  “With the launch of ADSD, we are making it quicker and easier for mariners to find the Sailing Directions they need to create safe, effective and compliant passage plans. As a visual, searchable tool, ADSD delivers significant ease-of-use benefits, making critical navigational and routeing information more accessible and helping mariners to enhance their situational awareness.”