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NLIN #14. CHILEAN WATERS




Just a reminder that due to the Earth axis shift as a result of the 8.8 earthquake in Chile navigation is effected. All seafarers on South American West Coast voyages should be aware of the physical changes to the sea bottom and the coastal islands of Chile. It is reported that some islands have risen by two metres, this will change the range they are picked up on radar for example. March 09, 2010: Latest studies indicate that some areas have been moved 3 metres to the West.

Navigation Officers must build this data into their Passage Plans, allowing for possible depth changes and missing navigational marks. It is suggested that the sounder/sonar be operated continuously, give land masses a wider berth than usual where possible and obtain navigational data from the Armada de Chile prior to entering Chilean waters. The Consular Officers of Chile may have useful data however it must be realised that there has not yet been the opportunity to survey for chart corrections.

Mariners may find that at this time and for some time in the future areas may be closed to shipping particularly private yachts and cruise ships. Search and Recovery is underway.

Full cooperation with the Armada de Chile is necessary as the country has a lot on its hands at present. Also there is an Administration change on March 11, 2010. Obtain, read and follow all SHOA 'Notices to Mariners' regarding Chilean Waters.

Servicio Hidrografico y Oceanografico de la Armada de Chile
www.shoa.cl/ charts that are affected are numbers 5000, 6000, 6110, 6111, 6112, 6120, 6121, 6122 covering the Talcahuano and River Bio Bio areas. Electronic charts are available on the usual CD for each area. All SHOA data and information is available in Chile's native language Spanish or in English at their website.
UPDATE: March 06, 2010
There has been a change of command at SHOA, Commander Mariano Rojas as been relieved by Commander Patricio Carrasco. This is generally considered a result of the lack of tsunami warnings after the 8.8 earthquake.

UK Hydrographic Office of British Admiralty www.ukho.gov.uk/ charts that are affected are BA 1314, BA 1389, BA 4247, BA 4248 for same area.
With regard to another earthquake hit area, Haiti, the UKHO has prepared a chart Preliminary BA 466 for Port-au-Prince and Approaches. An example of this chart can be seen by linking to 'The Future of Navigation' in the Link List below.

Good Watch.

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