Navigation Disclaimer

Please read this page carefully before using Portside in any navigational context.

This app does not replace official navigation means

Portside is a personal logbook. It is not an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) viewer, or an official navigational aid. It must never be used as the sole means of navigation.

Third-party seamarks and chart data

All seamarks, buoys, lights, Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), and port-related information displayed in Portside are rendered from third-party sources — primarily OpenSeaMap, OpenStreetMap, and other open data contributors. These sources are community-maintained and may contain errors, omissions, or data that is out of date.

Unlike official nautical charts and publications, open data sources are not subject to the same rigorous quality control, hydrographic survey standards, or Notices to Mariners update cycles. A buoy shown on the map may have been moved, replaced, or decommissioned. A light may have changed characteristics. A TSS may have been amended.

Always consult official sources. Before every voyage, and whenever local conditions change, verify all navigational information against the relevant national hydrographic office. Official charts, Notices to Mariners, Sailing Directions, and List of Lights remain the authoritative sources for safe navigation.

National Hydrographic Offices / Admiralties

For authoritative information on buoys, lights, TSS, port entry details, and local regulations, consult the hydrographic office responsible for the area. Below is a non-exhaustive list of national authorities and their official websites.

International Bodies
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)Coordinating body for global hydrography · Monaco
iho.int
International Maritime Organization (IMO)UN agency for maritime safety and pollution prevention
imo.org
Americas
ArgentinaServicio de Hidrografía Naval
hidro.gov.ar
BrazilDiretoria de Hidrografia e Navegação (DHN)
marinha.mil.br/dhn
CanadaCanadian Hydrographic Service (CHS)
chs-shc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
ChileServicio Hidrográfico y Oceanográfico de la Armada (SHOA)
shoa.cl
United StatesNOAA Office of Coast Survey
nauticalcharts.noaa.gov
United StatesNGA Maritime Safety Office
msi.nga.mil
Europe
GermanyBundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH)
bsh.de
FranceService Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM)
shom.fr
United KingdomUK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) — Admiralty
admiralty.co.uk
PortugalInstituto Hidrográfico
hidrografico.pt
SpainInstituto Hidrográfico de la Marina (IHM)
armada.mde.es
Asia-Pacific
AustraliaAustralian Hydrographic Office (AHO)
hydro.gov.au
ChinaNational Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS)
nmdis.org.cn
IndiaNational Hydrographic Office (NHO)
hydrobharat.gov.in
JapanHydrographic and Oceanographic Department, Japan Coast Guard
kaiho.mlit.go.jp
New ZealandLand Information New Zealand (LINZ) — Hydrographic Authority
linz.govt.nz/hydro
PhilippinesNational Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
namria.gov.ph
SingaporeHydrographic Department, Maritime and Port Authority
mpa.gov.sg
South KoreaKorea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA)
khoa.go.kr
Africa & Middle East
EgyptEgyptian Navy Hydrographic Department
enhd.gov.eg
NigeriaNigerian Navy Hydrographic Office
navy.mil.ng
South AfricaSouth African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO)
sanho.co.za
OmanNational Hydrographic Office
mod.gov.om
If in doubt, do not rely on this app. The sea does not forgive outdated information. When local conditions differ from any digital display, trust your official charts, your eyes, and your training.