The navigation chart for Quinns Rocks in Perth has become the first to be converted to a new digital format under the WA Department of Transport’s (DoT) digital transformation of its nautical chart series.

The previous manually produced chart for Quinns Rocks was last re-issued in 2011.

The development comes after the successful completion of a pilot program, paving the way for more frequent updates of the state’s nautical charts and for future online interactive maps.

“The most beneficial change is the speed at which we can update a digital format chart; previously it took up to six months for a full chart revision, but now it will only take a couple of weeks, meaning skippers will have access to more up-to-date information more often, significantly enhancing safety on the water,” said DoT Maritime Executive Director, Chris Mather.

The pilot digital program was the key recommendation of a review of the production and distribution of DoT’s nautical charts to provide a plan to best meet the future needs of the State’s boating community.

“This initial success lays the foundation for the conversion of the remaining 57 nautical charts for waters off the WA coastline and the future release of web-delivered dynamic maps with the most up-to-date information to keep mariners safe,” Mr Mather said.

“Significant work is involved in transforming DoT’s entire library of charts to the new format. DoT will soon begin work on the conversion of the neighbouring chart for waters off Trigg Beach, then move to areas where there have been recent changes to the sea floor such as Carnarvon.”

DoT-produced nautical charts are available for a large portion of the WA coastline and are free to download.