THE Royal Navy’s leading operational commander visited Taunton’s UK Hydrographic Office to see navigational services and charts it provides.

The Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, was given an update on the latest information and development plans for UKHO’s maritime services and products.

He toured the facilities, including the electronic chart service, the production and dlivery of paper and digital services and the national hydrographic database.

Afterwards, Admiral Sir Mark said: “I never cease to be impressed with the UKHO output, contribution and what it has delivered consistently for the past 214 years.

“In particular, I’m delighted to see the innovative way in which the staff are handling the transition to digitally presented and delivered services that will not only improve the navigational safety for all mariners but the operational support to the Royal Navy in particular.”