This new partnership has already seen over 400 UKHO staff enrolled as IMarEST members. Membership supports the UKHO's Career Level Framework (CLF) and enhances the professional and technical development of its staff.

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) produces nautical publications and services for the Royal Navy and merchant shipping, to protect lives at sea.

We are a trading fund of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and employ around 1000 people based in Taunton, Somerset. In the tax year 2013 to 2014 our paper and digital products and services generated a turnover of £129 million, enabling us to pay a £12 million dividend to MOD.

We are responsible for:

• operational support to the Royal Navy and other defence customers by providing hydrographic services
• servicing wider government by supporting the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) obligations to the Safety of Life at Sea Treaty through ensuring marine data of the UK coastal waters is kept up to date
• developing profitable business streams through the supply of nautical products and services
• advising the government, the MCA and the public, as well as representing the government worldwide for expert advice on hydrography