Book of the Week- 'Understanding a Nautical Chart'

by Rob Tickner/Sail-World Cruising on 5 Jul 2011 Book of the Week, 'Understanding a Nautical Chart', is a handy guide to making sense of a nautical chart. Whether they are paper or electronic, charts are the most fundamental navigational tool.

Making the best use of them requires a great understanding of symbols and abbreviations, as well as an awareness of the limits of accuracy in positions and soundings.

Understanding a Nautical Chart not only helps you to read a chart, it allows you to understand that information and use it to navigate safely.

Learning the abbreviations and symbols are critical to anybody using a chart and before you can use one, you must know them or at have easy access to the definitions, all of which are included in a full copy of the key to UKHO charts.

This very practical book contains essential knowledge:

It not only explains the vital information on how to establish the accuracy of charts to allow you to navigate with confidence and safety, it also includes a full copy of the key to UKHO chart symbols (Chart 5011).

The chart information included is presented in the following sections:
General:
Chart Number, Title, Marginal Notes, Positions, Distances, Directions, Compass

Topography:
Natural Features, Cultural Features, Landmarks, Ports, Topographic Terms

Hydrography:
Tides, Currents, Depths, Nature of the Seabed, Rocks, Wrecks, Obstructions, Offshore Installations, Tracks, Routes Areas, Limits, Hydrographic Terms

Aids and Services:
Lights, Buoys, Beacons, Fog Signals, Radar, Radio, Electronic Position-Fixing Systems, Services, Small Craft Facilities


Alphabetical Index:
Index of Abbreviations, International Abbreviations, List of Descriptors, IALA Maritime Buoyage.

Written by former Royal Navy Deputy Commander in Chief, Paul Boissier, in 149 tightly-packed pages, it is not only a learning tool, but will remain an invaluable reference guide to keep on your boat.


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