This 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. "How to Read a Nautical Chart" not only helps you to read a chart, it allows you to understand that information and use it to navigate safely. It explains how to establish the accuracy of charts to allow you to navigate with confidence and safety. It is written by a former Royal Navy Deputy Commander in Chief, Paul Boissier. All leisure sailors, whether power or sail, or others responsible for navigating a vessel must know how to read a chart if they are to navigate competently. This compact, authoritative guide is the key to understanding what's on a chart and using it to guide any boat to safety.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 What is a Chart? Chapter 2 A Chart is Never 100% Accurate. Chapter 3 What the Chart-Maker Does for Us. Chapter 4 Other Relevant Documentation. Chapter 5 How to Use a Chart. Chapter 6 Orientation. Chapter 7 The Basics (and Where to Find Them). Chapter 8 Depth and Elevations. Chapter 9 Landmarks, Light and Coastal Features. Chapter 10 Dangers: Wrecks, Rocks and Obstructions. Chapter 11 Navigation Restrictions and Limits. Chapter 12 Radar and Radio. Chapter 13 Tides, Tidal Streams and Currents. Chapter 14 Small Craft Features. Chapter 15 Other Charting Authorities. Chapter 16 GPS. Chapter 17 Digital Charting.

Reviews

‘Highly Recommended...a very valuable resource...almost everyone will take something from it.' (Sailing Today, June 2011). ‘Not only does the book provide a complete key to chart symbols, it explains the way they are compiled.' )Yachting World, July 2011).