Understanding a Nautical Chart: A Practical Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Navigation

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 (Chart 5011).Explains how to establish the accuracy of charts to allow you to navigate with confidence and safety Written by a former Royal Navy Deputy Commander in Chief, Paul BoissierIncludes 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, RoutesAreas, 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 System Chart 5011