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.


If it is not available in your local marine book selling store, you can purchase it online no matter where in the world you are by http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047074913X.html!clicking_here