Navigational Charts Are Key To Success At Sea

Navigational charts contain imperative information. Depending on the scale, the details allow navigators of all vessels to maneuver safely.

<<>> Details include water depths, natural features on the seabed, man made navigational aids, obstacles and earth's magnetic field.

Tides and currents are also present, however as these change over the course of time, it is important to have up to date references for them.

Charts also feature harbours, prominent landmarks and bridges too. Traditionally paper charts are have been used, but more and more electronic global satellite positioning is used. It is advisable to plot courses on paper as well as electronically. This is acts as a fail safe.

As the seabed changes and inlets, rivers and estuaries silt up, one needs to check regularly that your chart is up to date.

<<>>Buying a new set of charts is a welcome alternative to hitting submerged obstacles.

There are two categories. The International Hydrographic Organization manages an international chart series which is a collection made up of charts from national hydrographic offices. The objective is to have a series of charts standardizing as many systems as possible.

The second category is commercial publishers. They publish maps more pertinent to sailboat skippers and the informational differences are reflected in the information provided.

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