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Module 7 of 17

Charts & Publications

Reading nautical charts, symbols, chart correction, and navigational publications.

Chart symbols and representation of direction and distanceChart correctionNavigational publications in common use

Lesson summaries

Use this module hub to choose the right lesson, then open the dedicated lesson page for the complete explanation, worked examples, FAQs, and practice questions.

Nautical Charts

A nautical chart is the mariner's map of the sea. It shows depths, coastline shape, navigation marks, hazards, and other essential information. Charts are drawn to Mercator projection, wi...

  • Charts show depths, coastline, marks, hazards
  • Mercator projection β€” True North at top
Read the full nautical charts lesson

Chart Symbols and Abbreviations

Charts use hundreds of standardised symbols defined in INT 1 (also known as Chart 5011 in the UK). Key categories include: depth contours and soundings, rocks and wrecks, buoys and beacon...

  • INT 1 (Chart 5011) β€” reference for all chart symbols
  • Blue = shallow water, White = deeper, Green = drying land
Read the full chart symbols and abbreviations lesson

Chart Corrections

Charts must be kept up to date β€” new hazards, changed buoys, altered depths, and other changes are published in Notices to Mariners (NMs). Professional vessels correct charts weekly using...

  • Notices to Mariners (NMs) publish chart corrections
  • Always check chart edition date β€” older = higher risk of errors
Read the full chart corrections lesson

Navigational Publications

Several publications supplement charts: the Nautical Almanac (e.g., Reeds or Macmillan's) contains tide tables, tidal stream atlases, port information, light lists, radio information, and...

  • Nautical Almanac β€” tide tables, lights, port info, radio (all-in-one)
  • Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots) β€” detailed coast/harbour descriptions
Read the full navigational publications lesson

The Compass Rose

Each chart has one or more compass roses printed on it. The outer ring shows True North (aligned with the chart grid). The inner ring shows Magnetic North, offset by the local variation....

  • Outer ring = True North (chart grid)
  • Inner ring = Magnetic North (offset by variation)
Read the full the compass rose lesson

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