Understanding a Nautical Chart – A Practical Guide to Safe Navigation - Softcover

Boissier, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 047074913X ISBN 13: 9780470749135

Publisher: Fernhurst Books Ltd., 2011

Synopsis

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 Boissier* 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 System *Chart 5011 About the author: Paul Boissier has spent much of his professional life at sea and was a senior admiral in the Royal Navy. He is also a very experienced yachtsman and has cruised extensively. These perspectives make him the ideal author this guide. Paul is now the chief executive of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), the charity that saves lives at sea and operates over 340 lifeboats around the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

About this title

Review:

' 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).

From the Back Cover:

Understanding a Nautical Chart

Read ... Interpret ... Understand.

We all rely on charts to navigate at sea – but are we missing essential information? A mass of data included on each chart and deciphering the many symbols and abbreviations can be complicated. The accuracy of some charted depths can be trusted entirely while others should be treated with caution. This book will tell you where to find – and how to understand – this vital knowledge.

Understanding a Nautical Chart explains how charts are compiled before guiding you through the elements that make up these vital navigational tools. Improve your understanding of charts and you will navigate with increased safety and confidence.

Understanding a Nautical Chart offers superb value. In addition to a wealth of practical advice there is a key to all the chart symbols and abbreviations.

• Includes information on electronic charts
• How to update a chart
• Establish the accuracy of each chart
• Ideal for professional mariners and leisure sailors
• Includes a key to every Admiralty chart symbol and abbreviation

No chart table should be without it.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fernhurst Books Ltd.
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 047074913X
• ISBN 13: 9780470749135
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200