Understanding a Nautical Chart: A Practical Guide to Safe Navigation

by Paul Boissier

Overview

We all rely on charts to navigate at sea – but are we missing essential information? A mass of data is 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. This updated second edition explains how charts are compiled before guiding you through the elements that make up these vital navigational tools. Improve you understanding of charts and you will navigate with increased safety and confidence. Understanding a Nautical Chart offers superb value as, in addition to a wealth of practical advice, there is a key to all the recently updated chart symbols and abbreviations from Symbols and Abbreviations Used on Admiralty Charts (5011). It includes information on electronic charts, explains how to update a chart and how to establish the accuracy of each chart. It is ideal for professional mariners and leisure sailors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912177073
Publisher:	Fernhurst Books
Publication date:	02/09/2018
Edition description:	2
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 11.60(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Paul Boissier was formerly a senior Admiral in the Royal Navy and has spent much of his professional life at sea in a wide variety of vessels, commanding two submarines and a warship. He is also a very experienced yachtsman and has cruised extensively. These perspectives, from the cockpit of a yacht and the bridge of a large ship, make him the ideal author for a COLREGs guide that will be equally useful to leisure boat users and professional mariners. Paul is currently the Chief Executive of the RNLI, the charity that saves life at sea, and operates over 340 lifeboats around the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Table of Contents

1-What is a Chart? 2-A Chart is Never 100% Accurate. 3-What the Chart-Maker Does for Us. 4-Other Relevant Documentation. 5-How to Use a Chart. 6-Orientation. 7-The Basics (and Where to Find Them). 8-Depth and Elevations. 9-Landmarks, Lights and Coastal Features. 10-Dangers: Wrecks, Rocks and Obstructions. 11-Navigation Restrictions and Limits. 12-Radar and Radio. 13-Tides, Tidal Streams and Currents. 14-Small Craft Features. 15-Other Charting Authorities. 16-GPS. 17-Digital Charting. Symbols & Abbreviations used on Admiralty Paper Charts.

Editorial Reviews

Any skipper, of any level of experience, will learn plenty from studying this book. You may be shocked at the revelation that a chart is never 100% accurate but, knowing the limitations of the tools at your command, may one day keep you out of trouble. This is an author who displays an in-depth command of his subject.

Yachting Life

Highly recommended… a very valuable resource… almost everyone will take something from it.

Sailing Today

Not only does the book provide a complete key to chart symbols, it explains the way they are compiled.

Yachting World

Highly recommended… a very valuable resource… almost everyone will take something from it.” (Sailing Today)
“Not only does the book provide a complete key to chart symbols, it explains the way they are compiled.” (Yachting World)
“With fascinating anecdotes, including the opening line ‘I have been lost at sea on a number of occasions’, this is essential reading for professionals and enthusiasts alike.” (Practical Boat Owner)
“Any skipper, of any level of experience, will learn plenty from studying this book. You may be shocked at the revelation that a chart is never 100% accurate but, knowing the limitations of the tools at your command, may one day keep you out of trouble. This is an author who displays an in-depth command of his subject.” (Yachting Life)
“Boissier is exacting, as befits a former admiral but his approach is genial and includes a tip to collect seaside postcards to supplement the directions” (Yachting Monthly)
“I thought I knew enough about nautical charts… but a chapter in Paul Boissier’s book, entitled ‘A chart is never 100% accurate’, alerted me to the need to understand nautical charts a bit further than I had assumed necessary… His text is beautifully written; it is clear and full of helpful explanations and illustrations… This is a book which should be in every yachtsman’s library.” (Little Ship Club)

From the Publisher