Boating Lessons: Learn to Read a Nautical Chart
This winter while you are counting down the days until spring, why not learn to read a nautical chart? Nautical charts are a must-have item for all boaters, but many take it for granted and get underway without one. Trying to navigate without a nautical chart is like trying to drive a car with blinders on - impossible and dangerous.
Reading a nautical chart is not as difficult as it may seem. The first step is to understand the symbols on the chart and what they mean. By doing this, you glean all kinds of information about the environment you are boating in that will help keep you safe such as: water depth, under water obstructions, buoys and navigation aids, and land marks that can tell you where you are.
Knowing the symbols of the chart is a good start to learning how to use a chart to plot a course. By plotting a course you will be able to navigate any body of water.
Here are a few step-by-step articles to get you started. More will be added in the coming weeks as I focus on this all important and fascinating aspect of boating.
Boating Lessons is an About.com Powerboating weekly feature designed to provide busy boaters with short tips and instruction about boat maintenance, boating safety, navigation, boat handling and more. To receive Boating Lessons and all Powerboating blogs automatically, sign up for the Powerboating RSS feed. For boating news and information delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the weekly Powerboating e-Newsletter.
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