- Purchase nautical charts online or in most marine supply stores. Buying them online will provide the most current version of the chart.
- View nautical charts on NOAA’s Office of the Coast Survey website. These should not be used to navigate as they are meant for information purposes only.
- Study your chart along with Chart No. 1 (a guide to all symbols and information found on a nautical chart) to find interesting landmarks and hazards in your boating area. Memorize the names of land, points, channel, landmarks, and other defining characteristics of your area.
- The more you compare what you see on the chart to your perspective on the water, the more knowledgeable you will become about the waterways you navigate.
How to Read a Nautical Chart - Part 1
By Ericka Watson, About.com Guide
6 of 6
Prev Next
Other Helpful Tips
Prev
- Read the General Information Block
- Learn Lines of Latitude and Longitude
- Become Familiar with Soundings and Fathom Curves
- Locate the Compass Rose(s)
- Locate the Distance Scales
- Other Helpful Tips
Explore Powerboating
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Holiday Central
What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >
Introduction to Pilates
Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.