How to Become a Marine Navigation Chart Savvy

Marine navigation charts are the key to a successful voyage through the ocean; be it leisure or professional. While due to sheer advancement in technology, digital charts have forayed in the marine landscape, traditional charts haven’t lost their importance even by a single inch. A true testimony to this is the fact that some of the biggest vessels in the sea still rely on paper charts when it comes to navigating through the ocean.

However, it is important to become a navigation chart savvy before you set out to use them. Here are a few tips from the experts.

Always purchase the latest edition of the chart. This is so because, charts change rather frequently and their newer editions are rolled out in the market quite often. You need to take a look at the date of the print too. Always choose a chart that has the most current date.

People who are unfamiliar with chart reading basics can always download Chart No. 1 to understand symbols, abbreviations, frequently used terms etc. This chart is available in the PDF format on the internet.

In addition, purchase charts that have enhanced content. Several companies have come forward to help sailors to navigate through the ocean in a much simpler way by introducing waterproof charts that can be read while standing on the deck. These charts are printed two ways: which means you can get maximum information out of them in a quick manner. These charts can be purchased through several online retailers. You may get into touch with them to find whether or not they have a chart that suits your requirements.