Marine Navigation Charts: Effective Nautical Navigation Tools

Preparation is key, and when you work in a field that has little margin for error, it becomes all the more important to be well prepared and take the challenges head on. One such field is that of marine officers, who spend weeks and months in open water in order to complete their desired objectives. And in order to thrive in their line, they must be equipped with all the necessary equipment that are instrumental in their operations. One of the most important equipment in this regard are the nautical charts.

These charts are nautical navigational tools that enable marine officers to chart a safe course on their expeditions. Providing accurate information for the shoreline and seafloor, they instruct officers on where they shouldn’t be going, by depicting obstacles reliably. In general, nautical charts come in two formats: physical charts that are printed on paper, and electronic charts that are displayed on ECDIS. Every official nautical chart is sourced from three sources: United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO/British Admiralty), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Geospatial Intelligence (NGA).

The NOAA, NGA and British Admiralty nautical charts are essentially maps that are the standard bearers of nautical charts, providing the most up-to-date nautical information accurately. So, ensure safe and effective sailing in the open waters by buying appropriate nautical charts for your next expedition.

Marine Navigation Charts - Saving People From Getting Lost In Waters!

Most people would probably agree that fishing can be enjoyed even more, once you take it to the open waters. When you are fishing out in the vast sea, it becomes an adrenaline-pumping activity and increases your chances of being able to catch a really big fish. But like any other adventurous activity, safety should always be taken into consideration. And one important means of ensuring your safety would be to know the ‘path’ that you will be taking. The best way to get familiar with the route is to use a map. The marine navigation charts are the best friends of people cruising in the sea, even professional fishermen.

A nautical chart basically represents a part of the spherical earth on a plane surface. It shows water depth, the shoreline of adjacent land, prominent topographic features, aids to navigation and other navigational information. It assists the navigators in avoiding dangers and arriving safely to their destinations.

Navigation is almost always quite challenging with unpredictable and varying conditions in unexplored waters, so it is important to carry these highly reliable tools while going into the sea. Also, the continuous development of maritime technology has made it easier to follow the path and enjoy the cruise.

Get Vector Charts For Smooth Sailing Across The Waters

Unlike road maps, which show the drivers where they can go, nautical charts alert the sailor where they cannot go. A sailor must always know where he is at and how he is going to reach his intended destination. Nautical charts are charts being used by sailors to function as a map and help them sail smoothly on waters.  But nowadays, the paper nautical charts have been replaced by various chartplotters or chart navigation apps. When shopping for a navigation program, there is a need to understand the differences between raster and vector charts.

Vector charts, also called ENC charts, are a graphic format in which charts are presented in a more schematic manner. Vector charts have a “clean” look because they present less information on any one screen. Programs and apps using vector charts often build addition features or layers including information about marinas, social features, etc. The major advantage of using vector charts is less electronic storage room is required, so you don’t have to get more charts when you go to a new area.

Overall, the choice between raster and vector charts is mostly a matter of personal taste, since both are generally equally accurate and reliable for electronic navigation across the waters.

Obtain Cruising Guides To Navigate Safely In The Water

If you are under the impression that you can travel in the sea according to your wishes and half knowledge that you think is enough, you are completely wrong. Like road and air travel; policies, procedures and rules have been set up by the authorized departments of the federal government to determine the manner in which commercial vessels can be operated in the sea. These rules comprise the administrative law that come under the code of federal regulations, which maritime companies have to follow while doing business through the waters in US. It has been the responsibility of US Coast Guards to enforce these regulations and make the companies adhere to them. When you are all set to do business in unknown territories of the sea, you can take help from the cruising guides that contain information and recommendations about different routes, navigational hazards and other problems you may face while venturing out in unfamiliar waters. In these guides, you will find color photographs, nautical charts and important data that will assist you to successfully sail through the sea.

If you need a copy of the regulations that control maritime industry or different cruising guides, you can search and order them online where many companies are providing them in discounted rates.

Obtain Cruising Guides To Navigate Safely In The Water

If you are under the impression that you can travel in the sea according to your wishes and half knowledge that you think is enough, you are completely wrong. Like road and air travel; policies, procedures and rules have been set up by the authorized departments of the federal government to determine the manner in which commercial vessels can be operated in the sea. These rules comprise the administrative law that come under the code of federal regulations, which maritime companies have to follow while doing business through the waters in US. It has been the responsibility of US Coast Guards to enforce these regulations and make the companies adhere to them. When you are all set to do business in unknown territories of the sea, you can take help from the cruising guides that contain information and recommendations about different routes, navigational hazards and other problems you may face while venturing out in unfamiliar waters. In these guides, you will find color photographs, nautical charts and important data that will assist you to successfully sail through the sea.

If you need a copy of the regulations that control maritime industry or different cruising guides, you can search and order them online where many companies are providing them in discounted rates.