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.