Understanding a Nautical Chart - 2e

We all rely on charts to navigate at sea - but are we missing essential information? A mass of data is included on each chart and deciphering the many symbols and abbreviations can be complicated. The accuracy of some charted depths can be trusted entirely while others should be treated with caution. This book will tell you where to find and how to understand this vital knowledge. This updated second edition explains how charts are compiled before guiding you through the elements that make up these vital navigational tools. Improve your understanding of charts and you will navigate with increased safety and confidence. Understanding a Nautical Chart offers superb value as, in addition to a wealth of practical advice, there is a key to all the recently updated chart symbols and abbreviations from Symbols and Abbreviations Used on Admiralty Charts (5011). It includes information on electronic charts, explains how to update a chart and how to establish the accuracy of each chart. It is ideal for professional mariners and leisure sailors.

“The author was an Admiral in the Royal Navy, is now Chief Executive of the RNLI and is still a keen yachtsman. He knows of what he writes. At a cost of just under £20, this is a bargain and an invaluable asset to any chart table.” (Royal Cruising Club, May 2018) “If you’d like to demystify the world of nautical navigation, this handy guide will teach you how to read a chart and navigate safely… simple to understand and filled with helpful illustrations. With this book on your chart table, you can feel confident and ready for an adventure next time you set sail.” (Lifeboat Magazine, Summer 2018) “This is unashamedly a book about paper charts and it’s a good addition to use as an aide memoire or if you are going to take a course in navigation.” (Classic Sailor, July 2018) "Highly recommended... a very valuable resource... almost everyone will take something from it." (Sailing Today) "Not only does the book provide a complete key to chart symbols, it explains the way they are compiled." (Yachting World) "He writes delightfully; his asides won from a long professional acquaintance with the sea are always apposite and often amusing, sharing with me for instance an appreciation of the hard-won good sense and often romance to be found in the august pages of the Admiralty Pilots. This, and his book following Learn the Nautical Rules of the Road is highly commended to all those who venture to set forth upon Neptune's Realm." (Julian Stockwin, Jan 2018) "With fascinating anecdotes, including the opening line `I have been lost at sea on a number of occasions' and the tale of the 1992 grounding of the QE2 off Martha's Vineyard, this is essential reading for professionals and enthusiasts alike." (Practical Boat Owner, Jan 2018) "Any skipper, of any level of experience, will learn plenty from studying this book. You may be shocked at the revelation that a chart is never 100% accurate but, knowing the limitations of the tools at your command, may one day keep you out of trouble. This is an author who displays an in-depth command of his subject." (Yachting Life, March 2018)

Paul Boissier was formerly a senior Admiral in the Royal Navy, and has spent much of his career at sea in a wide variety of vessels, commanding two submarines and a warship. He is also a very experienced yachtsman and has cruised extensively. He is now the Chief Executive of the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, and operates over 340 lifeboats around the UK and the Republic of Ireland.