Nautical Charts, What Do They All Mean?

Marine charts are a lot different than those pirate maps where “X marks the spot”. But what’s the difference between a Map and a Chart?

When you’re on your boat, put down the map, and start using a chart.  What’s the difference?

A map shows you how to get from point A to point B; showing roads, cities, streets, landmarks and topography. Maps will show shorelines; but beyond the shore line it’s just a big blue blob.

Obviously maps are useless for anyone venturing on the rivers, lakes and oceans. Nautical charts are designed for navigating on those waterways, and provide detailed information of the coastlines that allows for precise navigation.

Charts also provide information the water depth and any surface and submerged hazards, such as rocks, reefs, wrecks and other obstructions. This allows a boater to precisely fix their position and to safely navigate to their destination. Charts are working documents, allowing the user to plot courses, mark hazards, but they don’t provide a specific route or path, but they will  indicate areas to avoid.

Originally charts were nothing more than crude drawings that showed anything important to navigation. As mariners began sharing information, the charts began to become more accurate and informative. But the various features were depicted haphazardly and the information and symbols were not standardized. It became apparent that some standardization needed to be devised.

Today the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) jointly oversee the standards and accuracy of nautical charts, establishing standards that control how nautical information is presented for all mariners.

However a chart won’t help any sailor whose boat isn’t “seaworthy”. High quality Canvas covers from CMC Canvas LLC ensures your boat can safely go where you and your chats say you can.