Understanding a Nautical Chart

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.

Praise for Understanding A Nautical Chart

“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

“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

“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

“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

About the Author

Paul Boissier has spent much of his professional career working on the sea, or in support of the people who go to sea, and in his leisure time he is an avid yachtsman.

In the Navy he commanded and navigated warships and submarines in many parts of the world, ending his career as a senior Admiral. He then spent 10 years as Chief Executive of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the charity that saves lives at sea and operates over 340 lifeboats around the UK and Republic of Ireland. As a cruising yachtsman Paul has sailed his own boat around the UK, northern Europe and in the Mediterranean. He has also spent time afloat in other parts of the world as far apart as western Canada, South America and Australia.

This lifetime’s experience has given him a unique perspective on navigation, from the bridge of a warship, to the cockpit of a cruising yacht and the control room of a submarine. And, of course, at the RNLI, his work often involved dealing with the consequences of navigational miscalculations by other water users.