I recently stumbled upon what looks like a good navigation resource that just came out and wanted to pass along.
Amazon is selling a brand new book called Understanding a Nautical Chart: A Practical Guide to Safe Navigation by Paul Boissier.
Here is the book description on the site:
[blockquote]Whether they are paper or electronic, charts are the most fundamental navigational tool. Making the best use of them requires a great understanding of symbols and abbreviations, as well as an awareness of the limits of accuracy in positions and soundings. Understanding a Nautical Chart not only helps you to read a chart, it allows you to understand that information and use it to navigate safely. Learning the abbreviations and symbols are critical to anybody using a chart and before you can use one, you must know them or at have easy access to the definitions, all of which are included in a full copy of the key to UKHO charts (Chart 5011).[/blockquote]
The book is written a former Royal Navy Deputy Commander in Chief, Paul Boissier and is 200 pages long.
It also covers the following topics:
General
Chart Number, Title, Marginal Notes, Positions, Distances, Directions, Compass
Topography
Natural Features, Cultural Features, Landmarks, Ports, Topographic Terms
Hydrography
Tides, Currents, Depths, Nature of the Seabed, Rocks, Wrecks, Obstructions, Offshore Installations, Tracks, Routes Areas, Limits, Hydrographic Terms
Aids and Services
Lights, Buoys, Beacons, Fog Signals, Radar, Radio, Electronic Position-Fixing Systems, Services, Small Craft Facilities
Alphabetical Index
Index of Abbreviations, International Abbreviations, List of Descriptors, IALA Maritime Buoyage System
Chart 5011
Understanding a Nautical Chart: A Practical Guide to Safe Navigation should be avilable at your local bookstore, sailing shop or online. Its published by Wiley and sells for around $25.
