NOAA Charts: Using NOAA Nautical Charts in Three Simple Steps

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) frequently sends survey vessels to map the ocean bottom and create detailed navigation charts for use by mariners. These marine charts describe controlling depths, show the sites of navigational aids, list dangers, and indicate key navigational features. You too can use NOAA charts to improve your navigation, when you follow the strategies below.

 

 

It’s possible to get a basic marine navigational system for free, by downloading the charts available from the NOAA, along with a chart viewer or maritime program such as SeaClear. This free system offers many of the same features as expensive proprietary navigation systems if you already have a notebook computer, especially one designed for daylight viewing.

 

 

NOAA charts are very important nautical tools, and should always be carried on board for use in course plotting and triangulating your position. Never depend on GPS technology alone: this puts you and your vessel in danger, since GPS is prone to malfunction. The GPS satellite signal can flicker during geomagnetic storms, which alter the ionosphere and make readings inaccurate.

 

 

Once you’ve downloaded the charts and plotted your course, you can relax, knowing that you’re using first class nautical aids that follow the Law of the Sea. NOAA depicts the limits of the 12 Nautical Mile Territorial Sea, the 24 Nautical Mile Contiguous Zone, and the 200 Nautical Mile Exclusive Economic Zone. You’ll always know where you’re sailing, and in whose waters.

 

NOAA charts are available for free in two formats: Raster Navigational Charts and Electronic Navigational Charts. The latter are for use in computer programs and plotters, while the former contain a digital image and cartographic information, and will convert into a format usable by image manipulation programs.