OBJECTIVE

On completion of this module you will:

• learn what instruments are required for chart work;
• learn what a chart projection is and what two main types are used for nautical charts;
• gain an understanding of the scale of charts and how this scale affects the details shown;
• gain knowledge of what information is given on a chart and how to read it correctly;
• gain a basic understanding of the symbols and abbreviations that are used on charts;
• learn what electronic charts are and what their limitations may be;
• know the different types of charts;
• understand why charts need to be updated and how often this takes place;
• know the basic nautical publications used in passage planning;
• gain knowledge of latitude and longitude to give positions;
• understand what the chart datum is and why it is important;
• know where to find tidal, tidal stream, and current information;
• understand what buoys are shown on charts and the direction of buoyage;
• learn how distance is measured at sea and how to measure distance travelled on a chart;
• understand the relationship between speed, distance and time;
• have an understanding of direction/bearings and how to read them on a chart;
• know the difference between True and Magnetic North;
• learn what a position fix is; and,
• learn how to obtain the basic types of fixes and which are best to use.