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Many recreational boaters in small
boats don't consider it important to have charts onboard.
Bad idea, even if you are just operating on your local lake.
Perhaps you are not yet a navigator, but a chart onboard allows
you to compare what you are seeing with what you should be
seeing and can help you keep your bearings.
Nautical charts are different from maps in that they specifically
depict water areas, while maps concentrate on land area, roads,
landmarks, etc. Land areas and features on charts are sketchy
and are noted only for their interest to the boater. Unlike
maps, the nautical chart conveys much information specifically
designed to assist in safely navigating the area that the
chart covers.
Several of our visitors have asked for a tip on reading nautical
charts so we thought we would take a "non-navigators"
trip from the Shark River out to the Atlantic, down the Jersey
Shore, in the Manasquan Inlet and down the Intracoastal to
Ortley Beach.
- Study your chart thoroughly.
- Look at the position from which you will start and visually
follow along the course you wish to take
- Look for "notes" - water depths, obstructions
(especially under water), bridges, power lines or any other
unusual items that may be a hazard to your progress.
- Make a note of each of these on a separate piece of paper.
- Make note of all buoys and markers you may pass in the
order they will appear. This will give you a documented
picture of your route and what you should expect to see
without having to continually try to find a small marker
on the chart.
- Look for visual objects featured on your chart that you
should be able to observe and identify to confirm your position.
- Always check the weather before departing - in this case,
also to make sure you will be safe in navigating the Shark
River Inlet.
Read more @ http://www.boatsafe.com
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