Navigation and Seamanship

1.4.5.20. Soundings

Soundings: Soundings mean the depths of water below the chart datum and are thus one of the most important features of the navigational chart. The units used for soundings are clearly shown below the “Title” of the chart. Soundings are indicated by figures showings in meters and decimeters.

The depths are indicated by a normal-sized sounding figure with a smaller figure below and to the right of it. For example,
Fathoms: 5₂ (5 fathoms 2 feet = 32 feet) [1 fathom = 6 feet]
Metres: 5₂ (5.2 metres = 17 feet approx.).