Navigation and Seamanship

Aim

Aim: To read the symbols and abbreviations given in the nautical chart.

Learning Outcome: At the end of the exercise the student will be able to read the various symbols and abbreviations given in the nautical charts.

Materials Required: Pencil, Eraser, Magnifying glass and given chart

Procedure: Look for the symbols , abbreviations and colour shading difference in the given nautical chart and find out the meaning with the help of “ Symbols and Abbreviations used on Admiralty Charts ” published by the Hydrographic Department of the Navy, UK or Chief Hydrographer of Indian Navy .

1) Symbols

The features of coastal line with navigational importance such as lighthouse , beacons, prominent buildings, structures, trees, chimneys etc, are depicted as symbols in the chart.

2) Abbreviations

Abbreviations used on a chart are usually in the form of English letters. For example, letter ‘M’, printed on a stretch of open water, indicates the muddy nature of the sea bottom.

3) Colour shading

The colour shading will differentiate the depth difference in coastal area. Shallow waters are usually indicated by deep blue colouring (green if they are dry at low tide), which fades out to paler blue as the water becomes deeper. The land is often shaded yellow or some similar contrasting colour and certain danger areas, or areas of military or commercial use, may show pale mauve shading.

Exercise:Look for different symbols and abbreviations in the chart given under different categories such as Coast-Line, Coastal Features, Topography-Natural and Artificial Features, Ports and Harbours, Buildings, Miscellaneous Stations, Lights, Buoys and Beacons, Radio and Radar, Fog signals, Dangers, Various Limits, Soundings, Depth Contours, Quality of the Bottom, Tides and Currents, etc.