Chart symbols - what do they mean?

Whether you use paper or electronic charts you must learn what the symbols, colors, and notations mean. In the U.S. and other countries there is a publication (paper and electronic) called Chart No. 1, which has all the chart symbols and words used on charts published by a particular country. In the U.S. you can download Chart No. 1 from  www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/chartno1.htm. (In 2012 paper copies were not being printed by the U.S. government, but plans are being made for chart agents to be authorized to print paper copies.). An excellent source for a paper copy is Nigel Calder’s book, How to Read a Nautical Chart (A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Nautical Data Displayed on Nautical Charts). It has all of Chart No. 1, plus detailed explanations. Nautical bookstores and on-line booksellers stock this book. It should be aboard every boat that uses charts – you can’t remember everything and unfamiliar symbols may be very important to know.