Chart No. 1

[TaoJones]

From today's edition of 'Lectronic Latitude, comes the following:

"Have you ever been looking at a nautical chart and thought, "Hmm. I wonder what the heck that squiggly little line means?" If you're like most experienced sailors, many chart symbols are fairly obvious. But you sometimes come across graphical patterns that are downright puzzling, especially since charts generally do not have comprehensive 'keys' clarifying the symbols used."

For more on Chart No. 1, a handy little book to help a person understand the meanings of obscure chart symbols, go to:

Latitude 38 - Northern California's Premier Sailing and Marine Magazine

TaoJones

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Tao,
Chart No. 1 comes in handy. I've got one and use it regularly.
JohnL

[cal40john]

Author of the article admits to cruising for 20 years before discovering Chart No. 1. That seems like a long time not to ask, "Where's the legend (or nautical equivalent)?" to me anyway.

John

[GordMay]

Chart 1 ~ Nautical Symbols, Abbreviations, and Terms
Office of Coast Survey:
Office of Coast Survey - Chart No. 1
or
Canadian Hydrographic Service:
CHS: Chart 1

People who don't know about Chart #1 might not also know that if your boat is 40 feet or longer you are required to carry a copy of the Col Regs aboard.

If you are the subject of a safety inspection by the USCG, trust me they will ask for it!

Besides, you should ahve a copy aboard anyway.

[Pblais]

BTW, Chart 1 is no longer published as a printed document. You need to download the PDF version if you expect to have one. It is not required that you have one no matter how long or short your boat it, but those funny symbols you don' recognized are probably important once you determine you don't know what they are.

Originally Posted by Pblais

BTW, Chart 1 is no longer published as a printed document...

Yes it is! It is just not printed by the Government any more:

Chart No. 1 Nautical Chart Symbols Abbreviations & Terms

I know the Office of Coast Survey website says it is not available as hard copy anymore, but it is printed privately for hard copy distribution.

Just to be sure people understand it is NOT Chart #1 that has a carrage requirement, but the Collision Regulations.