8 Things to Consider While Doing

Nautical Chart Plotting On Ships

By Raunek | In: Marine Navigation | Last Updated on August 22, 2020

1. Scale of the Chart

The Scale of the chart is the first thing to check before commencing Chart work.
The
chart scale is given down below the name of the Chart. After taking a note of it,
allow
yourself to glance through the latitude and longitude graduations along the chart.
Once you are familiarised with the scale, the chances to do a wrong plot is largely
reduced. The depth scale of the chart should be considered as well.
2. Notes of the Chart

Once you are aware of the scales, read down the notes which is also found below the
Chart name. Such notes contain every important information regarding the navigation
through that particular area covered by the chart. The information will include any
submarine or naval exercise areas, anchoring, fishing areas, traffic separation
schemes, any additional information about wrecks, tidal information and also local
regulations concerning navigation.
 Im age Credits : Nachiketh
3. Chart Symbols Bhattathiri

A thorough knowledge of Chart symbol is highly insisted. Without understanding the

correct symbols and its meaning, the reliability of the chart work will be diminished
and the chances of errors will be higher. Any out of ordinary symbols which normally
one don’t come across should be noted and checked using Nautical Publication
5011 . While doing Chart plotting, it is a good practise to keep NP 5011 ready for
reference.
4. Chart Corrections

It is the responsibility of the Second officer to keep all the charts corrected up-to date
with all permanent and temporary corrections which are received weekly via Notices t
o
Mariners. The permanent corrections are marked on chart using magenta ink and
T&P
corrections are marked using pencil. It is very important not to miss out these
corrections while doing chart plotting. As far as practical, avoid plotting course
lines
near or above any corrections. T&P corrections are more likely to be missed out
as they are marked using pencil and tends to fade out in time. It is also a good
practise to check if the corrections are upto date, they are normally mentioned at
Related Reading:
the bottommost side of the chart.
 Credits :
5. GPS Positions NOAA/wikipedia.org

GPS positions can be plotted directly on to all new BA Charts as they remain in the
WGS-84 Datum. GPS positions have an accuracy of around 50 meters. Avoid
plotting GPS positions when navigating in costal and restricted waters as such
margins can dangerous. Also while navigating in shallow waters, and when mountains
near-by, multi- path errors can take place and hence the accuracy of the position will
be further compromised.

6. Radar Fixes

Radar fix is considered as the most reliable fix while navigating in coastal waters.
Radar
fixes are best when it is fixed using Radar conspicuous objects such as a Racon or
Ramark. Racon and Ramark are indicated on the charts by a magenta circle and are
easily identifiable on Radar too. It is recommended to notice them on charts and use
for
position plotting. While plotting course lines, marking out the Radar conspicuous
objects
which can be used for fixes will be helpful.
7. Visual Fixes

Visual fixes will also give reliable positions while navigating near land. They can be
taken from lighthouses and other aids to navigation. The bearings from the objects
can be obtained using azimuth ring. Such bearings should be quickly and carefully
plotted on charts for best fixes. If 3 bearings are used, the position will be inside the
resultant
‘cocked-hat’ .The bearings from objects right angles to each other gives the best
visual
fixes, in practise.
8. Position Circle and Position
Line
Position Circle is a circle drawn from an object (as its centre) and its range from the
own-ship as radius. Position Line is a line drawn from the object along its bearing from
the ship, the ship’s position is known to be in that line. A fix can be obtained using two
parameters. ie, two position lines/ two position circles/ one position line and one
position circle. The more parameters the better will be the accuracy of the fix. Since
the ranges obtained from Radar are accurate, 3 position circles can give best fixes in
practise.
When there is only one object available, it is possible to fix the position using the
‘running fix’ technique. While doing chart plotting, the navigator should be familiar
with
different fixing techniques and use them appropriate to the available resources.
Chart work is a skill of accuracy and precision. The safety of navigations depends
upon
the quality and reliability of chart plotting. Hence the navigators doing chart plotting
should do it with utmost care and attention. A wrong course line or position can
mislead
the vessel and can probably make way to accidents. Over reliance on GPS are
commonly seen onboard. GPS positions are best to be used in open seas and
the officer of the watch (OOW) must be aware of the accuracy of such positions.
Encouraging the use of other fixing techniques we had discussed above, will be
promising to enhance the skill of the navigator.