@ FERNHURST|BOOKS Illustrated PLE SMe liar mur hater la tl) Peace marist) Peer Marbut lelela) — A) Ld TareeNavigation Ivar Dedeham @ FERNHURST © DedekanDesign,Oslo- NorwayDisclaimer While the principles discussed and the details provided by this book arise from careful studies, the author and publisher cannot in any way guarantee the suitability of recommendations made in this book, and they shall not be under any legal liability of any kind in respect of or arising from the form or content of this book or any error therein, or the reliance of any person thereon. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties,express or im- plied, of any type whatsoever. Copyright 2017 by Dedekam Design, Oslo, Norway All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmit- ted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, re- cording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the ex- press written permission of the publisher and copyright owner (website: www. [Link]). This third edition published in 2017 by Fernhurst Books Limited 62 Brandon Parade, Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4JE, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1926 337488 / [Link] First published in 2004 by Fernhurst Books ISBN: 978-1-909911-58-1 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-909911-99-4 (eBook) ISBN: 978-1-912177-00-4 (eBook)Introduction This book will teach you how to navigatein the traditionalway using compass, log and plotter and also how to navigate by means of electronicaids like GPS, radar and chart plotter. In addition you will also learn some basic celestial navigationusing the sun and stars to obtain your position using sextant, almanacs,tables and a watch. Knowledge of traditional navigation is very important, not only when the electronic equipmentbreaksdown but also to revealincorrectsetupsand malfunctioningquipment. What distinguishesthis book from many others is the short, focussed text backed up by over 120 computer-generatedyraphics. My aim has been to make it easy to find, understandand remember the information you are looking for. 1 must also express my thanks to Harald Erik Bjerke for his translationof the original Norwegiantext. To the readerand navigator] wishyou GoodSailingand GoodLuck! IvarDedekam Contents ‘Traditionahavigation3 —_Electronimavigation 37 _Celestialnavigation 59 Howchartsarecreated 4 — GPS(GlobalPositioningSystemB8 —Thesun'sgeographicposition 60 Latitudeandlongitude 5 — GPS-howdoesitwork? 39 Astronomicalnodel 61 Position 6 — GPSreceivers 40 Principlesf celestianavigation62 Usingcharts 8 — UsingtheGPSreceiver 41 Hourangles 63 Variationanddeviation 10 Chartplotter 43 Noonsight 64 Steeringcompass 12 Usingthechartplotter 44° Measuringun’saltitude 65 Logsandechosounders 13 Waypointsandroutes 45 UTC,ZoneandStandardime 66 Plottingmplements 14 —_Displaysetup 46 Workinga sight 67 Leewayandcurrent 15 —_-Receiversetup 47 Sightreductionsheet 70 Handbearingompasses 16 Radar 49 Takingthe Noonsight n Deadreckoning/Bearings18 -Range/Bearingliscrimination 51 _Plottingpositionlines n Miscellaneous 21 Radaroperation 52 [Link] 73 Sailingat night 22 Adjustingtheradar 53 Corrections 4 IALAbuoyagesystem 26 © Radarproblems 54 Stars nn Tideandtidalcurrents 28 Displaysetup 55 Polaris(NorthStar) 80 Navigationlights 33 Collisionavoidance 55 Usinga calculator al Summary 35 AIS 58 AppendixTables& formulae 83TRADITIONAICOASTALNAVIGATION Traditionalcoastal navigationentails Inthenextchapterelectronimavigation, navigation using paper charts, compass, incorporatingradar, GPS and electronic dividers plotterJog,echosoundeandmore. charts,willbe covered. Itisimportantohavea basicunderstanding In the last chapterwe will showhowyou of this type of navigationso that you can candeterminayourpositionwiththe help spot malfunctioningr incorrectuse of ofasextant tablesandthecorrecttime,using celestial anyelectroniequipmeninstalled. navigation. olHowchartsarecreated Througltheyearsdifferentprojectionsiave been used to transferthe contoursof the [Link]* unfolded thespherelikea cylindemndstretchethe curvedsectionsso the meridians became paralleliines. Thiscausedtheland-masseso be squashed the furthertheywerefromthe [Link] chartswerestretchednorth-southuntil the landregainedthe correctproportions. Thecurvedportionsire smoothedand stretched rye Thisis thereasonthedistancebetweenthe parallelsof latitudeincreasesthe further north or south you go on a Mercatorchart. This in turn gives the wrong relationship, size-wise, betweenthe land-masses Areas far from the equator will seem relatively largerthantheyactuallyare. *GerarduMercaton 1512-04)Flemishmathematiciawho projectedhe earthontoa cylindertouchingthe earthat the equator. and the spherebecomest flat surface. " > : AAAAA ‘ N ° e ~ s \ > > ae Areasfar fromthe equatorappearstretchedwiderso the chartis stretchechigherto compensate .. ww Elaee peers Differentypesof projections Cylinder(Mercator)Latitudeand longitude Today’ scharts use an internationalreferencesystem consistingof a grid made up of great circles and parallelcirclesor just parallels. Parallels Aplanethroughthe centreof theearthwillalwaysdefine a great circle on the earth’ssurface Anexampleof sucha greatcircleis the equator whichdividesthe earthintoa northermandsouthernhemisphere. Ifweslicetheearthwithplanesparallelto the equator we get lesserparallelcirclesusuallycallediittlecircles The equatoris a great circle with equal distanceto bothpolesdefinedas 0° latitude. The otherparallels have increasinglatitudereaching30° at the poles. Latitude is defined asa numberof degreemorthor south of the equator. 45°Nis the parallelhalfway between the equatorand the northpole. Meridians Greatcirclescreatedby planesat rightanglesto the equatorialplane which intersectboth the north and south poles (and thereby the centre of the earth) makeup whatwe call circles of longitude. These circles are divided at the poles and the semicircles arecalied meridians. For practicalpurposesthe meridiansstartwith the 0-meridian which goes throughthe observatoryin Greenwich nearLondon= 0° longitude. The meridiansare designated! 0°, 20°, 30° etc. east and west of Greenwich At 180° the east and west meridiansmeetat a commomneridian. The so-calleddate line runs mostly along the 180° meridian, although in some places it deviates from it due to practicalreasons Whenpassingthe dateline, the date mustbe adjusted. This is due to the fact that the earth rotates towards the right(east).A total revolutiontakes 24 hrs which means15° an hour. Eventhoughthe sunis stationary, it seems to be moving 15° from east to west every hour. The further east you travel the “later in the day’ it gets. If you travel far enoughto the east you will sooner or later cross the date line and enter “yesterday” If you cross the line from east to west, youhaveto skipa day. All this ts of little importance in coastal navigation, but very Important in celestial navigation and when using tide tables and nautical tables. Parallelsand meridians) Equator (greatcircle) Western Eastern hemisphere O-meridian (Greenwich) Circles of latitude!Position Any pointon the surfaceof the earthcan be defined by its latitudeand longitude The latitudeis defined by the parallel that intersectsthe positionand the longitudeby the meridianthatintersectshe position. All placeson a parallelcircle have the samelatitude just as all places on a meridianhave the same longitudeButthereis onlyone unique place which is definedby the intersectiomf the two! ‘Theplacewhereyouareis calledyour position or the vessel's position. Whengivingourpositionve alwaysstartwithlatitudeand thenlongitude. Boat A in the illustrationis foundto be at latitude 33°N(atitudes3degreemorthjandlongitud45°W (ongitude45 degrees west). The vessel's position wouldbe giventhus:33°NO45°W. The sailboat B is in the southernhemisphere Its latitude is 37°S and longitude018°E. Its position wouldbe referrecto as 37°S018°E. Herethe positionis givenin [Link] is too generalisedfor navigation As shownon page 7 these positionswould at least be given in degrees andminutes: Boat.A's positionwouldthenbe 33°23’N045°11’Wor as it also can be presentedN33°23W045°11 ‘but eitherwaythelatitudecomesfirst. Latitude is indicated with 2 digits (0-90° N or S) ‘and longitude with 3 digits (0-180° W or E), Position, BoatB’s longitude BoatA: Latitude = 33°N Longitude= 049° BoatB: Latitude = 375 Longitude= 018E Position 7S 18EAllcirclesmaybe dividedinto360 [Link] Degreesminutesandnauticaimiles degreds dividednto60 minutes whichinturncan bedividednto60 seconds. Itisnowcommortouse decimalstenthof a minute)ratherthanseconds. 60 min. (60’) 60: (60"") 1°30" = 1 min.30sec.= 1.5min.= 1.5’ You haveto keepyourwitsaboutyouwhenworking withminutesdecimalsindseconds. Nautical mile (M) Onenautical mile is definedas 1 minute of arc (or 1/600fa degreeof latitudeyneasured along a meridian. Fromthe equatorto thenorthor southpolethereare: 90° = 90x 60=5,400minutesofarc= 5,400" Thegreatcircleis fourtimesthatdistance: 5,400 x4 = 21,600" 1 degree= 1° = 60 minutes = 60’ ] Greatcircle:4 x 90x 60’ = 360x 60' = 21,6007 As the earth’scircumferencé&as beendetermined to be about40,000km = 40,000,000n: 1 nauticalmile= 40,000,000+ 21,600= 1,851.85n Thisis roundedoff: 1 nautical mile = 1 M = 1,852 m (A cable = 1/10M = 185mis lessfrequentlysed.) In the exampleon page6 the positionof a vesselwas found to be 33°N 045°W. A little more accurately it couldbe definedas 33°23'N045°11’Wwhichis read 33 degrees23 minutesnorth- 45 degrees! 1 minuteswest. Thisis howa positionis designated. You couldalsoincludedecimals of minutes, for example33°23.7'NO45°11.3'Wif a moreaccurate positionis required. Latitude is the distance in deg. and min, from the equator. Longitude is the distance [Link] min. from the O-meridian.Coastalchart:1:350,000 _ Recreatiorwhart: 1:50,000 Harbourchart: 1: 10,000 Usingcharts Increasing parallels (page 4) Notice the difference between the 410° (=600' =600 M) measured at different latitudes. It is most apparent on small scale charts and is ‘re haray noticeable on most charts scaled 1:50,000. Try for yourself with a pair of dividers! Whemnavigatingouwillbeusingchartswithvarying [Link] scaledefineshow mucha distanceis re- ducedonthechart.1:50,000sa sealefoundon many charts.1 mmon thischartequals50 m (50,000mm) in the [Link] chartslike harbourchartsand Youcan determina positionon the chartby drawing a horizontaline fromthe positionto the edge of the chartandreadingoff the latitude Drawa verticalline fromthe position(up or down)and readoff the long- itude on the scale. However:most peoplechooseto usedividersto measurethe distancefromthe closest herizontabeverticelioe er thenmovethe dividers special charts mighthave a scale of 1:10,0000r 1:25,[Link] charts with a scale less than 1:200,000and passage charts with a very small scale are often used. N.B. 1:10,000is a largerscale than 1:350,000. Defininga positionon thechart anotherhorizontalline. ‘untilthe otherlegis on yourposition. 2. Move the dividerout to the scale on Latitude59°18.5'N, 3. Placethe dividerson the closestmerid- ian or anothervertical line. Once again openuntiltheotherlegis on yourposition. 4, Move the dividersup or down to the Jongitudescale with the pointon the line inotethe longitude. Longitude013°32.4°E As position 59°18.5°N, 013°32.4’E NB! The longitude increases to the right because ‘the area on the chart is east of Greenwich. alongtheselinesoutto the edgesin orderto readoff latitudeand longitude. There are several ways to define your position, just make sure you read off where lines through ‘your position, parallel with the edges of the chart, intersect the latitude and longitude scales."scalesontherightorleftsideofthe chart. 2. Placeone leg of the dividerson A and ““walk'thedividersasclosetoBasyoucan. 3. Measurewhateveris left withthe dividers. ‘4. Movethe dividersto the scaleandfind the distanceandthenworkoutthetotaldistance. | "Distances 3x2M+1.2M=7.2M ‘Tryworkinguutthisdistancdnotherways. You can measure the distance with whateveryou — evenif it is hardlynoticeableon a 1: 50,000scale pleasebutdividersare mostcommonlyused. Always chart. Try this on differentcharts until you are sure use the latitude scale ontheleftor rightsidelevel__ youunderstancthe problem. with the area betweenA and B. This is becausethe minutes of latitudeincreasewith increasedlatitude, You will now have found the course from A to B_ keepingtrackofyourprogresson thelog?No! which you can steer the boat by. Thereare many 114 41 wertd you have to make corrections for types of navigationalplotter which can be used corre (eneleinen Ln TThe-co the main principle in Many inaccuracies and discrepancies like compass traditionalnavigation- how to sail fromone point V@Fiation ~ fer a eet eae ee (A) to another(B). When the courseis set, is it just @mongst others. This we eae ere aaa a matterof steeringaccordingto the compassand 70mg In the book!Variationand deviation Themagnetic north pole is situatedustoutside northernCanadaas this is written, but it moves continuouslyand slowlyin thesenortherhareas. Variation is the differencein degreesthe compass isshowingnreferencotrue north. Ifthemagnetic north pole had coincidedwith the geographic, the compassneedlewouldalwayspointtowardsthe northpolealongthe meridiarthroughyourposition, Thevariationmaybe reallyhighsometimedn some places!Always check the chart and calculate the current variation in the area (Fig.18). Deviation The compassis also affectedby local disturbances fromthe boat whereit is mounted Ironand steelon board create magnetic fields. Electricalcircuits andloudspeakersreateelectromagnetic fields whichalsocausethecompasmeedietodeviateromthe [Link] whatwecalldeviation. Deviatiomlterswithcourse (andheeling)butalso overtime. Far too manyrecreationabkippersfail to takedeviationinto account-Thisis a practicewhich couldhaveseriousconsequencein situationavhere oneis totallyrelianton thecompassJikein thickfog NB! Some of the deviationcan be eliminatedby adjustingthe compasswith the built in correction magnets somethingwhichshouldnormallybe done by experts. Take every opportunity to check deviation! Write down a deviation table! Evenif youare not ableto set up a completetable, it is necessaryto note down the deviationfor the main directionsso as to give an indicationof the inaccuracyof the compass.A quick and easy way tosetupa tableis givenbelow. Handbearing compass method Go out ona day withcalmwaterand positionyour- self on boardin a place with little or no deviation. This will differfrom vesselto vessel, but on a boat with stainlessstays (non-magnetic)all the way aft couldbea [Link] steerthemain headingson the main compasswhile you note the courseon the handbearingompassYoucouldgeta tableas shownin the illustrationYoucanalsodraw upa deviationgraphas shown. Notehowthedeviatiorchangesn relationto changes in course. The engine often has a large effect. In the figureat the bottomyou see howit attractsthe compasseediein the simplifiedsituationshown. In principle, every time you are sure of your true course (when on a leading line, for example) figure out your deviation just to check it. 10 Variation| MagneticNorthpol ~ Northpole(truenorth) Variationis everchangingind differsdependingon location. x ae Ene { ‘ ‘ } + eel + West (4°w) None(0*) East(10°E) Deviation Deviations howmuchthe boat’ sownmagneticfield pullsthe compassneedieawayfrommagnetic north. (008°(ENE} 090° zw LeEse 135"(S8) Course:27@ Dev.:3°E Course‘90" Dev. 2>W ®Correctiorfor variationand deviation Dueto the factthatthe magnetic northpoleandthe If youare goingfromoneplaceto anothere.g. from geographic (true) north pole do not coincide,you AtoBasonp.9,youfirstdeterminetrue heading needto knowdifferentwaystodefinea heading: —_fromthechart= 227°T. Thenyou haveto correct forvariationwhichin thisexampleis 2*Wor-2°. If the deviationfor this courseis 6°E, we endup TH -Trueheading(novariationor deviation) withthe followingcalculation: MH - Magneticheading(variation) TH= 227 CH - Compassheading(bothvariatiomand deviation) ee re , MH 229 dev.= - Westerly variation and deviation is defined as minus. CH= 22> Easterly variation and deviation is defined as plu: ‘Thismeansthatif you wantto gomoma tee you haveto steer223°on yoursteeringcompassIn Whenconvertingowards true heading, inother | additionyouhaveto ci wordsfromCH toMH orMH to TH, yousubtract Cuireniee show ala ere westerly andadd easterly variationand deviation. Therefae keep the sign Whenconvertingaway from true heading, in otherwordsfromTH to MH or MH toCH, you add westerly andsubtract easterly variation anddeviationChange sign: + to —and—to +. _ Examplel: CH= 298'C Sdei=+ 7 MH= 305M var = + 10° 319 T TH =Steeringcompass Thethreeclassicinstrumentavailableto thenavi- gatorare thelog (speed/distancezchosounder (depth):ndcompass (heading)Thecompasssthe mostimportantbecausewithoutvisiblereferences, youare lost if youdon’thavethis instrument. ‘Themagnetic compass hasfunctionedn thesame way for hundredsof years. A magneticneedleis suspendedin a housingfilled with alcoholor oil. Theneedlewillalwaysattemptto pointtowardsthe magnetic north pole. Theearthcanbeviewedas a largemagnetwherethe magnetiqpolesvaryfrom the geographiqolesas describecon p.10. Originallythe compass rose wasnotdividedinto numbers. The seamen of old had to remember 32 headings, half of which you can see on the illustrationEachquarter wasdividedinto8 sectors 32 sectorsall together{1 sector= 11%"), Other compass types Thereareothertypesofcompassbesidethemagnetic. The flux-gate compass usesthe electromagnetic field surroundinghe earth. Insteadof permanent magnetst makesuseofcoilsandrequirelectrical supplyto operate. ‘The earth’smagnetisminducesa weakcurrentin the coils whichcan be electronicallyneasuredand displayedAutopilots oftenuse thistypeof compass. Youcan pre-adjusthe compassforvariationand mostcompassesvill compensatdordeviatiomfter turningthe vessel360°. Thegyrocompass is foundon all largervesselsbut, is not so well suited for leisure craft due to cost and size. In additionit needs electricityto work. The gyrocompassmakesuse of the inertiaof a spinningwheelringandorientsitselfto truenorth, It worksindependentlpf magneticforcesso it has no variatioror deviationdueto ironor steel. The magnetic compass is the most reliable as it is not reliant on electricity All certified vessels are required to have at least one magnetic compass on board. Handbearing compass A handbearingzompasscan be eithermagneticor flux-gateThelatterhastheabilityto store several bearings which can be retrieved on demand. The deviationof the handbearingcompassis not known. For this reasonyou place yourselfwhere the deviationis minimal usuallyin the bowsor in thesternon boatswithstainlessstays(non-magnetic). 12 Magneticompasses Gyrocompass Digitaldisplay_ Analoguatisplay Handbearingompasses igital[Link] logsindicatethespeed ofthe wateroverthe hullor, as we say, the boat's speed through the water. Ifthe boatis headinginto a 5 kn current andnotmakingheadwaythelogwillstill showa boatspeedof 5 kn. Theopposite is the case if headingwith a current. Thelog wouldshow? kn whilethe boat wouldbe doing? kn overgroundwitha followingcurrentof 5 kn. Therearelogswherethetransponders placed inside the hull without moving parts. Theymakeuse of the Doppler effect andmeasuretruespeedoverthe Digitaldisplay Analoguedisplay Knots= knorkts Nauticaimile= Mornm ground Alllogshaveto be thoroughlycalibrated in orderto giveaccuratereadings. Log as ina pieceof wood. pieceof woodattached to @ line with knots at given intervalswas thrown overtheside. Thenavigatorountedhowmanyknots ran out over time, measuredby an hourglass Thus (Rotating-ED) Theecho-sounder canbe ofveryusefulwhemavigating, especiallyin fog and reduced visibility. Along with chart and compass you can use the soundingsto determineyourpositionAt slowspeedsyoucoulduse alead line madewitha lineandweightForpractical reasonsmeasurablelepthis limited The echosounder sends sound waves down towards the bottom and Transducer/Impellel lo the termknot indicating! nauticaimilean hour. Modernlogs measurethe speedof the waterusing animpeller mountedna ‘through hull’ fitting Theelectronicfigureout distanceand speed. a echo-sounder ~ Older type Modern type withLCDscreen Lead line |, , Oo Im Le measuresthe time it takesfor the soundto return. The instrumentworksout the depthbasedon this. Thepartsendingputthe pulseiscalledthe transducer andisusuallyplacedin thebilges Echo-sounderean showthewater depth orthedepth below the keel. Thereare echo-soundersvhichcan see forwardand to theside, buttheseare notcoveredhere. 13Plottingimplements There are many types of [Link] most well knownis the parallel ruler, butit is best suited for use on larger vesselswith a large sta- ble chart table. On board a recreationalvessel a plotter witha compassosemightbeabetterchoice. ‘You place the north-southline of the rose parallel with 4 meridian(verticalline on the chart) and the ruler along your course line. Your headingis in- dicated by the intersectionof the ruler and the compassrose, The parallel ruler must be moved from your course line to the centre of the closest rose on the chart as shownin the figure. The headingis indicatedwhere the ruler cuts throughthe rose. The problem with the parallel ruler, be- sides needing a rose on the chart, is that it has a tendency to skid and twist when walking it in a small boat in rough seas. The final choiceis [Link] use a coupleof 45° angleswhichthey slide alongeach other: Electronicplottersof variouskinds are also available. Sharpeneqpeneils (noharderthanHB), pencil sharp- ener, eraser and magnifying glass are included in the tools needed for chartworkA magnifying glassis oftenneededto pickoutdetailsona small scalechart. Keepin mindthaton a 1:50,000chart, 1 mm signifies50 m! A small island shows up as a dot whichis easilyconfusedwith a pencil mark. Compass roses Manychartsare embossedwitha compass rose to help settinga [Link] usuallydoublewitha rose showingtrue heading (TH) and one rotated with the variationshowingmagnetic heading (MH). The variationis indicatedon the rose, in this figure:6*W2001(8'E). This means that the variationchanges8 minutes(8’) eastwardevery year. The variationwould be about 5°W in 2008 (decreases8'x7=56'whichis about 1*). When setting a course on the chart, always use the outer rose. When you wish to derive true course from magnetic course, use the inner rose and read the result on the outer rose. The oppositewhen you wish to findmagneticcoursefromtruecourse. Examples magnetiaorrespondgo 35¢ true(1). 240 magnetiworrespondgo 234 true(2). 136 truecorrespondéo 142 magnetid(3). NB!Thisis onlycorrectin the yearindicatedbn therose. 14 Compassoseson charts ‘Somechartshaveseveralroses embossed Usethe rose closest to yourposition.Leewayand current You haveto correctyourcoursefor leeway (drift) andoffset dueto windandcurrentTheleewayis duetowindandmustbecorrectedowardshewind. Whenwetalkaboutwinddirectionve meanwhere the windis comingfrom. Westerlyand southerly ‘windscomefrom thewestandsouth respectively. When referring to currents it is the opposite! A northerly current moves to the north and a westerly current moves to the west. Theleewaydueto windis a matterofstrengthand direction Ruleof thumbhasit thatyoucorrectl° for every2 knots(= 1 m/s) of windwhenbeating ina sailboat-Thisis a verygeneralindicatiorand you shouldget to know your own vesselas each boathasa differenfeewayin the sameconditions. In ourexamplethe truecoursefromA to B was 227°. If the windwas from NW blowing20 kn, we woulddeducefrom experiencethat the drift wouldbe 10°. We wouldhaveto sail 10° closerto the windin orderto sailourcourse. Coursefromchart= 22? T + drift =10 = Course to steer = 237 T If the wind had been from the south you would have subtracted! 0° from both true headingand compassheading. Current Thereareseveraldifferentkindsof currentsLarge ocean currents likethe GulfStream wind generated currents, currents from rivers and tidal currents whichwe willdealwithlater. Currentsan be complicateduton mostoccasions you haveto makesomecorrectiongor current. Ifyouknowthespeedand directionof the current youcancalculateyourcourse over the ground as shownin the examples(moreon this in Fig.52and 53). In ourexamplethereis a easterlycurrentof 2 kn andyouare steering227°Tdoing5 kn, yourcourse overgroundwillbe 208°T. The course over the ground will be your track along the seabed. Very often, whenthe directionandstrengthof the currents known you wantto knowwhatcourse to steerin orderto achievea certain course over the ground as shownin Fig.53. Theeasiestscenariais if the currentis directlywith or against you. Thiswillnotaffecttheboat’scourse. Thespeedoverthe groundwill be speedon the log minus the speedof the opposingzurrent. Witha following current thespeedoverthe ground willbe speedon the log plus thespeedof the current. Courseto steer= 227 +10 =237T CH willthenbe 223+10 =233 C inorderto followthe courselinefromA to B (page11). Current Whendrawingectordiagrams: ‘Coursethroughwateris markedwith1 arrow Drawyourcoursesteeredasa linein therightdirectionising! emorM foreveryknotof speed(1-2). Drawthecurrentfromtheendof ‘coursesteeredin the sameway (2-3) Speedand courseoverground appearsas a linofrom1-3. Younoticethattheboat ‘Theboatsailsthroughthe waterfrom! [Link] same timetheblockof waterthe boatis sailingin hasmoved Jrom2 to3, with the current. Thusthecourseover the groundis 1-3.EnroutefromA toB youwanttomakesureyouare on yourintended track. You couldtakea cross bearing witha handbearing compass. Pickouta fixedobject likethe light(1) andtakeits bearingby aimingat it with the bearingcompass Readoff the bearingiromthe gp enna mtenanentacn Placetheplotteithrougitheobserved object (light) settingthe angleto 285°Twhilekeepingits vertical lines parallelwith a meridian Draw a line through thelighttoa point(2)on theathersideof thecourse line. We call this line @ position line. You are somewhereon this line because your bearing to 16 [Link] thisexample287°C. N.B. Getting anaccuratefix canbe difficult in a sea. You shoul takeseveralbearingsandworkouttheaverage. Modernelectroniccompassehavethisfunction iltin. [Link] makeadjustmentgor ‘variation Deviatioris consideredhil as the bearingcompasss keptawayfrom the engineandanythingelse madeof ironandsteel. Let’sassumevariatior2°W: Compassbearing CB: 287°C Deviation dev: O° Mayneticbearing MB: 287°M ‘Variation var: -2w Truebearing 285T WhenconvertingromCB toTB ‘we use minus forW andplus forE variatiomnddeviation. the lightis 285°T. You do not, howeverknowwhere on this line you are. You can take anotherbearing, forexampleto the light (3).N.B. It’s important that the two bearings are as close to right angles to each other as possible.Thebearingtothenextlightis205°T. Placetheplotter throughthislight(3)settingthe angleto 205°Twhile keepingits verticallinesparallelwitha meridianand northup. Drawa line through the light, alongthe ruler until it intersectsthe first position line. You nowhavea new position line. Youhaveto be some- wherealongthislineas well. Your position will be where the two position lines intersect (4)! You shouldalwaysusethree positionlines60° apart, if possibleas shownon the nextillustration. Compastbearing CB: 207°C Deviation dev: 0° ‘Tobe on thesafesideyoushouldtakea thirdbearing to the West marker (5). N.B. Avoidusing floating markerswhen taking a bearingas they may have driftedoff their chartedposition(but use them with cautionif thereis nothingelseto takea bearingon). Youwillalways end up with a triangle whentaking threebearings(the bearingswill neverbe accurate enough)-To be on the safe side, alwaysassumeyou are in the worst corner of the trianglein respectto possibledanger(rocks, shallows,reefs, ...) nearby. [Link] It’s possible, though more difficult, to take bearingswith the steering compass. You must then make corrections for deviation for the boat’s course at every bearing made. 17Determiningositionfrom one point(therunningfix) Oftenyouonlyhaveone pointto takea bearingto alonga coast. Youassumeyouareat position! and take a bearingto the light at 330°T and drawit onthe chart. Youknowyouaresomewheren this position line. Youreadoffthe log 255M and sailalongyourcourselineuntilyou reachposition2 whereyou notethe bearingto thelightas 50°T andreadoffthelog 261 M. Thebearingis drawn onthechartandyouhavea newpositionlinewhich =~ youareon. N.B. Ideally the two bearings Course272T 5 should be at 90° to each other. Distancetravelled261-255= 6 M, is markedoff x alongthe courselinefrompoint1. Thisdistance ®) is movedparallelto yourcourseline untilit fits betweenthebearinglines. Pos.3is yoummewobserved position, Thismethods notveryaccurategspeciallyifthe speedanddirection of any currentis unknown! 45° bearing Firsttakea bearingto thelight(3) whenit is 45°on the bow (1)[Link] thebearingis 90° onthebowandfindloggeddistance. Thetrianglel-2-3is a 90°- 45°- 45° trianglewhich meansthatthe distanceto the light(3) fromyour positon (2) is thesameas loggeddistancel -2. The distance to the light when abeam is equal to distance logged between bearings. NB! Thismethodis inaccurataf thereis significant currentor leeway.(Youcanalsotakethebearingsin oppositeorderfirst90*abeamthen45 offthestern.) One bearing and distance Whenclosingon a shoreat night youmayspot the light fromoneof thelargecoastallighthouses onthe horizon If youtakea bearingon it just as it appears youcanfindthedistancdroma table and obtaina relativelygoodobservedposition. Inthisexamplehebearingtothelightis 75°T-You drawyourpositionline 1-2throughthelighthouse 1281135 Lat as shown. Theheight of the light is 18 m(59')and yourheightof eyeis around4 m (13). Fromthetablesin theillustratioryoufindthedistance to be 13 M. Drawthe segmentof a circlewithradius 13 M from the light. Observedpositionis wherethe cirde intersectspositionline 1. General rule of thumb for distance in miles (M): Distance = 2x( vhi + vh2) hI =hoighbf eye, h2=heightf obj (hoightsin metres) 18In the examplein Fig.25 you were to take a 45° bearingon thelightand then90° on yourcentreline, socalled relative bearings. Youcancreatefixed markson board for this purpose,or you can figure ‘outtheappropriatdrue bearings usingthechartrose. Movingyourpositionline The first positionlineis moved6 M alongwiththeboaton a courseof272°. ® In the example in Fig.24 you can arrive at your positionby moving the first positionline alongwith the boat. You know that you are somewhereon the first positionline, but not exactlywhere,as you take your bearing. When you take your next bearing,the boathassaileda certaindistanceon a certaincourse. If you move the first positionline 6 M, keeping it Yourtrueheading(TH)= 100°T Yourtruebearing45* onthebowwouldbeTB=100 ~ 45=55°T andabeam TB=100 ~ 90=10°T. (Ifyouhadbeengoingin the oppositedirectionheading280°Tyouwouldhavegot. TB =280+ 45=325°Rnd TB =280+ 90=370=10°T) Correctionfortideandcurrents | J speed through water (red) is set to 6 kn and current (green) to 2 kn you can find course over: (orange) and speed over ground for any Birectloe af taste heer vacier Wogan Th the example on Fig24 you set out 6 kn along the ‘course through water (272") and 2 kn in the direction of the current. From the diagram you then find that speed over ground = 4.5 kn. The log showed distance sailed to be 6 M, te. that i hour has passed between the two bearings. Thus the distance sailed ‘aver ground must be 4.5 M. parrallel,you must still be somewherenn this line! At the sametimeyoumustbe somewherwn the new positionline. Observed position is thereforeat the intersection of the two lines, Thisis a technique muchusedin navigationNB! You always have to make necessary corrections when the speed and direction of the current are known. 19Leadinglines(transits) - i 7 <1) ve S = a € : B = @ + Lightand houseon point Leading lines (transitspfallkindsareusefulaidsin navigationbothfor determining ourpositionas well as guidingyou clear of dangerssuch as shoalsand other obstacles(1 and 2). Along with lights, buoys andday-markyoucanuse towerschurchesbuildings It is very importantespeciallyat night, to verifythat the marksyou observeare theonesyou thinktheyare. Whenfollowings windingchannel verifythe numbers andmarkingson the red and greenbuoysas you pass them. Usea torchandbinocularsf necessaryBeware of a currentwhichcould put you on one of them. A fairway is oftenmarkedwithred and greenmarkers, 20 and other [Link] make sure the markyou see is the markon the chart. You can also use islandsand othernaturalformationspnceagain makingsuretheycorrespondo whatyou see on the chart. nnelor fairway lateral marks. Whensailingwith the directionof the channelor fairway,red marksshouldbe takenon port and greenon starboardtheyshouldcoincidewiththe colourof the navigationlights).Oppositewhensailing against thedirectiomfthechannebr fairwayalways referto the chartwheretraffic directionof the fairway is usuallyindicatedFig.44),Somechartsymbols InadditiortothesymbolsnthelALA-systemshown on page26-27,thereareseverakhartsymbolsyou shouldbe familiarwith. Thesesymbolsvaryfrom countrytocountryHereareshownsomeofthemost [Link] as supplementistingsto charts. Examples: In UK:CHARTS011: Symbolsand Abbreviations used on AdmiraltyCharts Inthe US: ChartNo.1 ‘NauticalChart Symbols Abbreviationsind Terms Depth indication: Olderchartsusefathomsbutall referencesvillultimatelbe givenin metresn theUK. In the US and the waters around, fathoms and feet are still used. Always check the chart! Blue tint in one or more shades is usedto showdepthlimitsaccordingto scaleand use of the chart. On olderchartsvariousdottedlinesare used. Drying areas, exposed at low tide, areusually shownas a greenarea. Isolated shallows are markedwitha cross at its highestpoint. Thedepthis notednext tot, usuallyin italics. Depths of less than 5 m withlittledetailwere often borderedby a dottedline on oldercharts. Depth contours enablea visualindicationof the bottom. Overhead cables are normallynotedwith minimunclearancaat high tide. Bridges arealsoindicatedwithverticalclearance normallyabovehighwater(alwaycheckthechart!). Coversion table Fathoms to Metres (on nearestwholefoot) Metre 00 1.0 20 30 Joo 00% hk Sy O&O ke 5 020 4 Is 5: 030 6 ty ts 5 040 0 hh Is 5, Se 0S OO ty ts En |¢Ssamane ob eae 1 Ss lb % m3 SS 08 ty ty be S25 09 my & Example fromtable: 6.6m = 3, = 3 fathoms4 feet ‘Mare accurate: | fathom= 6 feet= 1.83m 1 foot =12inches=0.305m 1”=0.0254m This gives more accurately: 6.6m 6.6/ 1.83=3 fathoms + rest:6.6m— (3x 1.83)= 1.11m 1.1 Lm 1.11/0.305= 3 feet + rest:1.11m—(0.305¢3)=0.20m 0.20m 0.20/00.0254= 7.68" Total: 3 fathoms 3 feet 7.68" Chartsymbols Depths: | Underwater rocks Pe — 15. of known depth 20. Depth contours NB! Always check the charts thoroughly before use. They contain lots of information! The colours and shades may vary depending on the make of chart. Generally heights are shown above MHWS in the UK. In the US they are shown above MAW (mean high water) which may make a significant difference when tidal ranges are large! 2 (CD = Chart Datum) Light, Lighthouse (sector lights will also be shown on multicoloured charts). Rock which covers and 4 uncovers. Height above CD indicated, if known. +£ Rock awash at level of CD. a Dangerous underwater a + Geko rmcedeineene -+(2s) or 28 Dangerous underwater rock of known depth in- 33 and outside the corre- x sponding depth are 21Whenclosingon a shorein the dark, you usually first see one of the big lighthouses 1) with 360° sweepanduniquecharacteristicFurtheralongthese willbesubstitutedysmalledighthousewithsector lights Inshoreyou will encountermany lights on Sectorlightsshowwhite(W),red(R) andgreen(G) lightin [Link] the only securesector If you find yourselfin red or green sectorindicatingfoul water, the chart will tell you whichway to altercoursein orderto get backinto thewhitesectorRecreation idsmalicraft canoftensailin redand greensectors Youmust 22 Pe ~—— Coastallighthouse f° symborforlight Light(fairwaylight) withsectors [Link] shownas yellow [Link] the whitepaper. 2 shorealongwithfixedand floatingmarkswitha lightmountedbn top. Lightsin the sameareausually havedifferentcharacteristicin orderto distinguish [Link] the characteristiceanbe repeated, Sectorlights Sectorsaren’talwaysvisibleall the way aroundas theymaybe obscuredornot deemednecessaryin certaindirections. 765 + - Thesymbolforthe highestpointofan underwatemock or obstruction Depth isnotedin metres eitheras6,50r 6s, onnewercharts(The6.5 mshallowin this exampledoes not representany dangerto a smallvesselin settled weathemndcalmseas.) - The symbol for rock awash at level of CD (CD = Chart Datum). Always be on the lookout for this symbol as it representsa hazard,especiallywhen the rockis justcoveredby thetide. S findoutfromthe chartwherethedangersare located. Redand greensectorsoftenmarkareasdeepenough forsmallervesselsin [Link] areasin roughseasis alwaysa riskin roughweather. [Link] the whitesector!Leading lines are often used instead of sectors in narrow channels when precision is required Leading marks are shown on the chart along with a line showingwhereit is safe to sail. Leadinglights are used in the dark, showingfixed or flashingwhite, redorgreenlight. Standardightscanbe usedas wellas longas theyhavedifferentcharacteristics andthe one furthestawayis higher. Altercourseto starboard! Altercourseto port! Herethelightfurthest Thelightfurthestaway ‘awayappearsto port. _appearsto starboard. Thereforechange —_Thereforshangecourse courseto starboard. _teport. PerfectSteadyas she goes! Turnto port! _Steadyas she goes! The markfurthest awayappearsto starboardThere- foreturnto port. Leadinglines are always given as a true heading which makes it possibleto check the deviationot the compassas [Link] leading lineand readoff the compasscourse,Figureout the deviationafter having adjustedfor the variation which you find on the chart, and compensatingor any cross-tideWhichway shouldyou turnif the two lightsor marksare notalignedSteerto the opposite side of wherethe furthestmarkor lightappearsto be. 23“— Passageina lightedfairway NB. You can tell when you are in the fringes of a white sector. The light will turn slightly red or green depending ‘on which fringe you are on, Chock the chart! You will be on the separation be- tween sectors and have a ‘ition line! But keep in mind that if it’s misty this line can be inaccurate. You’reon passagefrom A to the marina E in total darkness Firstyou sail in the whitesectorfromlight (1) after making sure (double check) that you are looking:ttherightlightwiththecorrectharacteristics Beforehandyou have also identifiedlight (2) by its identified light 3’s special characteristics! You continuein the white sector from light 2 until you see light 3 change from red to white (C). You then sail towardslight3 until you see the entrancelights to the southof your position(D). Go southto E and enterthemarina This is the safe way to sail from A to E but there are other alternatives! If you go from 24 characteristicsYou sail in white sector fromlight1 while you observethe sectors from light 2. change fromred to whiteto green. Whenyou enterlight 2's next white sector, you turn about 90° to port and sail SE in this sector. At this point you shouldhave = Lights A B ec Db [Link] clarifythe situation, the whitesectorsarecolouredyellow in this picture! A towardsthe westmarker(F) untilyoucan identify theleadingights(4),youcansteerthrouglthenarrow soundon the leadinglightsuntilyoureachthe white sectorfromlight3. Approachthe lightcautiouslyin white sectoreventuallykeepingit to port until you seetheentrancelightsto the marina.Seale1 50,000 Light2: F(3)8 s @ An easier route (green)is to approachthe west markef®) passtothewestofthemarkcontinuing southto (C)and followthe directiongsivenearlier. Thereare usuallyseveraloptionsbut the safestis to navigateusing the sectors. Floatingmarkers mighthave drifted or been hit by other vessels. we sa A light’scharacteristicare notedon the chart followinghenameofthelight Light, forexample, is followedby Oc (2) 10s 16m 12M, whereOc (2) is the characteristiaind 16m is the hight of the lightsourcein metersabovesea level. 12Mis the maximumdistancein nautical miles the light is visiblein optimumconditions.lALAbuoyagesystem IALA (A) system for buoys is commonfor most countries Howeverin South and North America and the Philippines they use the IALA(B) system where the red and green lateral buoys have the coloursreversed not theirshapes. The cardinal buoys in the twosystemsdo not differ and indicatesafe passage in the directionof the buoy'[Link] otherwordsft is safe to pass to the west of a west buoy or marker! Lateral buoys are used to mark a fairway in and out of harbour, In Europeanwaters you keep red to port and green to starboardwhen sailingin the directionof the fairway. Oppositeof course, when sailingagainst the directionof buoyage(notedon your chart) or sailing in South and North America or the Philippines. Both lateral and cardinalbuoys can vary in shape as shown in the next picture. The colour coding, however, is always the same. The chart symbols may vary from countryto country. Buoys may have lightsfor identificatiomt [Link] in mind that buoys may drift. N.B. Topmarks are often omitted! A: NORTH MARKER (cardinabuoy) Greatestdepthtothe north of the mark Hint: Topmaripointsup/northBlackon top = north. When lit (white):continuousquick/veryquick Reflecting tape: 1 blue + 1 yellowbelow B: SOUTH MARKER (cardinabuoy) Greatestdepthto the south of the mark Hint: Topmaripointsdown/southBlackdown=south When lit (white):6 quick+ 1 longevery15 sec or6 veryquick+ 1 longevery10 sec. Hint:6 flash= 6 o'clock= south Reflecting tape: 1 yellow+ 1 bluebelow C: EAST MARKER (cardinabuoy) Greatestdepthto the eastof the mark. Hint:Yellowin middle= sunrise= east. When lit (white):3 [Link] 3 veryquickevery5 sec. Hint:3 flash= 3 o'clock= east Reflecting tape: 2 blue D: WEST MARKER (cardinabuoy) Greatestdepthto the westof themark. Hint:Blackin middle= sunset= west When lit (white)9 quickevery15sec. or 9 veryquickevery10 sec. Hint:9 flash= 9 o'clock= west Reflecting tape: 2 yellow 26 Cardinabuoys Chartsymbols ¢ A 8 4d 4 ‘wan Ak 6 ad a x a ra ae a B=black Y=yellow &- Commomorthmarkers B- Commonsouthmarkers ® © Commoneastmarkers D- Commonwestmarkers 6Lateral buoys are used to mark fairwaysand en- trancesto harbours In Europeanwatersyou keep redto portandgreentostarboardvhensailingin the directionof the fairway.(Colourscoincidewith yournavigatiorlights.) F; PORT MARKER (lateralbuoy) Theredportmarkersareleft to port when sailingin the directiomf the fairway. When lit: redwithany characteristic Reflecting tape: red G: STARBOARD MARKER (lateralbuoy) The greenstarboardmarkersareleft to starboard whensailingin the directionof the fairway, When lit: greenwithanycharacteristic Reflecting tape: green I: ISOLATED DANGER Clearonall sides. Usedforisolatedrockor danger. When lit: 2 whitegroupflash Reflecting tape: 1 blue+ 1 redbelow H: CENTRE FAIRWAY Clearon all [Link] markingniddleof channel, oras generalnavigationabid. When lit: 2 whiteoc or longflashevery10 sec. Reflecting tape: 1 red + 1 whitebelow J: SPECIAL Marksspecialplaceslike beachesand recreational areas. ‘When lit: yellowwithany characteristic Reflecting tape: yellow Buoys are anchoredto the bottom. Small craft can on occasionpass on the “wrong”side of a buoy. In restrictedareasor areaswitha lot of traffic it could be wiseto go on the “inside“of somemarks. Always check the depth on the chart! i Lateral buoys | G Commonstarboardmarkers} Commonportmarkers baviiriet Rered Gagreen @ The direction of the fairway is given like this on the chart. 9) H-Centrefairway 4° Spectal 1 -Isolateddangers es ad a2 hil Rered Wawhite Beblack Yayellow 27Tides ] Chartdatum(CD) Tide is caused by the moon’s and sun's motion in Thelevelof tideis notedin tablesas heightabove relation to the earth. Other heavenlybodies affect chart datum. Chart datum varies in different the tide as well but it is primarilythe moon circling countriesbut is often lowest possibletide. This the earth which “pulls” the water due to its gravi- meansthatyoumostoftenhavea littleextraunder tational force. The sun, which is much larger but yourkeel. The times for highand low tide change further away, acts as an amplifierwhen the sun and approximately$0 min. each day as the dailymoon moonarelinedup. phaseis [Link] calculateabout 12 hrs and 25 min. betweeneach highwater-Thisis handyto knowif youare without atidetable @ SPRINcs pa Nears Occurwhenthe moon, sun Occurswhenthemoonand and earthare in line. Then sunare90°toeachotherin thetidaldifferencas at its relationto [Link] meximumThishappenst thetidaldifferences atits a full and new moon(or minimumThishappensat to be more precise, two half moon before and days after a full and new after a full moon. Neaps moon). Springsoccurabout oceurabout every 14 days every14 days. aswell. 28Tidetables Tide tables give you times for high and low water everyday of the designated year. In additionthey contain the height of the tide. The tables contain data for importantharbours called standard ports. Exanplesare Dover,BrestandCuxhaven, Whatis the level of tide at Dover when the time is 11:30 in a time zone 2 hours ahead of UTC on May 17, the yeardesignatedn the tableshown? Timesin the table are UTC (= GMT).Always check what time reference is being used! It can be a good idea to have a watch on board set to UTC! Convertedto UTC the timeis: 11:30-2 = 09:30UTC The tableshowsthe closesthigh wateris 12:31 UTC and the heightis 6.9 m. 09:30is about3 hrs before high water. In the tidal curve below right you will finda factorof about0.55. Multiplythe range, differencebetweenhighandlow water, by thisfactorandaddit to thelowwaterfigure. Highwater 12:31 UTC=6.9m UTC=0.6m 3m Lowwater 07:50 UTC=0.6m + 6.3mx0.55 = 3.5m (rounded up) = Height 09:30UTC =4.1m Rule of thumb says that the water level changes by 1/12 the first hour, 2/12 the second, 3/12 the third, 3/12 the fourth, 2/12 the fifth and 1/12 the sixth hour (total 12/12} from high water to low water and low water to high water. 3 hoursbeforehighwaterwouldbe: 3/12 2/1241/12= 6/12 = 0. Using0.5 as our factor: eae 07:50UTC= 0.6m m (rounded up) 09:30UTC= 3.8m +6 aT Which doesn’t differ much from what you got whenusingthetidalcurve! There are other applications which give more accurate results but often it Ciel jh to use. margin for safety 1 shoud be used very carefully sa) e very care} in ae with islands or shallow water, my x Tidetables TIME ZONE UT (GMT) DOVER LATSIOTN LONG 119 MAY Time Time_m, o712 10 Lowwater 1208 6.5 t Highwater M 1921 Li TU 1924 06 0023. 6.5 0005 7.0 6075 11 0730 0.6 1240 63 ¢5}— Helohtn 1944 11 010g.6 metres ‘Time 0031 6.4 4 0055 6.8 0759 1.2 0836 0.7 W 1309 64 TH 1321 68 2011 12 2058 0.7 4 us 43 240123 4 HOURSBEFORE/AFTERIGHWATER The tidal differa lot d re, Some placesit is ash rastwhen NB. Thelevelof tide derivedfromtablesis not the - mene jut has to beaddedto the depthgiven onthe: Notethat:HW = highwater and LW=low water See p.36 for the use of ‘for Standard Ports included in many Tide Tables.Secondarports ‘.BocausdhighwaterinDover Standard Port DOVER <-- RAMSGATE 31 we usethe correction i Gace aa reais LAT 51°19.5N LONG 01°256E differencan this case). ‘Times Height (metres) [Link] High water Low water. MHWS MHWN MLWN MLWS is 6.9m we mustchoosethis =» 000 0600 0100.0700 67 33 2.0 08 correction. — 1200} 1800 1300 T900" st MHWS= MeanHighWaterSpring a Difference RAMSGATE (3) ® G +0020 +0020 -0007 -0007= -1.8 AS 08 04 3. Becausel W Doveris 07:50, 4. LW Doveris 0.6m and weuse theclosestcorrection thiscorrections used. (makesno differencdn this case). MLWS=MeanLowWaterSpring ForMay17 we have: HighwaterDover 1231 UTC 6.9m LowwaterDover O750UTC 0.6m CorrectiorRamsgate:+ 0020 _-1.8m _CorrectiorRamsgate~ 0007 — 0.4m HighwaterRamsgate:1251UTC 5.1m — LowwaterRamsgate: 0743UTC 0.2m — @% Whatis the tidein Ramsgateon May17? ‘Thetimeof highandlowwatercanvarysubstantially fora longlist of secondarwortsindicatingimeand withina 5 M area. The tables wouldbe impractical [Link] iftheyweresetup for everyharbourandanchorage. varyin appearancelependingpn whichalmanacyou For thisreasonstandardportsare usedas reference use. Tideexamples Entera harbourwitha charteddepthof 0.8m: ‘Theboatdraws2.0m. Youwanta marginof I m under yourkeel(minimumtlepth=3 m).Canyouenterthe harbour 3 [Link](HW+ 3) at 11:00? Froma tableyouget:HW07:50~ 4.2 m/LW13:18- 0.6m -Tidalrange= 4.2m — 0.6m = 3.6m -[Link]/12+ 2/12+ 3/12=6/12=0.5 -Tidewillhavefallen3.6 x 0.5= 1.8m Minimumiepth(HW+ 3) = 0.8+ (4.2-1.8)=3.2m i) Anchoring example: At 08:00youhaveanchoredn 5.5m andthe boatdraws2.0m. Willyouhaveenough waterunderthe keelat low water? Froma tableyouget:HW06:11— 5.1 m/LW12:38- 1.1m -Tidalrange=5.1m—1.1m=4m -2hrs. afterHWgivestactor:1/12 + 2/12= 3/12= 1/4 -Tidewill havefallen1 /4 x 4=1 mandwillfallanother3 m. Depthunderthe keelat LW = 5.5 - 3.0- 2.0= 0.5m! (smalimargin?) Figuringputthecorrecleveloftidecanseemdaunting. a good marginof safetyfRemembercharteddepths ‘Theeffectofbarometripressurendwindmayadd are notedon the chart. Heightof tide mustbe added a big factor of inaccuracy(tidal heightsare only _to the charteddepth!Evenat low tideyou will have predictions You shouldat leastbe able to determine a little extrawaterin your favour. Chartedd thesstateoftideat anygiventimeforanygivenplace. LAT (LowestAstronomicallide) whichis the lowest If you follow the exampleson this page, you should _possiblelevel.Referto the tablesand give yourself beableto keepit simpleaslongas yougiveyourself a goodmargin! 301 2 3 4 3 6 7 8 omen TT sty ‘Nauticalmiles(M) ————— CS ewer Observebuc directomndjrceofeurren semana => > Thebuoyeanleanthe wrongwayifanchored indeepwater. Thecurrentwillaffect the chainmost. Tidalstream Theeffectsof tidalstream A boatdoing5 kn willcover5 M in one hour. With3 knof theotharland traspeedirllincrsaanaG¢aedkn cverthe groundandit willcover8 M in onehour! N.B. Be awareof windagainstcurrentwhichcankick upa steepand oftendangerousea! ‘Areas with large tidal range and channelscan ex- _Therearespecialtidalstreamchartsandyoucan periencestrongtidalstreamsin theEnglishChannel _oftenfindinformatiomboutthecurrenton the chart. one can experiencetidal streamsin excessof 7 kn. _It’simportanto checkbuoysconstantlyo determine It is thereforeimportantto know the directionand —_directionandforceof the currentbecausechartsand strengthof the currentin orderto avoid problems. _ tablesaren’talwayscorrect. Tidalstreamchartsé& tables Dir = Direction Rate(kn)in knots Sp= Spring Np=neap 4 hrs beforeHWDon reintheareaA Inthetableyou | __Tidalstreamchartsgiveyoudirectionind speedof tidal in ifjhatthetidalstreamisO8U'at | streameveryhour G hoursbeforennd afterhighwater jots(assumingspring), ‘a standardport(heretwo hoursafter HW Dover). leyou Choosea streamchartthatis closestto thetimein relation to. a Dress: Bessie tee Eee (near TOm ates ne. directionhs in thisexample: Stream.14 knotsat neapand2.0knotsat spring Somechartsgive tidalstreaminformationThe Tidal Tidalstreamchartscan be foundin dedicatedbooks DiamondsmarkedA, B, C, and so on are positions _ in additionto nauticalalmanacs They also refer whereyoucanfindinformatiomboutthetidalstream. to HWat a standardport. Tidesare complexand You mustknowwhenHW occursin the standardport _ informationgained from charts and tables aren’t designatedin the table. Read off the information always correct. Withouta GPS it can often be adjacentto the numberof hoursbeforeor afterunder _ difficult to determinethe effect of the currenton theappropriate“diamond”. yourcours overground\COG)= track 31