CHAPTER 4

NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

400. Definitions navigate his ship safely.

The navigator uses many information sources when 401. Types And Sources Of Publications
planning and conducting a voyage. These sources include
notices to mariners, sailing directions, light lists, tide tables, While voyage planning and navigating, a mariner must
sight reduction tables, and almanacs. Historically, this in- refer to both texts and tables. Examples of text include sail-
formation has been found in printed publications; ing directions, coast pilots, and notices to mariners.
increasingly, it is being integrated into computer-based
Examples of tables include light lists and sight reduction
electronic systems. The navigator must know what infor-
tables.
mation he needs to navigate his ship safely and how to
obtain it. Navigational publications are available from many
This chapter will refer only to printed publications. If sources. Military customers automatically receive or requi-
the navigator has access to this data on an electronic data- sition most required publications. The civilian navigator
base, only his method of access will differ. The publications obtains his publications from a publisher’s agent. Larger
discussed here form a basic navigation library; the naviga- agents representing many publishers can completely supply
tor must also obtain all supplementary materials required to a ship’s chart and publication library.

NAUTICAL TEXTS

402. Sailing Directions A Planning Guide’s first chapter contains information

about the countries adjacent to the applicable ocean basin.
Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic It also covers pratique, pilotage, signals, and shipping reg-
Center Sailing Directions consist of 37 Enroutes and 10 ulations. Search and Rescue topics include the location of
Planning Guides. Planning Guides describe general fea- all lifesaving stations.
tures of ocean basins; Enroutes describe features of The second chapter contains information on the physi-
coastlines, ports, and harbors. cal environment of an ocean basin. It consists of Ocean
Sailing Directions are updated when new data requires Summaries and descriptions of local coastal phenomena.
extensive revision of an existing text. These data are ob- This gives the mariner meteorological and oceanographic
tained from several sources, including pilots and foreign information to be considered in planning a route.
Sailing Directions. The third chapter lists foreign firing danger areas not
One book comprises the Planning Guide and Enroute shown in other DMAHTC publications. A graphic key
for Antarctica. This consolidation allows for a more effec- identifies Submarine Operating Areas. This chapter also
tive presentation of material on this unique area. identifies publications listing danger areas and gives perti-
The Planning Guides are relatively permanent; by con- nent navigation cautions.
trast, Sailing Directions (Enroute) are frequently updated. The fourth chapter describes recommended steamship
Between updates, both are corrected by the Notice to routes. To facilitate planning, the publication shows entire
Mariners. routes to foreign ports originating from all major U.S. ports.
This chapter also includes all applicable Traffic Separation
403. Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Schemes.
The fifth and final chapter describes available radi-
Planning Guides assist the navigator in planning an ex- onavigation systems and the area’s system of lights,
tensive oceanic voyage. Each of the Guides covers an area beacons, and buoys.
determined by an arbitrary division of the world’s seas into Appendices contain information on buoyage systems,
eight “ocean basins.” This division is shown in Figure 403. route charts, and area meteorological conditions.

51
52 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

Figure 403. The 8 ocean basins as organized for Sailing Directions (Planning Guides).

404. Sailing Directions (Enroute) 405. Coast Pilots

Each volume of the Sailing Directions (Enroute) con- The National Ocean Service publishes nine United
tains numbered sections along a coast or through a strait. States Coast Pilots to supplement nautical charts of U.S.
Figure 404a illustrates this division. Each sector is dis- waters. Information comes from field inspections, survey
cussed in turn. A preface with detailed information about vessels, and various harbor authorities. Maritime officials
and pilotage associations provide additional information.
authorities, references, and conventions used in each book
Coast Pilots provide more detailed information than Sailing
precedes the sector discussions. Finally, each book pro-
Directions because Sailing Directions are intended exclu-
vides conversions between feet, fathoms, and meters. sively for the oceangoing mariner. The Notice to Mariners
The Chart Information Graphic, the first item in each updates Coast Pilots.
chapter, is a graphic key for charts pertaining to a sector. Each volume contains comprehensive sections on local
See Figure 404b. The graduation of the border scale of the operational considerations and navigation regulations. Follow-
chartlet enables navigators to identify the largest scale chart ing chapters contain detailed discussions of coastal navigation.
for a location and to find a feature listed in the Index-Gaz- An appendix provides information on obtaining additional
etteer. These graphics are not maintained by Notice to weather information, communications services, and other da-
Mariners; one should refer to the chart catalog for updated ta. An index and additional tables complete the volume.
chart listings.
Other graphics may contain special information on lo-
406. Other Nautical Texts
cal winds and weather, anchorages, significant coastal
features, and navigation dangers.
The government publishes several other nautical texts.
A foreign terms glossary, an appendix of anchorages,
The Defense Mapping Agency, for example, publishes the
and a comprehensive Index-Gazetteer follow the sector dis- Maneuvering Board Manual (Pub. 217), The Radar Navi-
cussions. The Index-Gazetteer is an alphabetical listing of gation Manual (Pub.1310) and the American Practical
described and charted features. The Index lists each feature Navigator (Pub. 9).
by geographic coordinates and sector number for use with The U.S. Coast Guard publishes navigation rules for
the graphic key. Features mentioned in the text are listed by international and inland waters. This publication, officially
page number. known as Commandant Instruction M16672.2b, contains
 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 53

Figure 404a. Sector Limits graphic.

Additional chart coverage may be found in CATP2 Catalog of Nautical Charts.

Figure 404b. Chart Information graphic.
54 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

the Inland Navigation Rules enacted in December 1980 and visions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) relating
effective on all inland waters of the United States including to maritime matters. A number of private publishers also
the Great Lakes, as well as the International Regulations for provide maritime publications.
the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, enacted in 1972 (1972 The International Maritime Organization, International
COLREGS). Mariners should ensure that they have the up-
Hydrographic Organization, and other governing interna-
dated issue. The Coast Guard also publishes comprehensive
tional organizations provide information on international
user’s manuals for the Omega, Loran, and GPS navigation
systems; Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars; and navigation regulations. Chapter 1 gives these organiza-
the Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water. tions’ addresses. Regulations for various Vessel Traffic
The Government Printing Office provides several pub- Services (VTS), canals, lock systems, and other regulated
lications on navigation, safety at sea, communications, waterways are published by the authorities which operate
weather, and related topics. Additionally, it publishes pro- them.

USING THE LIGHT LISTS

407. Light Lists early, an observer located below the light’s visible horizon
cannot see it. The Distance to the Horizon table gives the
The United States publishes two different light lists. distance to the horizon for various heights of eye. The light
The U.S. Coast Guard publishes the Light List for lights in lists contain a condensed version of this table. Abnormal re-
U.S. territorial waters; DMAHTC publishes the List of fraction patterns might change this range; therefore, one
Lights for lights in foreign waters. cannot exactly predict the range at which a light will be seen.
Light lists furnish complete information about naviga-
tion lights and other navigation aids. They supplement, but 408. Determining Range And Bearing Of A Light At
do not replace, charts and sailing directions. Consult the Initial Sighting
chart for the location and light characteristics of all naviga-
tion aids; consult the light lists to determine their detailed A light’s luminous range is the maximum range at
description. which an observer can see a light under existing visibility
The Notice to Mariners corrects both lists. Corrections conditions. This luminous range ignores the elevation of the
which have accumulated since the print date are included in the light, the observer’s height of eye, the curvature of the
Notice to Mariners as a Summary of Corrections. All of these earth, and interference from background lighting. It is de-
summary corrections, and any corrections published subse- termined from the known nominal range and the existing
quently, should be noted in the “Record of Corrections.” visibility conditions. The nominal range is the maximum
A navigator needs to know both the identity of a light distance at which a light can be seen in weather conditions
and when he can expect to see it; he often plans the ship’s where visibility is 10 nautical miles.
track to pass within a light’s range. If lights are not sighted The U.S. Coast Guard Light List usually lists a light’s
when predicted, the vessel may be significantly off course nominal range. Use the Luminous Range Diagram shown in
and standing into danger. the Light List and Figure 408a to convert this nominal range
A circle with a radius equal to the visible range of the to luminous range. Remember that the luminous ranges ob-
light usually defines the area in which a light can be seen. tained are approximate because of atmospheric or
On some bearings, however, obstructions may reduce the background lighting conditions. Estimate the meteorological
range. In this case, the obstructed arc might differ with visibility by the Meteorological Optical Range Table, Figure
height of eye and distance. Also, lights of different colors 408b. Next, enter the Luminous Range Diagram with the
may be seen at different distances. Consider these facts both nominal range on the horizontal nominal range scale. Follow
when identifying a light and predicting the range at which a vertical line until it intersects the curve or reaches the re-
it can be seen. gion on the diagram representing the meteorological
Atmospheric conditions have a major effect on a visibility. Finally, follow a horizontal line from this point or
light’s range. Fog, haze, dust, smoke, or precipitation can region until it intersects the vertical luminous range scale.
obscure a light. Additionally, a light can be extinguished.
Always report an extinguished light so maritime authorities Example 1: The nominal range of a light as extracted
can issue a warning. from the Light List is 15 nautical miles.
On a dark, clear night, the visual range is limited by ei- Required: The luminous range when the meteorologi-
ther: (1) luminous intensity, or (2) curvature of the earth. cal visibility is (1) 11 nautical miles and (2) 1
Regardless of the height of eye, one cannot see a weak light nautical mile.
beyond a certain luminous range. Assuming light travels lin- Solution: To find the luminous range when the meteo-
 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 55

Figure 408a. Luminous Range Diagram.

rological visibility is 11 nautical miles, enter the to the horizon based on its height to calculate a light’s geo-
Luminous Range Diagram with nominal range 15 graphic range. See Figure 408c. This illustration uses a light
nautical miles on the horizontal nominal range 150 feet above the water. Table 12, Distance of the Horizon,
scale; follow a vertical line upward until it inter- yields a value of 14.3 nautical miles for a height of 150 feet.
sects the curve on the diagram representing a Within this range, the light, if powerful enough and atmo-
meteorological visibility of 11 nautical miles; spheric conditions permit, is visible regardless of the height of
from this point follow a horizontal line to the right eye of the observer. Beyond 14.3 nautical miles, the geograph-
until it intersects the vertical luminous range scale ic range depends upon the observer’s height of eye. Thus, by
at 16 nautical miles. A similar procedure is fol- the Distance of the Horizon table mentioned above, an observ-
lowed to find the luminous range when the er with height of eye of 5 feet can see the light on his horizon
meteorological visibility is 1 nautical mile. if he is 2.6 miles beyond the horizon of the light. The geo-
Answers: (1) 16 nautical miles; (2) 3 nautical miles. graphic range of the light is therefore 16.9 miles. For a height
of 30 feet the distance is 14.3 + 6.4 = 20.7 miles. If the height
A light’s geographic range depends upon the height of of eye is 70 feet, the geographic range is 14.3 + 9.8 = 24.1
both the light and the observer. Sum the observer’s distance to miles. A height of eye of 15 feet is often assumed when tabu-
the horizon based on his height of eye and the light’s distance lating lights’ geographic ranges.
56 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

light and with a radius equal to the lesser of the geographic or

luminous ranges. Extend the vessel’s track until it intersects
Code Yards the visibility arc. The bearing from the intersection point to the
No. light is the light’s predicted bearing at first sighting.
Weather If the extended track crosses the visibility arc at a small
angle, a small lateral track error may result in large bearing
0 Dense fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 50
and time prediction errors. This is particularly apparent if
1 Thick fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-200 the vessel is farther from the light than predicted; the vessel
2 Moderate fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200-500 may pass the light without sighting it. However, not sight-
ing a light when predicted does not always indicate the
3 Light fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500-1000
vessel is farther from the light than expected. It could also
Nautical Miles mean that atmospheric conditions are affecting visibility.
4 Thin fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/2-1
Example 2: The nominal range of a navigational light
5 Haze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
120 feet above the chart datum is 20 nautical
6 Light Haze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 1/2 miles. The meteorological visibility is 27 nautical
7 Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1/2-11 miles.
Required: The distance at which an observer at a
8 Very Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.0-27.0.
height of eye of 50 feet can expect to see the light.
9 Exceptionally Clear . . . . . . . . . . . Over 27.0 Solution: The maximum range at which the light may
From the International Visibility Code. be seen is the lesser of the luminous or geographic
ranges. At 120 feet the distance to the horizon, by
Figure 408b. Meteorlogical Optical Range Table
table or formula, is 12.8 miles. Add 8.3 miles, the
distance to the horizon for a height of eye of 50 feet
to determine the geographic range. The geograph-
To predict the bearing and range at which a vessel will ini- ic range, 21.1 miles, is less than the luminous
tially sight a light first determine the light’s geographic range. range, 40 miles.
Compare the geographic range with the light’s luminous Answer: 21 nautical miles. Because of various uncer-
range. The lesser of the two ranges is the range at which the tainties, the range is rounded off to the nearest
light will first be sighted. Plot a visibility arc centered on the whole mile.

Figure 408c. Geographic Range of a light.

 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 57

When first sighting a light, an observer can determine light and the meteorological visibility.
if it is on the horizon by immediately reducing his height of
eye. If the light disappears and then reappears when the ob- 409. USCG Light Lists
server returns to his original height, the light is on the
horizon. This process is called bobbing a light. The U.S. Coast Guard Light List (7 volumes) gives in-
If a vessel has considerable vertical motion due to formation on lighted navigation aids, unlighted buoys,
rough seas, a light sighted on the horizon may alternately radiobeacons, radio direction finder calibration stations, day-
appear and disappear. Wave tops may also obstruct the light beacons, racons, and Loran stations.
periodically. This may cause the characteristic to appear Each volume of the Light List contains aids to navigation
different than expected. The light’s true characteristics can in geographic order from north to south along the Atlantic
be observed either by closing the range to the light or by the coast, from east to west along the Gulf coast, and from south
observer’s increasing his height of eye. to north along the Pacific coast. It lists seacoast aids first, fol-
If a light’s range given in a foreign publication approx- lowed by entrance and harbor aids listed from seaward.
imates the light’s geographic range for a 15-foot observer’s Intracoastal Waterway aids are listed last in geographic order
height of eye, assume that the printed range is the light’s in the direction from New Jersey to Florida to the Texas/
geographic range. Also assume that publication has listed Mexico border.
the lesser of the geographic and nominal ranges. Therefore, The listings are preceded by a description of the aids to
if the light’s listed range approximates the geographic range navigation system in the United States, luminous range dia-
for an observer with a height of eye of 15 feet, then assume gram, geographic range tables, and other information.
that the light’s limiting range is the geographic range. Then,
calculate the light’s true geographic range using the actual 410. DMAHTC List of Lights, Radio Aids, and Fog
observer’s height of eye, not the assumed height of eye of Signals
15 feet. This calculated true geographic range is the range
at which the light will first be sighted. The Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topo-
graphic Center publishes the List of Lights, Radio Aids, and
Example 3: The range of a light as printed on a foreign Fog Signals (usually referred to as the List of Lights, not to
chart is 17 miles. The light is 120 feet above chart da- be confused with the Coast Guard’s Light List). In addition
tum. The meteorological visibility is 10 nautical miles. to information on lighted aids to navigation and sound sig-
Required: The distance at which an observer at a nals in foreign waters, the DMAHTC List of Lights
height of eye of 50 feet can expect to see the light. provides information on storm signals, signal stations, ra-
Solution: Calculate the geographic range of the light cons, radiobeacons, and radio direction finder calibration
assuming a 15 foot observer’s height of eye. At stations located at or near lights. For more details on radio
120 feet the distance to the horizon is 12.8 miles. navigational aids, consult Pub. 117, Radio Navigational
Add 4.5 miles (the distance to the horizon at a Aids.
height of 15 feet) to 12.8 miles; this range is 17.3 The DMAHTC List of Lights does not include informa-
miles. This approximates the range listed on the tion on lighted buoys inside harbors. It does include certain
chart. Then assuming that the charted range is the aeronautical lights situated near the coast; however, these
geographic range for a 15-foot observer height of lights are not designed for marine navigation and are sub-
eye and that the nominal range is the greater than ject to unreported changes.
this charted range, the predicted range is found by Foreign notices to mariners are the main correctional in-
calculating the true geographic range with a 50 formation source for the DMAHTC Lists of Lights; other
foot height of eye for the observer. sources, such as ship reports, are also used. Many aids to nav-
Answer: The predicted range = 12.8 mi. + 8.3 mi. = igation in less developed countries may not be well
21.1 mi.. The distance in excess of the charted maintained. They are subject to damage by storms and vandal-
range depends on the luminous intensity of the ism, and repairs may be delayed for long periods.

MISCELLANEOUS NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

411. DMAHTC Radio Navigational Aids (Pub. 117) communications, medical advice via radio, long-range nav-
igation aids, the AMVER system, and interim procedures
This publication is a selected list of worldwide radio for U.S. vessels in the event of an outbreak of hostilities.
stations which perform services to the mariner. Topics cov- Pub. 117 is corrected via the Notice to Mariners and is up-
ered include radio direction finder and radar stations, radio dated periodically with a new edition.
time signals, radio navigation warnings, distress and safety Though Pub. 117 is essentially a list of radio stations
58 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

providing vital maritime communication and navigation publication became effective in 1969.
services, it also contains information which explains the ca- According to this code, each signal has a unique and
pabilities and limitations of the various systems. complete meaning. The signals can be transmitted via Morse
light and sound, flag, radio-telegraphy and -telephony, and
semaphore. Since these methods of signaling are internation-
412. Chart No. 1 ally recognized, differences in language between sender and
receiver are immaterial; the message will be understood
Chart No. 1 is not actually a chart but a book contain- when decoded in the language of the receiver, regardless of
ing a key to chart symbols. Most countries which produce
the language of the sender. The Notice to Mariners corrects
charts also produce such a list. The U.S. Chart No. 1 con-
Pub. 102.
tains a listing of chart symbols in four categories:

• Chart symbols used by the National Ocean Service 416. Almanacs

• Chart symbols used by the Defense Mapping
Agency For celestial sight reduction, the navigator needs an al-
• Chart symbols recommended by the International manac for ephemeris data. The Nautical Almanac,
Hydrographic Organization produced jointly by H.M. Nautical Almanac Office and the
• Chart symbols used on foreign charts reproduced by U.S. Naval Observatory, is the most common almanac used
DMAHTC for celestial navigation. It also contains information on sun-
rise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset, as well as compact
Subjects covered include general features of charts, to- sight reduction tables. The Nautical Almanac is published
pography, hydrography, and aids to navigation. There is annually.
also a complete index of abbreviations and an explanation The Air Almanac contains slightly less accurate
of the IALA buoyage system. ephemeris data for air navigation. It can be used for marine
navigation if slightly reduced accuracy is acceptable.
413. DMAHTC World Port Index (Pub. 150) Chapter 19 provides more detailed information on us-
ing the Nautical Almanac.
The World Port Index contains a tabular listing of thou-
sands of ports throughout the world, describing their
417. Sight Reduction Tables
locations, characteristics, facilities, and services available.
Information is arranged geographically; the index is ar-
ranged alphabetically. Without a calculator or computer programmed for
Coded information is presented in columns and rows. sight reduction, the navigator needs sight reduction tables
This information supplements information in the Sailing to solve the celestial triangle. Two different sets of tables
Directions. The applicable volume of Sailing Directions are commonly used at sea.
and the number of the harbor chart are given in the World Sight Reduction Tables for Marine Navigation, Pub.
Port Index. The Notice to Mariners corrects this book. 229, consists of six volumes of tables designed for use with
the Nautical Almanac for solution of the celestial triangle
414. DMAHTC Distances Between Ports (Pub. 151) by the Marcq Saint Hilaire or intercept method. The tab-
ular data are the solutions of the navigational triangle of
This publication lists the distances between major which two sides and the included angle are known and it is
ports. Reciprocal distances between two ports may differ necessary to find the third side and adjacent angle.
due to different routes chosen because of currents and cli- Each volume of Pub. 229 includes two 8 degree zones,
matic conditions. To reduce the number of listings
comprising 15 degree bands from 0 to 90 degrees, with a 1°
needed, junction points along major routes are used to
degree overlap between volumes. Pub. 229 is a joint publi-
consolidate routes converging from different directions.
cation produced by the Defense Mapping Agency, the U.S.
This book can be most effectively used for voyage
Naval Observatory, and the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
planning in conjunction with the proper volume(s) of the
Sailing Directions (Planning Guide). It is corrected via the Sight Reduction Tables for Air Navigation, Pub. 249, is
Notice to Mariners. also a joint production of the three organizations above. It is
issued in three volumes. Volume 1 contains the values of the
415. DMAHTC International Code Of Signals (Pub. 102) altitude and true azimuth of seven selected stars chosen to
provide, for any given position and time, the best observa-
This book lists the signals to be employed by vessels at tions. A new edition is issued every 5 years for the upcoming
sea to communicate a variety of information relating to astronomical epoch. Volumes 2 (0° to 40°) and 3 (39° to
safety, distress, medical, and operational information. This 89°) provide for sights of the sun, moon, and planets.
 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 59

418. Catalogs the chart regions 1 through 9. A special section of miscella-

neous charts and publications is included. This section also
A chart catalog is a valuable reference to the navigator lists products produced by NOS, the U.S. Army Corps of
for voyage planning, inventory control, and ordering. There Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Naval Oceanographic
are two major types of catalogs, one for the military and one Office, and some foreign publications from the United
for the civilian market. Kingdom and Canada.
The military navigator will see the DMA nautical chart The civilian navigator should refer to catalogs produced
catalog as part of a larger suite of catalogs including aero-
by the National Ocean Service. For U.S. waters, NOS charts
nautical (Part 1), hydrographic (Part 2), and topographic
are listed in a series of single sheet “charts” showing a major
(Part 3) products. Each Part consists of one or more vol-
region of the U.S. with individual chart graphics shown.
umes. Unclassified DMA nautical charts are listed in Part 2,
Volume 1. This is available only to U.S. military users, These catalogs also list charts showing titles and scales. Fi-
DoD contractors, and those who support them. nally, it lists sales agents from whom the products may be
This catalog contains comprehensive ordering instruc- purchased.
tions and information about the products listed. Also listed DMA products for the civilian navigator are listed by
are addresses of all Combat Support Center field offices, in- NOS in a series of regionalized catalogs similar to Part 2
formation on crisis support, and other special situations. The Volume 1. These catalogs are also available through autho-
catalog is organized by geographic region corresponding to rized NOS chart agents.

MARITIME SAFETY INFORMATION

419. Notice To Mariners weekly, another third are bi-monthly or monthly, and the
rest irregularly issued according to need. Much of the data
The Notice to Mariners is published weekly by the in the U.S. Notice to Mariners is obtained from these for-
Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic eign notices.
Center (DMAHTC), prepared jointly with the National Correct U.S. charts with the U.S. Notice to Mariners.
Ocean Service (NOS) and the U.S. Coast Guard. It advises Similarly, correct foreign charts using the foreign notice
mariners of important matters affecting navigational safe- because chart datums often vary according to region and
ty, including new hydrographic information, changes in geographic positions are not the same for different
channels and aids to navigation, and other important data. datums.
The information in the Notice to Mariners is formatted to The Notice consists of a page of Hydrograms list-
simplify the correction of paper charts, sailing directions, ing important items in the notice, a chart correction
light lists, and other publications produced by DMAHTC, section organized by ascending chart number, a publica-
NOS, and the U.S. Coast Guard. tions correction section, and a summary of broadcast
It is the responsibility of users to decide which of their navigation warnings and miscellaneous information.
charts and publications require correction. Suitable records Mariners are requested to cooperate in the correction of
of Notice to Mariners should be maintained to facilitate the charts and publications by reporting all discrepancies be-
updating of charts and publications prior to use. tween published information and conditions actually
Information for the Notice to Mariners is contributed observed and by recommending appropriate improvements.
by: the Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topo- A convenient reporting form is provided in the back of each
graphic Center (Department of Defense) for waters Notice to Mariners.
outside the territorial limits of the United States; National Notice to Mariners No. 1 of each year contains impor-
Ocean Service (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- tant information on a variety of subjects which supplements
ministration, Department of Commerce), which is charged information not usually found on charts and in navigational
with surveying and charting the coasts and harbors of the publications. This information is published as Special No-
United States and its territories; the U.S. Coast Guard (De- tice to Mariners Paragraphs. Additional items considered
partment of Transportation) which is responsible for the of interest to the mariner are also included in this Notice.
safety of life at sea and the establishment and operation of
aids to navigation; and the Army Corps of Engineers (De- 420. Summary Of Corrections
partment of Defense), which is charged with the
improvement of rivers and harbors of the United States. In A close companion to the Notice to Mariners is the
addition, important contributions are made by foreign hy- Summary of Corrections. The Summary is published in
drographic offices and cooperating observers of all five volumes. Each volume covers a major portion of the
nationalities. earth including several chart regions and many subregions.
Over 60 countries which produce nautical charts also Volume 5 also includes special charts and publications cor-
produce a notice to mariners. About one third of these are rected by the Notice to Mariners. Since the Summaries
60 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS

contain cumulative corrections, any chart, regardless of its locator, a list of marine sediments samples, a datum conver-
print date, can be corrected with the proper volume of the sion program for NAD 27 to NAD 83 datum conversions,
Summary and all subsequent Notice to Mariners. and a list of aerial photographs available from NOAA. The
modem phone number is (301) 713-4573, the voice line
421. The Navigation Information Network (301) 713-2653, and FAX (301) 713-4581. The address of
the office is NOAA, NOS, C&GS, (N/CG211), 1315 East-
Most of the weekly Notice to Mariners production is West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
computerized. This system is known as the Automated No-
tice to Mariners System (ANMS). Design work on this 422. Local Notice To Mariners
system began in 1975, and the first Notice produced with it
was issued in 1980. This system’s software allows remote The Local Notice to Mariners is issued by each U.S.
query via modem. This remote access system is known as Coast Guard District to disseminate important information
the Navigation Information Network (NAVINFONET). affecting navigational safety within that District. This No-
Data available through NAVINFONET includes chart tice reports changes and deficiencies in aids to navigation
corrections, DMA List of Lights corrections, Coast Guard maintained by the Coast Guard. Other marine information
Light List corrections, radio warnings, MARAD Adviso- such as new charts, channel depths, naval operations, and
ries, DMA hydrographic product catalog corrections, drill regattas is included. Since temporary information of short
rig locations, ship hostile action report (SHAR) files, and duration is not included in the weekly Notice to Mariners,
GPS navigation system status reports. Messages can also be the Local Notice to Mariners may be the only source of
left for DMAHTC staff regarding suggestions, changes, such information. Small craft using the Intracoastal Water-
corrections or comments on any navigation products. way and small harbors not normally used by oceangoing
The system does not have the capability to send graph- vessels need it to keep charts and publications up-to-date.
ics files, which prevents the transfer of chartlets. However, Since correcting information for U.S. charts in the
navigators can access most other significant information DMAHTC Notice is obtained from the Coast Guard Local
contained in the Notice to Mariners. Information is updated Notices, it is normal to expect a lag of 1 or 2 weeks for the
daily or weekly according to the Notice to Mariners pro- DMAHTC Notice to publish a correction from this source.
duction schedule. The system supports most internationally
The Local Notice to Mariners may be obtained free of
recognized telephone protocols and can presently transfer
charge by contacting the appropriate Coast Guard District
data at a maximum rate of 9600 baud.
Commander. Vessels operating in ports and waterways in
NAVINFONET is not a replacement for the weekly
several districts must obtain the Local Notice to Mariners
Notice to Mariners, and in certain respects the accuracy of
from each district. See Figure 422 for a complete list of U.S.
information cannot be verified by DMA. Certain files, for
Coast Guard Districts.
example, are entered directly into the data base without ed-
iting by DMA staff. Also, drill rig locations are furnished
by the companies which operate them. They are not re- 423. Electronic Notice To Mariners
quired to provide these positions, and they cannot be
verified. However, within these limitations, the system can Electronic chart development is proceeding rapidly.
provide information 2 to 3 weeks sooner than the printed The correction of these charts will become a major issue. In
Notice to Mariners, because the paper Notice must be com- the near future, the quality standards of digital charts will
piled, edited, printed, and mailed after the digital version is permit the replacement of traditional paper charts. Neither
completed. paper nor electronic charts should be used unless corrected
NAVINFONET access is free, but the user must pay through the latest Notice to Mariners. Chapter 14 discusses
telephone charges. All users must register and receive a potential methods for correcting electronic charts.
password by writing or calling DMAHTC, Attn.: MCC- Until the electronic chart is recognized as being the le-
NAVINFONET, Mail Stop D-44, 4600 Sangamore Rd., gal equivalent of the paper chart, however, it cannot replace
Bethesda, MD, 20816-5003; telephone (301) 227-3296. the paper chart on the bridge. Presently, therefore, the mar-
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey operates a similar iner must continue to use traditional paper charts. Their use,
free computerized marine information bulletin board con- in turn, necessitates the continued use of the Notice to Mar-
taining a list of wrecks and obstructions, a nautical chart iners correction system.
 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 61

COMMANDER, FIRST COAST GUARD DISTRICT COMMANDER, NINTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
408 ATLANTIC AVENUE 1240 EAST 9TH STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110-3350 CLEVELAND, OH 44199-2060
PHONE: DAY 617-223-8338, NIGHT 617-223-8558 PHONE: DAY 216-522-3991, NIGHT 216-522-3984

COMMANDER, SECOND COAST GUARD DISTRICT COMMANDER, ELEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
1222 SPRUCE STREET FEDERAL BUILDING
ST. LOUIS, MO 63103-2832 501 W. OCEAN BLVD.
PHONE: DAY 314-539-3714, NIGHT 314-539-3709 LONG BEACH, CA 90822-5399
PHONE: DAY 310-980-4300, NIGHT 310-980-4400

COMMANDER, FIFTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT COMMANDER, THIRTEENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
FEDERAL BUILDING FEDERAL BUILDING
431 CRAWFORD STREET 915 SECOND AVENUE
PORTSMOUTH, VA 23704-5004 SEATTLE, WA 98174-1067
PHONE: DAY 804-398-6486, NIGHT 804-398-6231 PHONE: DAY 206-220-7280, NIGHT 206-220-7004

COMMANDER, SEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT COMMANDER, FOURTEENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
BRICKELL PLAZA FEDERAL BUILDING PRINCE KALANIANAOLE FEDERAL BLDG.
909 SE 1ST AVENUE, RM: 406 9TH FLOOR, ROOM 9139
MIAMI, FL 33131-3050 300 ALA MOANA BLVD.
PHONE: DAY 305-536-5621, NIGHT 305-536-5611 HONOLULU, HI 96850-4982
PHONE: DAY 808-541-2317, NIGHT 808-541-2500

COMMANDER GREATER ANTILLES SECTION COMMANDER, SEVENTEENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT

U.S. COAST GUARD P.O. BOX 25517
P.O. BOX S-2029 JUNEAU, AK 99802-5517
SAN JUAN, PR 00903-2029 PHONE: DAY 907-463-2245, NIGHT 907-463-2000
PHONE: 809-729-6870

COMMANDER, EIGHTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT

HALE BOGGS FEDERAL BUILDING
501 MAGAZINE STREET
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130-3396
PHONE: DAY 504-589-6234, NIGHT 504-589-6225

Figure 422. U.S. Coast Guard Districts.