COURSE : ODMTNS
MODULE CODE : MNT 06103
MODULE NAME : OCEAN AND OFFSHORE NAVIGATION
LECTURER’S NAME : CAPT.M.ADOLF
DATE OF SUBMISSION : 30/JAN/2025
REGISTRATION NO : DMTNS/23/020
STUDENT NAME : KARIMU KASSIM COSMAS
QUESTION;
NAUTICAL CHART SYMBOLS
NAUTICAL CHART SYMBOLS
Nautical chart symbols are graphical representations of features and hazards in a marine environment.
Symbology for displaying Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) on Electronic Chart Display and Information
Systems (ECDIS) has been added to U.S. Chart No. 1.
U.S. Chart No. 1 describes the symbols, abbreviations, and terms used on nautical charts. It is produced by NOAA and
the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The symbols for paper charts, including charts output by the NOAA
Custom Chart application, are shown, as well as the symbols used to portray NOAA electronic navigational charts
(NOAA ENC®) data on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).
One major difference in the use of paper charts and ENCs is the ability of ECDIS to display the same feature
differently depending on user settings and other conditions, such as a ship’s draft. An important example is that
ECDIS displays wrecks, rocks and other obstructions with their traditional “paper chart” symbols if they are at or
deeper than the depth of the safety contour set for the ship.
One major difference in the use of paper charts and ENCs is the ability of ECDIS to display the same feature differently
depending on user settings and other conditions, such as a ship’s draft. An important example is that ECDIS displays
wrecks, rocks and other obstructions with their traditional “paper chart” symbols if they are at or deeper than the depth of
the safety contour set for the ship.
Printed nautical charts are produced according to the international (INT) symbology. The chart symbology is based
on the international standard S-4 of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). You can familiarize
yourself with the standard on the IHO website. The nautical chart publication Chart 1 (Marine chart symbols)
explains all the symbols and abbreviations used on nautical charts.
Nautical charts contain a wealth of information, including charted depths, key landmarks and navigational aid
symbols.
The symbols are grouped in four groups which are;
GENERAL
A Chart Number, Title, Marginal Notes
B Positions, Distances, Directions, Compass
TOPOGRAPHY
C Natural Features
D Cultural Features
E Landmarks
F Ports
G (Not currently used)
HYDROGRAPHY
H Tides, Currents
I Depths
J Nature of the Seabed
K Rocks, Wrecks, Obstructions, Aquaculture
L Offshore Installations
M Tracks, Routes
N Areas, Limits
O (Not currently used)
NAVIGATION AIDS AND SERVICES
P Lights
Q Buoys, Beacons
R Fog Signals
S Radar, Radio, Satellite Navigation Systems
T Services
U Small Craft (Leisure) Facilities
Seven critical danger Nautical Chart
symbols
1. Rocks
Note how the basic rock symbol looks like a plus sign. This means a rock that's beneath the water surface all the
time. A symbol that looks like an asterisk means the rock will uncover (become visible) at low tide.
2. Islets (small islands)
Small islands--called 'islets'--are common in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Pacific. Islets surrounded by a solid line
are visible at all tidal stages. A number indicates the maximum height at high tide (or charted datum).
3. Breakers
Breakers are dangerous to any small craft because they can cause loss of rudder or propeller control.
Stay clear of any symbol like that shown in the illustration above. You may also see the abbreviation 'Br' used
alone without the symbol.
4. Obstructions
Many charts use only an abbreviation ‘Obstn’ to warn mariners. Dots around a circle mean an unknown hazard
lurks beneath the surface.
5. Wrecks
Cartographers put these on charts to warn commercial fishing trawlers not to drag nets and to caution ships not
to anchor. Give fish-bones surrounded by dots or sunken-hull symbols a wide berth to avoid hull damage.
Foul Areas
The foul area symbology is based on international nautical chart symbology. A foul area refers to an area where all
dangers to navigation are not charted individually. Navigation through the area may be hazardous (IHO S-4, B-422.9).
The foul area is outlined with a danger curve, a black dotted line (IHO S-4 B-420.1). It should be noted that the danger
curve can be used to illustrate different types of obstacles for mariners, a symbol within the danger curve indicates
what kind of danger is present in the area.
