Chapter 4: Nautical Publications
Charts alone are insufficient. The publication library gives sailing information, light details, radio services, and the corrections that keep charts trustworthy.
The core library
Coast Pilots (NOAA, US waters) and Sailing Directions (NGA, foreign waters, split into Planning Guides and Enroute volumes) describe approaches, port facilities, pilotage, local magnetic anomalies and weather. Light Lists (USCG) and the List of Lights (NGA) give full details of lighted aids, fog signals and radio aids. Radio Navigational Aids (Pub 117) lists radio stations, GMDSS and NAVTEX services. Tide Tables, Tidal Current Tables, Nautical Almanac and Sight Reduction Tables (Pub 229, Pub 249) complete the set.
Keeping charts corrected
The weekly Notice to Mariners (NGA/USCG) and Local Notices to Mariners carry permanent chart corrections, temporary (T) and preliminary (P) notices, and Broadcast Notice to Mariners items received by radio. Every correction is logged in the chart correction record and hand-entered in magenta ink or applied to the ENC update file. A chart is only as reliable as its last applied notice.
- Permanent corrections — apply in ink and log
- T & P notices — hold in a running file until cancelled
- Broadcast NtM — act immediately, confirm in writing later
Key takeaways
- • Coast Pilot/Sailing Directions answer the 'what is it like' questions charts cannot.
- • Notice to Mariners correction is a continuous legal duty, not a periodic chore.
- • Pub 117 is the reference for radio and GMDSS services along a route.
Knowledge check
Immediate feedback with rationales. Answer each question to see the explanation.
Chapter 4 quiz
0 of 3 answered
1.Which publication would you consult for berthing regulations, local currents, and port facilities in a foreign harbour?
2.A Temporary (T) notice differs from a permanent correction because it:
3.Radio Navigational Aids (Pub 117) primarily contains: