The NOAA Chart User's Manual explains what is presented on the nautical chart, highlights the utility of this information, describes the charting conventions used to depict features and items of interest, and provides some practical pointers on how this information is used. It is written to serve many types of users, ranging from operators of recreational vessels to those who drive deep-sea vessels.

Abundant photographs and chart excerpts illustrate key points made in the text. All chart excerpts were current as of spring 1995. Since this manual was published, some charts may have been revised. Even if these specific charts have been revised, the general points remain valid. It almost goes without saying that these chart excerpts should not be used for navigational purposes.

This manual also identifies other publications, such as the U.S. Coast Pilot, Tide Tables, Tidal Current Tables, Notices to Mariners, and the U.S. Coast Guard's Light List, which give additional relevant information to chart users. Excerpts from these publications are also provided in the manual. As with chart excerpts, these may also have been revised.

The writing style is less formal than that employed in many government publications — designed to make the manual more user-friendly in today’s vernacular. The manual is authoritative, but not encyclopedic. To keep the manual to a manageable size, only the most important topics are included.

This is a chart user‘s manual, and not a textbook on seamanship or navigation. Nonetheless, nautical charts are used principally for navigational purposes and, therefore, some basic elements of the theory and practice of navigation are included in this manual. References that provide additional and more detailed discussions of relevant aspects of navigation are included at the end of each chapter. Inclusion of these references in this manual does not mean that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or any other agency of the U.S. government agrees with any findings, conclusions, or opinions contained in these references. Likewise, inclusion of any trade names or photographs of specific equipment does not constitute a product endorsement.

The creation of this manual was a cooperative project between NOAA and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX), the volunteer civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard. Dr. L. Daniel Maxim (DVC-ER, USCGAUX) wrote the manual. Mrs. Virginia L. Knudsen (DC-EX, USCGAUX) ably handled the layout and graphics. Many NOAA personnel made important contributions, notably CAPT Thomas Richards, NOAA, Messrs. Harold Schantz and Jeff Stuart who shared a common vision of excellence, always responded patiently to questions and provided constructive criticism and guidance throughout the project.

A Committee consisting of CAPT David MacFarland, NOAA, Mark Friese, Robert Rodkey, Erich Frey, Nelson Garber, Jason Rolff, John Ondrejko, Ronald Stuckey, Thomas Dade, Stanley Weiss, Ken O'Dell, Eric Johnston, and LCDR Marlene Mozgala, NOAA, provided direction and expertise in developing and reviewing the Chart User's Manual. In addition, Ira Dolich and Andrew Ritzie (both USCGAUX) made helpful comments and suggestions that improved the quality of this manual. Credit, therefore, should be shared among many. The responsibility for errors and omissions rests solely with the author.

Special thanks to Dottie Brown for her attention to detail on the final edit of this manuscript. Cranbury, NJ December 1997

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