Charts and Chart Catalogue

1. What is a nautical chart, and what essential information does it provide for
navigation?
A nautical chart is a graphical representation of maritime areas and adjacent coastal
regions. It provides essential information for safe navigation, including water depths,
locations of hazards (like rocks and wrecks), navigational aids (buoys, lights, and beacons),
tide data, and shoreline features.

2. Describe the purpose and contents of a chart catalogue. How is it used by

navigators?
A chart catalogue is a publication that lists all the available nautical charts for a specific
region or globally. It includes information such as chart numbers, titles, scale, coverage area,
and updates. Navigators use it to select the appropriate charts required for a voyage and
ensure they are using the most current editions.

3. What is the significance of a chart’s edition date and update status?

The edition date of a chart indicates when it was last updated or revised. The update
status shows whether the chart includes the latest navigational information. Using outdated
charts can lead to navigational errors, so it’s crucial to ensure charts are current.

Chart Scale
4. Explain the difference between large-scale and small-scale charts. When would you
use each?
Large-scale charts cover smaller areas in greater detail, making them ideal for harbour
navigation, coastal approaches, and detailed route planning. Small-scale charts cover larger
areas with less detail, useful for open ocean navigation and general route planning.

5. How is the scale of a chart expressed, and what does it indicate about the level of
detail?
The scale of a chart is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:50,000). It indicates the relationship
between a distance on the chart and the corresponding distance on the ground. A larger
ratio (e.g., 1:200,000) means a smaller scale chart with less detail, while a smaller ratio (e.g.,
1:10,000) means a larger scale chart with more detail.

Depths and Heights

6. What do the depth figures on a nautical chart represent, and how are they
measured?
Depth figures on a nautical chart represent the depth of water below the chart datum,
which is usually the lowest astronomical tide. Depths are typically measured in meters or
fathoms and indicate how much water is available for a vessel to navigate safely.

7. Describe how heights are shown on nautical charts and their importance for safe
navigation.
Heights on nautical charts are typically shown as elevations above mean high water or
another reference level. They are important for avoiding collisions with overhead
obstructions, such as bridges or power lines, and for safe passage under structures.

8. Explain the concept of charted depth. How does it differ from the actual water
depth?
Charted depth refers to the depth of water as shown on the chart, measured relative to the
chart datum. The actual water depth may vary due to tidal changes, atmospheric pressure,
and other factors. Mariners must account for these variables when planning a passage.

Tidal Information
9. What tidal information can be found on a nautical chart, and why is it crucial for
mariners?
Tidal information on nautical charts includes tidal diamonds (which show tidal stream
direction and speed) and tidal levels (including mean high water and mean low water). This
information is crucial for determining the depth of water, the speed of tidal currents, and
planning safe navigation in tidal waters.

10. How would you use tidal diamonds on a chart to plan a voyage?
Tidal diamonds provide data on the direction and speed of tidal currents at specific
locations. By referring to these diamonds, a navigator can predict how the tides will affect
their vessel's speed and course, allowing for better planning of the most efficient and safe
route.

Compass Rose
11. What is the purpose of the compass rose on a nautical chart, and what information
does it provide?
The compass rose on a nautical chart provides a reference for measuring directions. It
shows true north, magnetic north, and the local magnetic variation (the difference between
true north and magnetic north). This allows mariners to accurately plot courses and
bearings.

12. Explain the difference between true north, magnetic north, and variation as shown
on a compass rose.
- True North: The direction along the earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole.
- Magnetic North: The direction towards the magnetic North Pole, which varies depending
on location and changes over time.
- Variation: The angle between true north and magnetic north at a specific location, shown
on the compass rose, allowing mariners to convert between true and magnetic bearings.

Distance Scale
13. How can you measure distance on a nautical chart?
Distance on a nautical chart can be measured using the latitude scale (since one minute
of latitude equals one nautical mile) or a distance scale provided on the chart. Dividers are
commonly used to measure distance between two points on the chart.

14. What are the common units of measurement used on nautical charts, and how do
they relate to real-world distances?
The most common units of measurement on nautical charts are nautical miles, which
correspond to one minute of latitude (approximately 1.852 kilometres or 1.1508 statute
miles). Fathoms or meters are typically used for depth measurements.

Latitude and Longitude

15. Describe how latitude and longitude are represented on a chart.
Latitude and longitude are represented as a grid on a nautical chart. Latitude lines run
parallel to the equator, and longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole.
Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the equator, and longitude is measured in
degrees east or west of the prime meridian.
16. How would you plot a position on a chart using latitude and longitude
coordinates?
To plot a position, you would first locate the latitude on the side scale of the chart, then
find the corresponding longitude on the top or bottom scale. Where these two lines intersect
on the chart is the position of your point.

Chart Work Tools

17. What are dividers and parallel rulers, and how are they used in chart work?
- Dividers: Used to measure distances on a chart, particularly between two points. The
distance can be compared to the latitude scale to determine the exact nautical miles.
- Parallel Rulers: Used to transfer a course or bearing from a compass rose to a plotted
position on the chart.

18. Describe the use of a protractor in navigation.

A protractor is used to measure angles on a chart, such as plotting a course or
determining a bearing. The protractor is aligned with the compass rose to read the angle in
degrees relative to true or magnetic north.

19. How do electronic chart plotters differ from traditional paper charts, and what are
their advantages?
Electronic chart plotters are digital displays that provide real-time navigation information.
They automatically update positions, show overlays of weather data, and integrate with other
navigational tools. Advantages include ease of use, instant updates, and the ability to zoom
in and out for detailed or broad views.

Navigational Charts
20. What are the primary differences between general charts and coastal charts?
- General Charts: Cover larger areas with less detail, used for planning long voyages or
ocean crossings.
- Coastal Charts: Provide detailed information on coastal areas, including depth contours,
hazards, and navigational aids, used for navigating close to shore.

21. What is an ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart), and how does it differ from a
traditional paper chart?
An ENC is a digital version of a nautical chart used in electronic chart display and
information systems (ECDIS). Unlike paper charts, ENCs provide real-time updates,
interactive features, and can integrate with other navigational systems for enhanced safety
and accuracy.

Thematic Charts
22. What is a thematic chart, and how does it differ from a general navigational chart?
A thematic chart focuses on specific themes or subjects, such as seabed conditions,
marine traffic, or fishing zones. Unlike general navigational charts, which provide
comprehensive information for safe navigation, thematic charts provide detailed data
relevant to particular activities or interests.

23. Give examples of thematic charts and explain their specific uses in maritime
navigation.
Examples include:
- Bathymetric Charts: Show detailed depth contours and underwater features, used for
scientific research or submarine navigation.
 - Fishing Charts: Highlight areas with abundant marine life, used by commercial and
recreational fishermen.
- Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) Charts: Display areas where ship traffic is regulated,
used for managing vessel movements in busy waterways.

Light Characteristics
24. What information about lights is provided on a navigational chart?
Navigational charts show the location, colour, and characteristics (e.g., flashing, occulting,
and isophase) of lights. They also indicate the light’s height, range, and visibility sectors,
helping mariners identify the light and use it for navigation.

25. Explain the significance of the different light characteristics such as flashing,
occulting, and isophase.
- Flashing: Light is on for a shorter time than it is off. Used to indicate hazards or
navigational aids.
- Occulting: Light is on for a longer time than it is off. Often used

26. How is the dipping distance of a light calculated?

The dipping distance of a light is the distance at which the curvature of the Earth
causes the light to disappear below the horizon. It's calculated based on the
observer’s height and the height of the light.

27. How is the dipping distance of a light calculated?

The dipping distance of a light is the distance at which the curvature of the Earth
causes the light to disappear below the horizon. It's calculated based on the
observer’s height and the height of the light.

28. Why is it dangerous to approach navigational aids too closely?

Approaching navigational aids too closely is dangerous due to potential hazards

like shallow water, rocks, or the risk of colliding with the aid itself.

29. What is the use of clearing bearings and ranges?

Clearing bearings and ranges are used to ensure safe passage by indicating a
safe course that clears nearby dangers or hazards.

• A light exhibited by a lighthouse may have several sectors where the

light may change color to indicate dangerous sector and clearing
sectors.
30. Define set, rate, and drift of a current.

Set is the direction in which a current flows. Rate is the speed of the current,
typically measured in knots. Drift refers to the movement of the vessel caused by the
current's influence.

31. What is the range of tide?

The range of a tide is the vertical difference between high water and low water.

32. What does MHWS stand for?

MHWS stands for Mean High Water Springs, which is the average height of high
waters at spring tides.

33. What is No-Go areas in passage plan?

All depths less than the maximum dynamic draft + minimum UKC required by Company and
underwater obstructions, near and around the course as No-Go Areas.
34. What is abort Point?
Termed as the “point of no return”, it is the point beyond which it is difficult for the vessel to
turn or re-trace her track.
35. Define
Luminous range:
Depends on the candle-power of the light. The Present Luminous Range is affected by
the present visibility conditions.
Nominal range
This is the luminous range printed on the charts (after 1972) and is calculated for a
default visibility condition of 10 miles
Geographical Range
Is limited by the curvature of the earth. The geographical range of a light depends on
1) height of the lighthouse
2) Height of the observer
3) Luminous range
36. What is Leading lights, Sector lights & Transit Bearing?
• Leading lights and markers are usually used in the approaches to harbors
or in channels where maneuvering room is very restricted. Their purpose is
 to guide vessels clear of dangers or down the best channel. They are
shown on the chart by a line drawn through them called a leading line.
• Transit bearing / range: the method of lining up charted objects to obtain
an LOP. Position fix: the intersection of various LOPs, labeled as Fix or Fix.
• Sector lights show a different color depending on the position they are
viewed from, signaling whether the approaching vessel should turn to port
or starboard to stay on a safe course

COURSE AND DISTANCE MADE GOOD

This is obtained by measuring or calculating the course and distance between any
two observed positions of the ship.

SET
The vessel steers a course but may not make good the intended course due
to the external forces experienced at sea such as wind, current and tide.

The angle between the course steered and the course made good is the Set
experienced due to the external forces.
DRIFT
The distance between the D.R. Position and the Observed position is the Drift
experienced by the ship due to the external forces.

RATE
The rate of the current or tide experienced is obtained by dividing the drift by
the time taken by the ship to cover the distance.

 xplainfollowing modes of display

 Display Base
 Standard Display
 All or Full Display
 Nup, Hup, Cup
 Centred, Off-centred display
 Day, Night modes
 Overscale display
 What is Safety Depth, Safety Contour, Safety Height, Shallow contour, Deep
contour
 What is 2 color, 4 color display
 What are three mandatory sensors for ECDIS
 What is Quality of Data (CATZOC)
 Explain briefly CATZOC – A1, A2, B, C, D, U
 What is the purpose IHO S-57 standard?
 What is the purpose IHO S-52 standard?
 What is the purpose IHO S-63 standard?
 What is the purpose IMO MSC 232(82) standard (ECDIS Performance
Standard)
 What is the purpose IEC- 61174 standard?
 What is an ECDIS ?
 What is meant by IMO Type-approval of an ECDIS?
 What is accepted as back-up for ECDIS ?
 What is back-up for ENC?
 How often ENCs should be updated?
 What is an ENC ?
 Comparison of ENC with Paper charts
 What is a RNC ?
 What is an Official chart?
 Who are the ENC providers?
 How do you create Route on ECDIS ?
 What is Check Route function in ECDIS?
 What is Activation of Route in ECDIS?
 What is Guard Zone in ECDIS ? How do you set it ?
 What are the different usage bands in ENCs?
 Scale 1 to Scale 6 (Name each scale)
 How is an ENC named ? (8 digits naming)