Seamanship_Secrets_185_Tips_-_Techniques_for_Better_Navigation-_Cruise_Planning-_and_Boat_Handling_Under_Power_or_Sail_(Re)_e..

chart and publication secrets 25

“Your Call, Skipper”

You’re the skipper or most knowledgeable crewmember in each of

the following situations. What actions would you take?

1. Checking your paper chart or chart plotter, you see several wrecks
   directly in the way of your destination. It’s getting late and you need
   to find the safest, shortest route through the wrecks to get to the
   marina. Which wreck symbols could you safely cross over without
   fear of damaging your boat?


2. The forecast calls for the weather to pick up this evening, with wind,
   waves, and driving rain from the northeast. Studying your chart, what
   land profile symbols might offer the best protection for anchoring?


3. On the chart or chart plotter, you see the symbol so. No bottom
   type is shown. You need to know what’s down there to choose the
   right anchor for peace of mind. What two methods could you use to
   determine if the bottom type is sand, mud, or clay?


4. You’re planning a weekend trip to your favorite local cruising ground.
   What publication would you check to see if any buoys or beacons
   along the way are missing, changed, damaged, or removed?


5. After a cold winter, you are looking forward to spending a week
   cruising in the Virgin Islands. You are anxious to read up on the islands,
   learn what facilities each has to offer, and look at charts of the area.
   What’s the fastest way to find just the information you need?
   Answers


6. A fishbone symbol not enclosed by a dotted circle.


7. Hachures (teethlike symbols) on the lee side of the island. These
   indicate high cliffs or a steep hillside.


8. Look on the chart from the symbol out to a radius of about one-half
   mile; look for the symbol S (sand), M (mud), or Cl (clay). You might
   also cast an armed lead line (i.e., coated with grease or peanut butter)
   to take a sample of the seabed.


9. Check the Local Notices to Mariners for the past thirty days.


10. Access the NOAA website. Scroll down to CP 5. Click on the link
    labeled Coast Pilot 5 Download Page. Then, scroll down the link to
    find the chapters covering the Virgin Islands.