Understanding a Nautical Chart - 2e: A Practical Guide to Safe Navigation

great to learn skills of navigation.

From a beginner to an experienced sailor, this is the book to start your understanding of the seas, tides etc

It is a well written book about using and understanding marine charts, but the fact that all the illustrations and names in the book, plus the writing style and zeitgeist of the entire tome are a bit off putting to me, an American reader. I found another book written by an American that feels much more satisfying. Please understand that the British writer is very knowledgeable and does a fine job, and I admit that I learned a lot. I just felt more comfortable seeing American ports and charts. It's your call.

Just bought my first paper chart and realised I needed some reliable explanation of the background, nuances, and how to decipher a chart. This book does all that. Would be recommended before someone learns about passage planning etc. Also includes "Chart 5011 Symbols and Abbreviations Used on Admiralty Paper Charts" at the back of the book, which on it's own would cost more than this book alone.

Paul Boissier has obviously taken the time to write this book in a way that makes it a simple learning tool for the amateur and professional mariner alike. It is presented in very clear, easy to follow chapters without over indulging in the scientific basis that navigation is based on. Any sea-going person will benefit immensely from reading this book which most definitely does exactly as its title "Understanding Nautical Charts" states. It is typical of the great British method of teaching the masses "Keep it clear & keep to the point". I have read many navigational books and this certainly ranks with the best. Typeset & quality of print is top class, Covers Paper & Digital charts alike. Excellent chart samples with thorough explanations of the various chart symbols. An extremely enjoyable read, very difficult to put out of your hand.