CHAPTER 4NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONSINTRODUCTION400.DefinitionsnavigatehisshipsafelyThenavigator uses many information sources when401.TypesAnd SourcesOf Publicationsplanning and conducting a voyage.These sources includenotices to mariners,sailing directions, lightlists,tide tables.While voyage planning and navigating,a mariner mustsight reduction tables, and almanacs. Historically, this in-refertobothtextsandtables.Examplesoftext includesail-formationhasbeenfoundinprintedpublicationsing directions, coast pilots, and notices to mariners.increasingly,it is being integrated into computer-basedExamples of tables include light lists and sight reductionelectronicsystems.Thenavigator mustknowwhatinfor-tables.mation he needs to navigate his ship safely and how toNavigational publications areavailable from manyobtain it.sources.Military customers automatically receive or requi-This chapter will refer onlytoprintedpublications.Ifsition most required publications. The civilian navigatorthe navigator has access to this data on an electronic data-obtains his publications from a publisher's agent.Largerbase,onlyhis method ofaccesswill differ.The publicationsagents representing many publishers can completely supplydiscussedhereformabasic navigation library,the naviga-tormustalsoobtain all supplementarymaterialsrequiredtoa ship's chart and publication libraryNAUTICALTEXTS402. Sailing DirectionsA Planning Guide's first chapter contains informationabout the countries adjacentto the applicableocean basin.Italso coverspratique,pilotage,signals,and shippingregDefense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographiculations.Search and Rescue topics include the location ofCenter SailingDirections consist of 37Enroutes and 10all lifesaving stations.Planning Guides.Planning Guides describe general fea-The second chapter contains information on the physi-tures of ocean basins, Enroutes describe features ofcoastlines,ports,and harbors.cal environment of an ocean basin. It consists of OceanSailing Directions are updated when new data requiresSummariesand descriptions of local coastal phenomenaextensive revision of an existing text. These data are ob-This gives the mariner meteorological and oceanographicinformationtobeconsidered inplanninga route.tained from several sources, including pilots and foreignSailing Directions.The third chapter lists foreign firing dangerareas notOnebookcomprisesthePlanningGuideandEnrouteshown in other DMAHTC publications.Agraphic keyidentifies Submarine Operating Areas.This chapter alsoforAntarctica.This consolidation allows fora more effec-identifies publications listing danger areas and gives perti-tivepresentation ofmaterial on this uniqueareanent navigation cautions.ThePlanningGuides arerelativelypermanent,by con-The fourth chapter describes recommended steamshiptrast,SailingDirections (Enroute)arefrequently updated.Between updates, both are corrected by the Notice toroutes.Tofacilitateplanning,thepublication shows entireroutestoforeignportsoriginatingfromallmajorU.S.portsMariners.This chapteralso includesallapplicableTraffic SeparationSchemes.403.Sailing Directions (Planning Guide)Thefifth and final chapter describes available radi-onavigation systems and the area's system of lights,Planning Guidesassistthe navigator in planning anex-beacons, and buoys.tensive oceanic voyage. Each of the Guides covers an areadetermined by an arbitrary division of the world's seas intoAppendices contain information on buoyage systems,eight“ocean basins."This division is shown in Figure 403.routecharts, andareameteorological conditions.51
51 CHAPTER 4 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS INTRODUCTION 400. Definitions The navigator uses many information sources when planning and conducting a voyage. These sources include notices to mariners, sailing directions, light lists, tide tables, sight reduction tables, and almanacs. Historically, this information has been found in printed publications; increasingly, it is being integrated into computer-based electronic systems. The navigator must know what information he needs to navigate his ship safely and how to obtain it. This chapter will refer only to printed publications. If the navigator has access to this data on an electronic database, only his method of access will differ. The publications discussed here form a basic navigation library; the navigator must also obtain all supplementary materials required to navigate his ship safely. 401. Types And Sources Of Publications While voyage planning and navigating, a mariner must refer to both texts and tables. Examples of text include sailing directions, coast pilots, and notices to mariners. Examples of tables include light lists and sight reduction tables. Navigational publications are available from many sources. Military customers automatically receive or requisition most required publications. The civilian navigator obtains his publications from a publisher’s agent. Larger agents representing many publishers can completely supply a ship’s chart and publication library. NAUTICAL TEXTS 402. Sailing Directions Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic Center Sailing Directions consist of 37 Enroutes and 10 Planning Guides. Planning Guides describe general features of ocean basins; Enroutes describe features of coastlines, ports, and harbors. Sailing Directions are updated when new data requires extensive revision of an existing text. These data are obtained from several sources, including pilots and foreign Sailing Directions. One book comprises the Planning Guide and Enroute for Antarctica. This consolidation allows for a more effective presentation of material on this unique area. The Planning Guides are relatively permanent; by contrast, Sailing Directions (Enroute) are frequently updated. Between updates, both are corrected by the Notice to Mariners. 403. Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) Planning Guides assist the navigator in planning an extensive oceanic voyage. Each of the Guides covers an area determined by an arbitrary division of the world’s seas into eight “ocean basins.” This division is shown in Figure 403. A Planning Guide’s first chapter contains information about the countries adjacent to the applicable ocean basin. It also covers pratique, pilotage, signals, and shipping regulations. Search and Rescue topics include the location of all lifesaving stations. The second chapter contains information on the physical environment of an ocean basin. It consists of Ocean Summaries and descriptions of local coastal phenomena. This gives the mariner meteorological and oceanographic information to be considered in planning a route. The third chapter lists foreign firing danger areas not shown in other DMAHTC publications. A graphic key identifies Submarine Operating Areas. This chapter also identifies publications listing danger areas and gives pertinent navigation cautions. The fourth chapter describes recommended steamship routes. To facilitate planning, the publication shows entire routes to foreign ports originating from all major U.S. ports. This chapter also includes all applicable Traffic Separation Schemes. The fifth and final chapter describes available radionavigation systems and the area’s system of lights, beacons, and buoys. Appendices contain information on buoyage systems, route charts, and area meteorological conditions
52NAUTICALPUBLICATIONSORIHSEBALTICSEACEAANORTHATLANTICOCEANSIAN WAERSEAOTFigure403.The8 oceanbasins as organized for SailingDirections (PlanningGuides)404.SailingDirections (Enroute)405.CoastPilotsTheNational Ocean Service publishes nine UnitedEachvolumeoftheSailingDirections(Enroute)con-StatesCoast Pilots to supplement nautical charts of U.Stains numbered sections along a coast or through a strait.waters.Informationcomes fromfield inspections,surveyFigure 404a illustrates this division.Each sector is dis-vessels, and various harbor authorities.Maritime officialscussedinturn.Aprefacewithdetailed informationaboutand pilotage associationsprovide additional informationauthorities,references,and conventions used in eachbookCoastPilotsprovidemoredetailed informationthanSailingprecedes the sector discussions.Finally, each book pro-Directions because Sailing Directions are intended exclu-vides conversionsbetweenfeet, fathoms, andmeters.sively for the oceangoing mariner. The Notice to MarinersThe Chart Information Graphic,thefirst item in eachupdatesCoastPilotschapter, is a graphic key for charts pertaining to a sector.Each volume contains comprehensive sections on localSee Figure 404b.The graduation of the border scale of theoperationalconsiderationsandnavigationregulations.Followchartletenables navigatorsto identifythelargestscalechartingchapterscontaindetaileddiscussionsofcoastal navigationfor a location and to find a feature listed in the Index-Gaz-An appendix provides information on obtaining additionalweatherinformation.communicationsservices,andotherda-etteer. These graphics are not maintained by Notice tota. An index and additional tables complete the volume.Mariners,one should refer to the chart catalogfor updatedchart listings.Other graphics may contain special information on lo-406.OtherNautical Textscal winds and weather, anchorages, significant coastalfeatures, and navigation dangers.The government publishes several other nautical texts.A foreign terms glossary,an appendix of anchorages,TheDefenseMappingAgency,forexample,publishestheand a comprehensive Index-Gazetteerfollowthesectordis-ManeuveringBoard Manual (Pub.217),TheRadar Navi-cussions.TheIndex-Gazetteeris an alphabetical listingofgation Manual (Pub.1310)and theAmerican Practicaldescribed and charted features.The Index lists each featureNavigator (Pub.9),bygeographiccoordinatesandsectornumberforusewithThe U.S.Coast Guard publishes navigation rules forthe graphic key.Featuresmentioned in the text are listed byinternational and inlandwaters.Thispublication,officiallyknownasCommandantInstructionM16672.2b,containspage number
52 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 404. Sailing Directions (Enroute) Each volume of the Sailing Directions (Enroute) contains numbered sections along a coast or through a strait. Figure 404a illustrates this division. Each sector is discussed in turn. A preface with detailed information about authorities, references, and conventions used in each book precedes the sector discussions. Finally, each book provides conversions between feet, fathoms, and meters. The Chart Information Graphic, the first item in each chapter, is a graphic key for charts pertaining to a sector. See Figure 404b. The graduation of the border scale of the chartlet enables navigators to identify the largest scale chart for a location and to find a feature listed in the Index-Gazetteer. These graphics are not maintained by Notice to Mariners; one should refer to the chart catalog for updated chart listings. Other graphics may contain special information on local winds and weather, anchorages, significant coastal features, and navigation dangers. A foreign terms glossary, an appendix of anchorages, and a comprehensive Index-Gazetteer follow the sector discussions. The Index-Gazetteer is an alphabetical listing of described and charted features. The Index lists each feature by geographic coordinates and sector number for use with the graphic key. Features mentioned in the text are listed by page number. 405. Coast Pilots The National Ocean Service publishes nine United States Coast Pilots to supplement nautical charts of U.S. waters. Information comes from field inspections, survey vessels, and various harbor authorities. Maritime officials and pilotage associations provide additional information. Coast Pilots provide more detailed information than Sailing Directions because Sailing Directions are intended exclusively for the oceangoing mariner. The Notice to Mariners updates Coast Pilots. Each volume contains comprehensive sections on local operational considerations and navigation regulations. Following chapters contain detailed discussions of coastal navigation. An appendix provides information on obtaining additional weather information, communications services, and other data. An index and additional tables complete the volume. 406. Other Nautical Texts The government publishes several other nautical texts. The Defense Mapping Agency, for example, publishes the Maneuvering Board Manual (Pub. 217), The Radar Navigation Manual (Pub.1310) and the American Practical Navigator (Pub. 9). The U.S. Coast Guard publishes navigation rules for international and inland waters. This publication, officially known as Commandant Instruction M16672.2b, contains Figure 403. The 8 ocean basins as organized for Sailing Directions (Planning Guides)
53NAUTICALPUBLICATIONSCieilta2CHANNELS0FRANCEFigure404a.SectorLimitsgraphic.ENGLANDTTELISanENGLISHCHANNELAdditional chart coverage may be found in CATP2 Catalog of Nautical Charts.Figure404b.ChartInformationgraphic
NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 53 Figure 404a. Sector Limits graphic. Additional chart coverage may be found in CATP2 Catalog of Nautical Charts. Figure 404b. Chart Information graphic
54NAUTICALPUBLICATIONStheInlandNavigationRulesenactedinDecember1980andvisions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)relatingeffectiveonall inlandwatersof theUnited States includingto maritime matters. A number of private publishers alsotheGreatLakes,aswellastheInternationalRegulationsforprovide maritime publications.the Prevention of Collisions at Sea,enacted in1972(1972TheInternationalMaritimeOrganization,InternationalCOLREGS).Mariners shouldensurethat theyhavetheup-Hydrographic Organization, and other governing interna-datedissue.TheCoast Guard alsopublishes comprehensivetional organizations provide information on internationaluser'smanualsfortheOmega,Loran,andGPS navigationnavigation regulations. Chapter 1 gives these organiza-systemsNavigationandVesselInspectionCirculars,andtionsaddresses.Regulations for various Vessel TraffictheChemicalDataGuideforBulkShipmentbyWaterServices (VTS),canals, lock systems,and other regulatedTheGovernmentPrintingOfficeprovidesseveral pub-waterways arepublished bythe authoritieswhich operatelications on navigation, safety at sea, communicationsweather,and related topics.Additionally,itpublishes pro-them.USINGTHELIGHTLISTS407. Light Listsearly,an observer located below the light's visible horizoncannot see it.The Distance to the Horizon table gives theTheUnited States publishes two different light listsdistance to the horizon for various heights of eye.The lightThe U.S.Coast Guard publishes the Light List for lights inlists contain a condensed versionofthistable.Abnormal re-U.S.territorial waters,DMAHTCpublishestheListoffraction patterns mightchangethis range,therefore,oneLights for lights in foreign waters.cannot exactly predict the range at which a light will beseen.Light lists furnishcomplete information about naviga-tion lights and other navigation aids. They supplement,but408.DeterminingRangeAnd Bearing OfALightAtInitial Sightingdo not replace, charts and sailing directions. Consult thechartfor thelocation and light characteristics of all navigation aids; consult the light lists to determine their detailedA light's luminous range is the maximum range atdescription.which an observer can see a light under existing visibilityconditions.This luminous range ignores the elevation oftheTheNoticetoMariners correctsbothlists.Correctionswhichhaveaccumulated since theprintdateare included in thelightthe observer's height of evethe curvature of theNoticetoMariners asa Summaryof Corrections.All oftheseearth,and interference from background lighting.It is de-summarycorrections,and any correctionspublished subsetermined from theknown nominal rangeand theexistingquently,should benoted inthe“RecordofCorrections."visibility conditions.Thenominal range is themaximumdistance at which a light can be seen in weather conditionsAnavigatorneedstoknowboth the identity ofa lightand when he can expect to see it, he often plans the ship'swherevisibilityis10nautical milesThe U.S. Coast Guard Light List usually lists a light'strack to pass within a light's range.If lights are not sightedwhenpredicted,thevesselmaybesignificantlyoffcoursenominalrange.UsetheLuminousRangeDiagramshowninandstandingintodangerthe Light List and Figure 408a to convert this nominal rangeA circle with a radius equal to the visible range of theto luminous range.Remember that the luminous ranges ob-light usually defines the area in which a light can be seen.tained are approximate because of atmospheric orOn somebearings,however,obstructionsmayreducethebackgroundlightingconditions.EstimatethemeteorologicalvisibilitybytheMeteorological OpticalRangeTable,Figurerange.In this case,the obstructed arc might differ withheightof eye and distance.Also, lights of different colors408b.Next,entertheLuminousRangeDiagramwiththemaybeseenatdifferentdistances.Considerthesefactsbothnominal rangeon thehorizontalnominal rangescale.Followwhen identifying a light and predicting the range at whicha vertical line until it intersects the curve or reaches the reitcanbeseen.gion on the diagram representing the meteorologicalAtmospheric conditions have a major effect on avisibilityFinally,followa horizontal linefromthis point orlight's range. Fog, haze, dust, smoke, or precipitation canregionuntil it intersectsthevertical luminous range scaleobscure a light.Additionally,a light can be extinguished.Example I: The nominal range of a light as extractedAlways report an extinguished light somaritimeauthoritiescan issueawarning.fromtheLight List is 15nautical miles.On a dark, clear night, the visual range is limited by ei-Required: The luminous range when the meteorologi-ther:(1)luminous intensity,or(2)curvature of theearth.cal visibility is (l)1l nautical miles and (2)1Regardless of the height ofeye,one cannot seea weak lightnautical mile.Solution: To find the luminous range when the meteo-beyond a certain luminous range.Assuming lighttravels lin-
54 NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS the Inland Navigation Rules enacted in December 1980 and effective on all inland waters of the United States including the Great Lakes, as well as the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, enacted in 1972 (1972 COLREGS). Mariners should ensure that they have the updated issue. The Coast Guard also publishes comprehensive user’s manuals for the Omega, Loran, and GPS navigation systems; Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars; and the Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water. The Government Printing Office provides several publications on navigation, safety at sea, communications, weather, and related topics. Additionally, it publishes provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) relating to maritime matters. A number of private publishers also provide maritime publications. The International Maritime Organization, International Hydrographic Organization, and other governing international organizations provide information on international navigation regulations. Chapter 1 gives these organizations’ addresses. Regulations for various Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), canals, lock systems, and other regulated waterways are published by the authorities which operate them. USING THE LIGHT LISTS 407. Light Lists The United States publishes two different light lists. The U.S. Coast Guard publishes the Light List for lights in U.S. territorial waters; DMAHTC publishes the List of Lights for lights in foreign waters. Light lists furnish complete information about navigation lights and other navigation aids. They supplement, but do not replace, charts and sailing directions. Consult the chart for the location and light characteristics of all navigation aids; consult the light lists to determine their detailed description. The Notice to Mariners corrects both lists. Corrections which have accumulated since the print date are included in the Notice to Mariners as a Summary of Corrections. All of these summary corrections, and any corrections published subsequently, should be noted in the “Record of Corrections.” A navigator needs to know both the identity of a light and when he can expect to see it; he often plans the ship’s track to pass within a light’s range. If lights are not sighted when predicted, the vessel may be significantly off course and standing into danger. A circle with a radius equal to the visible range of the light usually defines the area in which a light can be seen. On some bearings, however, obstructions may reduce the range. In this case, the obstructed arc might differ with height of eye and distance. Also, lights of different colors may be seen at different distances. Consider these facts both when identifying a light and predicting the range at which it can be seen. Atmospheric conditions have a major effect on a light’s range. Fog, haze, dust, smoke, or precipitation can obscure a light. Additionally, a light can be extinguished. Always report an extinguished light so maritime authorities can issue a warning. On a dark, clear night, the visual range is limited by either: (1) luminous intensity, or (2) curvature of the earth. Regardless of the height of eye, one cannot see a weak light beyond a certain luminous range. Assuming light travels linearly, an observer located below the light’s visible horizon cannot see it. The Distance to the Horizon table gives the distance to the horizon for various heights of eye. The light lists contain a condensed version of this table. Abnormal refraction patterns might change this range; therefore, one cannot exactly predict the range at which a light will be seen. 408. Determining Range And Bearing Of A Light At Initial Sighting A light’s luminous range is the maximum range at which an observer can see a light under existing visibility conditions. This luminous range ignores the elevation of the light, the observer’s height of eye, the curvature of the earth, and interference from background lighting. It is determined from the known nominal range and the existing visibility conditions. The nominal range is the maximum distance at which a light can be seen in weather conditions where visibility is 10 nautical miles. The U.S. Coast Guard Light List usually lists a light’s nominal range. Use the Luminous Range Diagram shown in the Light List and Figure 408a to convert this nominal range to luminous range. Remember that the luminous ranges obtained are approximate because of atmospheric or background lighting conditions. Estimate the meteorological visibility by the Meteorological Optical Range Table, Figure 408b. Next, enter the Luminous Range Diagram with the nominal range on the horizontal nominal range scale. Follow a vertical line until it intersects the curve or reaches the region on the diagram representing the meteorological visibility. Finally, follow a horizontal line from this point or region until it intersects the vertical luminous range scale. Example 1: The nominal range of a light as extracted from the Light List is 15 nautical miles. Required: The luminous range when the meteorological visibility is (1) 11 nautical miles and (2) 1 nautical mile. Solution: To find the luminous range when the meteo-
55NAUTICALPUBLICATIONSLUMINOUSRANGE-nauticalmiles(This range maybe reduced by the glareof other lights)2000800NaSTETEOROLNOnNAL RANE.MTEa I8LpeCAVauoAG?26L?酒4o9mntoamll355L600.10.20.30.620.8N4a000b0Figure 408a.LuminousRangeDiagram.rological visibility is Il nautical miles,enter theto the horizon based on its height to calculate a light's geo-Luminous Range Diagram with nominal range15graphic range. See Figure 408c. This illustration uses a lightnautical miles on the horizontal nominal range150feet above thewater.Table12,Distance oftheHorizon,scale;follow a vertical line upward until it interyields a value of 14.3 nautical miles for a height of 150 feet.sects the curve on the diagram representing aWithin this range, the light, if powerful enough and atmometeorological visibility of Il nautical milesspheric conditions permit, is visible regardless of the height offromthis pointfollowahorizontal linetotherighteyeofthe observer.Beyond 14.3 nautical miles,the geograph-until it intersects thevertical luminous range scaleic range depends upon the observer's height of eye. Thus, byat 16 nautical miles. A similar procedure is fol-theDistanceoftheHorizontablementioned above,anobserv-lowed to find the luminous range when theer with height of eye of 5 feet can see the light on his horizonmeteorologicalvisibilityisInauticalmileif he is 2.6 miles beyond the horizon of the light.The geo-Answers:(1)16nautical miles;(2)3nautical milesgraphic range of the light is therefore 16.9 miles. For a heightof 30 feet the distance is 14.3+6.4 =20.7miles.If the heightof eye is 70 feet, the geographic range is 14.3 + 9.8 = 24.1A light's geographic range depends upon the height ofboththe lightand the observer.Sumthe observer's distancetomiles.Aheightofeveof15feetisoftenassumedwhentabu-the horizonbased on hisheight of eye and the light's distancelating lights'geographic ranges
NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS 55 rological visibility is 11 nautical miles, enter the Luminous Range Diagram with nominal range 15 nautical miles on the horizontal nominal range scale; follow a vertical line upward until it intersects the curve on the diagram representing a meteorological visibility of 11 nautical miles; from this point follow a horizontal line to the right until it intersects the vertical luminous range scale at 16 nautical miles. A similar procedure is followed to find the luminous range when the meteorological visibility is 1 nautical mile. Answers: (1) 16 nautical miles; (2) 3 nautical miles. A light’s geographic range depends upon the height of both the light and the observer. Sum the observer’s distance to the horizon based on his height of eye and the light’s distance to the horizon based on its height to calculate a light’s geographic range. See Figure 408c. This illustration uses a light 150 feet above the water. Table 12, Distance of the Horizon, yields a value of 14.3 nautical miles for a height of 150 feet. Within this range, the light, if powerful enough and atmospheric conditions permit, is visible regardless of the height of eye of the observer. Beyond 14.3 nautical miles, the geographic range depends upon the observer’s height of eye. Thus, by the Distance of the Horizon table mentioned above, an observer with height of eye of 5 feet can see the light on his horizon if he is 2.6 miles beyond the horizon of the light. The geographic range of the light is therefore 16.9 miles. For a height of 30 feet the distance is 14.3 + 6.4 = 20.7 miles. If the height of eye is 70 feet, the geographic range is 14.3 + 9.8 = 24.1 miles. A height of eye of 15 feet is often assumed when tabulating lights’ geographic ranges. Figure 408a. Luminous Range Diagram