Chart Navigation Video - Beach, Cliff, and Mountain Chart Symbols

Do you know how to tell the difference in chart navigation between a flat beach and a deadly coral reef? Or what an asterisk or plus-sign symbol mean to your safety?

Watch this introduction video to unlock the mystery behind what chart symbols tell you.

Chart Navigation Secrets - Coastal and Inland Chart Symbols.

1. Look for solid black lines that surround land to show the high tide line. Green tinted areas just off the beach show land that covers and uncovers with the tide. This could be sand bars, mud flats, coral reefs, oyster beds.

2. Just inside the coastline, coastal cliffs look like sharks teeth. Exercise caution when sailing near these areas. Cliff winds can roll off the tops like a snowball and build speed to reach gale force by the time they hit the surface.

3. Do you see wavy lines and non-concentric circles inside the landmass? These indicate mountains. Cartographers write elevations near those that are easy to see. The highest elevation shows the peak, and can be visible for miles out at sea by eye or radar.