Learn how to read a nautical chart

There are oceans of information in a nautical chart, but you have to know how to interpret a chart in order for it to unfold its story. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Point Judith Flotilla will present "How To Read A Nautical Chart" at the Neighborhood Guild in Peace Dale on Saturday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The cost of the seminar is $40.00, which includes all necessary materials. Pre-registration is required by calling the neighborhood guild at 789-9301.

This four-hour seminar course will unravel the mysteries of charts. Learn what determines a chart' s accuracy. What does different italic or block print mean? Where do you find additional significant information? Where are all the abbreviations listed? Does the whole world work on red, right, returning?

Charts are different from maps and navigators need to interpret the chart to know where they can cruise and where they cannot cruise. While there are no street signs on the water, latitude and longitude inform you of your position and aids to navigation inform vessel operators how to proceed.

Other available information on charts includes shipwrecks, depth of water, bottom type, magnetic variations affecting the compass, chart scales, and tidal information.

This course will provide the navigator with the knowledge to interpret the chart's contents to navigate safely to their destination and return to port.

Those passing a final exam will receive a certificate of completion.