Using Charts and Compasses
Navigation in a kayak requires knowledge of charts, using a compass and then applying these skills to what we see in our environment when we are on the water. The first tutorial covers charts, using the chart to plan a trip, how to use a compass, and using a chart on the water to determine your location. As always, the focus is on safety.
It is recommended that you download and print the Chesapeake Bay Chart that was used for our classroom. The chart can be printed as a single 11 x 17 page, or as 2 8.5 x 11 pages. This will make it easier for you to follow the presentation.
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NOAA has discontinued the production and support for paper charts as of January, 2025 and is devoting additional resources to rescheming and improving electronic navigational charts (ENC). These charts are designed for commercial shipping and require the use of electronic plotters and GPS systems that are not available to kayakers. Fortunately there is also a custom chart tool that allows users to create and print charts using the ENC data. The NOAA Custom Chart (NCC) application is an online application that converts the ENC data to a printable PDF file. Users have the ability to save and share their chart parameters in a “personal chart
catalog,” which makes it easy to recreate an updated version of the same chart whenever new data is available.
Previous editions of all NOAA charts, including canceled last editions, may be downloaded for free from the NOAA Historical Map and Chart Collection. While these are not suitable for commercial navigation and are no longer updated, they can be a valuable resource for kayakers.
The following are links to the NOAA chart pages. The NOAA site frequently changes, these are the current links. Have fun exploring the NOAA charts web site, there is an incredible amount of information here.
Charts and Publications
Chart Locator: NOAA ENCs support marine navigation by providing the official Electronic Navigational Chart used in ECDIS and in electronic charting systems.
Custom Chart App: This is where you can create printable PFD files for the charts you need for a trip. There are links to user guides on this page.
Chart Updates: This is a link to a catalog recent changes in charts.
Chart 1 Information and Download
On Water Navigation has been scheduled for May 3rd and 4th, 2025. Contact me for additional information.
To register for this event email CrossCurrentsSeaKayaking@gmail.com
