Welcome to the OceanGrafix Resource Page, your one-stop source for information on nautical charts, navigation, boating safety, mariners' news and much more. Visit us often – we're always adding more helpful information!
NAUTICAL
CHARTS |
NOAA print-on-demand or “POD” charts
As explained by NOAA |
NOAA ENCs™
NOAA’s Electronic Navigational Charts |
“Chart reading 101”
A basic but thorough intro to reading nautical charts, and why every boater should have charts on hand |
Federal requirements and safety tips
For recreational boaters “Only up-to-date nautical charts should be used for navigation” |
Cooperative Charting Program
by USPS (Unites States Power Squadron)
In cooperation with NOAA |
Educational tool, new from NOAA, for youngsters
NOAA announces a multimedia tool for young students, teaching them about nautical charts, symbols, charting, navigation, safe boating and more |
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NAVIGATION
NAV RULES |
U.S. Aids to Navigation
Identifying, understanding buoys, markers directional guides, dual-purpose marks and more |
U.S. Coast Guard comments on aids to navigation
Aids are placed as guides, to assist mariners in determining position in relation to land and hidden dangers. Several aids can be used together to form a “system”. |
Coastal Navigation Course
Self-study course; all of the basics of navigation; great for all levels of boaters |
SAIL BOAT navigation rules; right of way
Official rules from the Navigation Center, U.S. Coast Guard / U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security |
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CRITICAL CHART
UPDATES / INFO |
NOAA “Notice to Mariners”
What NTMs are, why they’re critical to safety |
NOAA chart “Editions”
What Editions are, how often they’re issued |
Get NOAA Notice to Mariners Updates (NTMs)
Search your chart(s) for NOAA NTM chart update info |
NOAA chart Editions – all, listed by chart number
See and search all NOAA charts; dates of latest editions(updated daily by NOAA) |
NOAA chart Editions – see very latest
See Editions posted by NOAA for the current month |
NOAA Coast Pilots – explanation |
NOAA Coast Pilots – Edition info
See dates of latest and upcoming Coast Pilot Editions |
USPS Cooperative Charting Program
How USPS works with NOAA to provide important“update” info for charts and navigation |
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| BROADCASTS / VHF |
Marine Safety Broadcasts
Explanation of NOAA Weather Radio, VHF Marine,Medium Frequency, High Seas, Coastal broadcasts and other broadcasts |
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| SAFETY |
File a “float plan”
Compelling Coast Guard rescue example, and why every boater should file a float plan, even for day trips |
National Distress System, U.S. Coast Guard
VHF Distress Coverage Charts, explanation of transceivers, education on this primary means of broadcast information to mariners |
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| BOATING COURSES / EDUCATION |
Take a boating course
Plus links to other educational resources as provided by U.S. Power Squadrons |
Find a boating course
Find local educational course or seminarspresented by U.S. Power Squadrons |
Educational tool, new from NOAA, for youngsters
NOAA announces a multimedia tool for youngstudents, teaching them about nautical charts, symbols,charting, navigation, safe boating and more |
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| WEATHER, TIDES, CURRENTS, MORE |
Up-to-date weather from NOAA
NOAA’s national weather marine forecasts and much more |
Tides, water levels, currents
Oceanographic and meteorological data (historical and real-time), predictions, nowcasts, forecasts |
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| ARTICLES |
Articles by NOAA
Relating to charting, navigation |
Articles by OceanGrafix
Relating to safety, education, “Editions” and NOAAupdates, print-on-demand nautical charts and more |
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| USPS (UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS) |
USPS, its role, methods, member benefits
Safety education, where to find a local USPSchapter, regional and national events and more |
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| SAILING |
For sail boat owners in the U.S.
Events, news, education, training, and more |
Links to dozens of sailing sites
Learn to sail, plus links to dozens of sailing-related sites for sails, rope, gear and more |
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| FOR WOMEN | Women on the water
For women: sailing and power boating school,info, articles courses, seminars, events |
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| TRAWLERS |
TrawlerFest events nationwide
For trawler owners and enthusiasts: regional events withproducts and info customized to locales around the U.S. |
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