Module 7 - Charts & Publications
Select the Publication for the Decision
What you will learn
Match sailing directions, light lists, tide tables, tidal stream atlases, radio information, local notices and leisure almanacs to the question each can answer.
Publications supplement charts with detail that cannot fit on the chart. No single almanac or pilot book replaces current charts, official warnings and the other sources required by the voyage.
Sailing Directions provide written coastal and port-entry information such as hazards, buoyage, pilotage, regulations, facilities and seasonal conditions. The List of Lights and Fog Signals adds structured light and fog-signal details. Tide Tables provide predictions for ports, while Tidal Stream Atlases show the direction and rate of streams on chartlets for stated times relative to a reference port.
Radio publications, current warnings, local notices and harbour information answer different operational questions. A leisure almanac can be a useful compiled working reference for tides, ports, lights, radio and practical information within its stated coverage, but its scope, source dates and update method must be understood and cross-checked where the decision is safety-critical.
Do not confuse a leisure nautical almanac with the ADMIRALTY Nautical Almanac, which is principally an astronomical publication for celestial navigation. The shared word 'almanac' does not mean the two products contain the same material.
| Question | Primary publication type | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|
| What are the approach hazards and procedures? | Sailing Directions / authoritative pilot information | Use alongside the current chart and local information |
| What is the light's full character or fog signal? | List of Lights and Fog Signals | Confirm charted sector and actual conditions |
| When and how high is HW/LW? | Tide Tables | Use correct port, date, time basis and corrections |
| What stream is expected at HW−2? | Tidal Stream Atlas or relevant tidal publication | Use the stated reference port and rate convention |
| What changed recently? | NMs, warnings and local notices | Apply only items relevant to the route and time |
| What convenient regional summary is available? | Current leisure almanac | Check coverage, source date and update process |
Build an unfamiliar-harbour evidence pack
A night arrival needs a written approach description, identification of a sector light, tidal height and stream timing, working-channel information and any recent local change.
1. Approach
Use the relevant chart and current Sailing Directions or authoritative pilot information for hazards and procedures.
2. Light
Use the charted character and current List of Lights entry; confirm sectors and limitations rather than identifying by colour alone.
3. Tide
Use the correct Tide Table and Tidal Stream Atlas or other approved tidal source with its reference port and time basis.
4. Communications
Check current radio and harbour information for channels, reporting points and operating arrangements.
5. Changes
Overlay Notices to Mariners, navigational warnings and local notices before briefing the approach.
Sense check: If one book appears to answer every question, identify its source dates and omissions before treating it as sufficient.
Common mistake or limitation
- Calling every compiled cruising reference 'the Nautical Almanac' and confusing it with the astronomical publication.
- Using a pilot book or leisure almanac as a substitute for a current chart and official safety information.
- Reading a tidal stream atlas without its reference port, time zone, rate convention or springs/neaps information.
Recap
- Select publications by the decision they support.
- Sailing Directions, light lists, tide tables and stream atlases supplement rather than replace charts.
- A leisure almanac is a compiled aid; the ADMIRALTY Nautical Almanac is an astronomical publication.
Optional quick check
Section 4 of 8
Which source is best for a written description of an unfamiliar harbour approach and its hazards?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying Charts & Publications
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 7. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.