NOAA nautical charts depict them all, using different symbols that indicate the purpose of each. Scale: Nautical charts come in different “scales,” the ratio of a given distance on the chart to the ...

To ensure safety while on the water it's important to understand the numbers and symbols on your navigational charts.

U.S. Chart No.1, Nautical Chart Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms, is an essential aid for new chart users and a useful reference for all mariners.