Chart No. 1

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Nautical Chart Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms

Eleventh Edition November 2011
Chart No.1

United States of America

Nautical Chart Symbols, 

Abbreviations and Terms

Eleventh Edition

November 2011

Prepared jointly by:

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Ocean Service

Washington, DC

U.S. Department of Defense

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Springfield, VA

Changes to this edition will be published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) 

in the Notice to Mariners. 

These changes are also available on the Internet at http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal
2

 Record of Corrections

Supplement No. Notice No. Corrected On Corrected by
3

SYMBOLS ABBREVIATIONS TERMS

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND SCHEMATIC LAYOUT

GENERAL

A Chart Number, Title and Marginal Notes

B Positions, Distances, Directions and Compass

TOPOGRAPHY

C Natural Features

D Cultural Features

E Landmarks

F Ports

G Topographic Terms

HYDROGRAPHY

H Tides and Currents

I Depths

J Nature of the Seabed

K Rocks, Wrecks and Obstructions

L Offshore Installations

M Tracks and Routes

N Areas and Limits

O Hydrographic Terms

NAVIGATION AIDS AND SERVICES

P Lights

Q Buoys and Beacons

R Fog Signals

S Radar, Radio and Satellite Navigation Systems

T Services

U Small Craft (Leisure) Facilities

INDEXES

V Index of Abbreviations

W International Abbreviations

X Index

APPENDIX

1 IALA
4

INTRODUCTION

Purpose - The 11th edition of U. S. Chart No. 1, Nautical Chart Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms presents the

symbols depicted on paper nautical charts produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), as well as digital raster representations of those

charts, such as Raster Nautical Charts (RNC®). This document also shows the symbols described in the

Regulations of the IHO for International (INT) Charts and Chart Specifications of the IHO published by the

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which are portrayed in the three official language versions of

International Chart 1 (INT 1).

Electronic Charts - The symbols and abbreviations displayed on navigation systems portraying NOAA-produced

Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENC®) or NGA-produced Digital Nautical Charts (DNC®) are quite similar to

those used on paper charts for some features, but different for others. This document is not intended as a reference

for the use of these vector-based products.

Change in Column Order - Previous editions of U.S. Chart No. 1 showed U.S. symbology on the left side of the

page and INT 1 symbology in the second column from the right. This edition of Chart No. 1 has reversed the order.

INT 1 symbols now appear in the second column from the left, after the symbol number. Any variations from INT 1

symbology that are used on charts produced by NOAA or NGA are shown in the NOAA, NGA and the “NGA

reproduction of foreign charts” columns (columns 4, 5, and 6 respectively).

When columns 4 and 5 are combined, this indicates that NOAA and NGA use the same symbol for that particular

feature. When any of columns 4, 5, or 6 are blank, then the INT 1 symbol has been adopted for use by the

organization for which that column applies. The schematic layout following this introduction shows a typical symbol

table page and describes the table headers and the types of information presented in each of the columns.

Sample Chart Layouts – Section A presents two schematics showing typical layouts of the major elements of

NOAA and NGA charts.

Soundings - The sounding datum reference is stated in the chart title. Soundings on NOAA and NGA charts may be

shown in fathoms, feet, fathoms and feet, fathoms and fractions, or meters and decimeters. In all cases the unit of

depth used is shown in the chart title and outside the border of the chart in bold type. (See item Ab in Section A.)

Heights - Heights of lights, landmarks, structures, etc. refer to the shoreline plane of reference. The unit of height is

shown in the chart title. When the elevations of islets or bare rocks are offset into the adjacent water, they are shown

in parentheses. 

Drying Heights - For rocks and banks that cover and uncover, elevations are underlined and are referenced to the

sounding datum as stated in the chart title. When the heights of rocks that cover and uncover are offset into the

adjacent water, they are shown in parentheses. 

Shoreline - Shoreline shown on charts represents the line of contact between the land and a selected water

elevation. In areas affected by tidal fluctuation, this line of contact is usually the mean high-water line. In confined

coastal waters of diminished tidal influence, a mean water level may be used. The shoreline of interior waters

(rivers, lakes) is usually a line representing a specified elevation above a selected datum. Shoreline is symbolized

by a heavy line (symbol C1). Apparent shoreline is depicted on charts to show the outer edge of marine vegetation

where the shoreline limit would be expected to appear to the observer, or where it prevents the shoreline from being

clearly defined. Apparent shoreline is symbolized by a lighter line (symbols C32, C33, Ca, Cq and Cr). 
5

Landmarks - A structure or a conspicuous feature on a structure may be shown by a landmark symbol with a

descriptive label (see Section E). Prominent buildings that could assist the navigator may be shown by actual shape

as viewed from above (see Sections D and E). On NGA charts, a landmark legend that is shown in capital letters

indicates that the landmark is conspicuous; the landmark may also be labeled “CONSPICUOUS” or “CONSPIC.” On

NOAA charts, all landmarks are considered to be conspicuous, and landmark legends shown in all capital letters

indicate the landmark has been positioned accurately; legends using both upper and lower case letters indicate an

approximate position.

IALA Buoyage System - The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

(IALA) Maritime Buoyage System is followed by most of the world’s maritime nations; however systems used in

some foreign waters may be different. IALA buoyage is divided into two regions: Region A and Region B. All

navigable waters of the United States follow IALA Region B rules, except U.S. possessions west of the International

Date Line and south of 10° north latitude, which follow IALA Region A. 

The major difference in the two buoyage Regions is the color of the lateral marks. Region A uses red-to-port

marks and Region B uses red-to-starboard marks when entering from seaward. The shapes of lateral marks,

however, are the same in both Regions: can to port and cone (nun) to starboard, when entering from seaward.

Cardinal and other marks, such as isolated danger marks, safe water marks, and special marks are also the same in

both Regions. Section Q and Appendix 1 illustrate the IALA Buoyage System for both Regions A and B. 

U.S. Lateral Marks - Most of U.S. waters lie withing IALA Region B. In the U.S. system, on entering a channel from

seaward, buoys and beacon dayboards on the starboard side are red with even numbers and have red lights, if lit.

Buoys and beacon dayboards on the port side are green with odd numbers and have green lights, if lit. Preferred

channel buoys have red and green horizontal bands with the top band color indicating the preferred side of passage. 

Light Range (Visibility) - A light’s range or visibility is given in nautical miles, except on the Great Lakes and

adjacent waterways, where light ranges are given in statute miles. For lights having more than one color, NOAA

charts give only the shortest range of all the colors. On NGA charts, multiple ranges may be shown using the

following convention. For lights with two colors, the first number indicates the range of the first color and the second

number indicates the range of the second color. For example, Fl WG 12/8M indicates that the range of the white light

is 12 nautical miles and the range of green light is 8 nautical miles. For lights with three colors, only the longest and

shortest ranges are given. For example, Fl WRG 12-8M indicates that the range of the white light is 12 nautical miles,

the range of green light is 8 nautical miles, and the range of the red light is somewhere between 8 and 12 nautical

miles..

Positioning of Aids to Navigation - The fixed and floating aids to navigation depicted on charts have varying

degrees of reliability. Floating aids are moored to sinkers by varying lengths of chain and may shift due to sea

conditions and other causes. Buoys may also be carried away, capsized or sunk. Lighted buoys may be

extinguished and sound signals may not function, because of ice or other causes. Therefore, prudent mariners will

not rely solely on any single aid to navigation, particularly on floating aids, but will also use bearings from fixed

objects and aids to navigation on shore.
6

Colors - Color conveys the nature and importance of features found on nautical charts. Chart elements significant to

marine navigation, such as lights, compass roses and regulated areas, are emphasized with magenta. Lateral

marks on NOAA charts are shown with a red or green fill. Shades of blue depict potential hazards to navigation,

typically shallow water and submerged obstructions. Areas of deeper water believed to be clear of obstructions are

shown as white. Land, and other features that are always dry, are depicted with buff on NOAA charts and gray on

NGA charts. Foreshore and other intertidal features are portrayed with a green tint. Other colors may be used to

provide additional information, such as protected areas, which are outlined in blue or green and mineral lease

blocks, which are outlined in red. 

Traffic Separation Schemes - Traffic separation schemes show recommended vessel traffic lanes to increase

safety of navigation, particularly in areas of high-density shipping. These schemes are described in the International

Maritime Organization (IMO) publication Ships’ Routeing. Traffic separation schemes are generally shown on

nautical charts at scales of 1:600,000 and larger. When possible, traffic separation schemes are plotted to scale and

shown as depicted in Section M. 

Conversion Scales - Depth conversion scales are provided on all charts to enable the user to work in meters,

fathoms or feet.

Correction Date - The date of each new chart edition is shown below the lower left border of the chart. The date of

the latest NGA-issued U.S. Notice to Mariners applied to the chart is shown after the edition date. NOAA charts

include the date of the latest U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners applied to the chart.

Additional Resources - Information about the use of nautical charts, aids to navigation, sounding datum, and the

general practice of navigation can be found in The American Practical Navigator, available via the “Publications”

hyperlink at http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal.

Tide and tidal current data in U.S. waters is available from the NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic

Products and Services at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov.

Detailed information about specific lights, buoys, and beacons located in United States waters, and general

information about the U.S. Aids to Navigation System and the Uniform State Waterway Marking Systems is

published in the U.S. Coast Guard Light List, available at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightLists.

Information about lighted and radio aids to navigation located in waters outside of the United States is published in

the NGA List of Lights, available via the “Publications” hyperlink at http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal.

Other important information that cannot be shown conveniently on nautical charts can be found in the NOAA U.S.

Coast Pilot® publications, available at http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/chartspubs.html, or in the NGA

Sailing Directions publications, available via the “Publications” hyperlink at http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal.

U.S. Nautical Chart Catalogs and Indexes - These catalogs list nautical charts, auxiliary maps, and related

publications. They include general information relative to the use and ordering of nautical products. NOAA catalogs

are available at http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/ccatalogs.htm. NGA product catalog entries are available

as a searchable database via the “Product Catalog” hyperlink at http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal.
7

Corrections and Comments - Notices of corrections to this publication are published in the U.S. Notice to

Mariners, available via the “Notice to Mariners” hyperlink at http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal.

Users should refer corrections, additions and comments to the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service 24-hour

Watch Desk, toll free: 1-800-362-6289, commercial: 571-547-5455, DSN: 547-5455, e-mail: navsafety@nga.mil or

mcdpubs@nga.mil, or by mail to:

Maritime Safety Office

Mail Stop N64-SH

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

7500 GEOINT Drive

Springfield, VA 22150-7500
8

Schematic Layout of Chart No.1:

Section

Section designation

Sub-section

Reference to “Supplementary national symbols” at the end of each section

Cross-reference to terms in other sections

Column 1: Numbering system following the “Chart Specification of the IHO”. A letter in this column indicates a supplementary national 

symbol or abbreviation for which there is no international equivalent

Column 2: Representation of symbols that follow the “Chart Specifications of the IHO”

Column 3: Description of symbols, term, or abbreviation

Column 4: Representation used on charts produced by the National Ocean Service (NOS), if different from column 2. In certain 

instances, the representation is clarified by a label on the chart

Column 5: Representation used on charts produced by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)

Note: When NOS and NGA symbols are identical, their columns are combined

Column 6: Representation of symbols that may appear on NGA reproductions of foreign charts
9

A Chart Number, Title and Marginal Notes

Magnetic Features  B Tidal Data  H Satellite Navigation Systems  S

Chart number in national chart series

Chart number in International (INT) chart series

Chart datum
10

A Chart Number, Title and Marginal Notes

Publication note (imprint)

Copyright note

Edition note

Notice to Mariners corrections

Dimensions of inner borders

Corner coordinates

Chart title

Explanatory notes on chart construction, etc. To be read before using chart

Seal(s)

Scale of chart. Some charts have scale at a stated latitude

Linear scale on large-scale charts

Linear border scale on large-scale charts. On smaller scales use latitude borders for sea miles

Cautionary notes (if any), Information on particular features, to be read before using chart

Source Diagram (if any). The source Diagram should be studied before using the chart in order to assess the reliability of the sources. 

Navigators should be cautious where surveys are inadequate

Reference to a larger-scale chart

Reference to an adjoining chart of similar scale

Instruction to refer to complementary nautical publications

Conversion Scales.

Reference to the units used for depth measurement

Compass Rose

Bar code and stock number

Glossary: Translation of words on chart that are not in English

Identification of a latticed chart (if any)

Tidal and Tidal Stream information within the chart coverage
11

A Chart Number, Title and Marginal Notes

Magnetic Features  B Tidal Data  H Satellite Navigation Systems  S

Chart number in national chart series

Chart number in International (INT) chart series

Chart datum
12

A Chart Number, Title and Marginal Notes

Publication note (imprint)

Copyright note

Edition note

Notice to Mariners corrections

Dimensions of inner borders

Corner coordinates

Chart title

Explanatory notes on chart construction, etc. To be read before using chart

Seal(s)

Scale of chart. Some charts have scale at a stated latitude

Linear scale on large-scale charts

Linear border scale on large-scale charts. On smaller scales use latitude borders for sea miles

Cautionary notes (if any), Information on particular features, to be read before using chart

Source Diagram (if any). The source Diagram should be studied before using the chart in order to assess the reliability of the sources. 

Navigators should be cautious where surveys are inadequate

Reference to a larger-scale chart

Reference to an adjoining chart of similar scale

Instruction to refer to complementary nautical publications

Conversion Scales.

Reference to the units used for depth measurement

Compass Rose

Bar code and stock number

Glossary: Translation of words on chart that are not in English

Identification of a latticed chart (if any)

Tidal and Tidal Stream information within the chart coverage
13

B Positions, Distances, Directions and Compass

Geographical Positions

1 Lat Latitude

2 Long Longitude

3 International Meridian 

(Greenwich)

4 Degree(s)

5 Minute(s) of arc

6 Second(s) of arc

7 PA Position approximate PA (PA)

8 PD Position doubtful PD (PD)

9 N North

10 E East

11 S South

12 W West

13 NE Northeast

14 SE Southeast

15 NW Northwest

16 SW Southwest

Control Points

20 Triangulation point

21 Observation spot

22 Fixed point

23 Benchmark

24 Boundary mark

25.1 Distance along waterway, no 

visible marker

25.2 Distance along waterway, with 

visible marker

Symbolized Positions (Examples)

30 Symbols in plan: position is 

center of primary symbol
14

B Positions, Distances, Directions and Compass

31 Symbols in profile: position is at 

bottom of symbol

32 Point symbols: accurate 

positions

33 Approximate position

Units Supplementary national symbols: a – m

40 km Kilometer(s)

41 m Meter(s)

42 dm Decimeter(s)

43 cm Centimeter(s)

44 mm Millimeter(s)

45 M International nautical mile(s) or, 

sea mile(s) (1852m) 

Mi NMi NM

46 Cable (0.1M) cbl

47 ft Foot/Feet

48 Fathom(s) fm

49 h Hour hr

50 m min Minute(s) of time

51 s sec Second(s) of time

52 kn Knot(s)

53 t Tonne(s), Ton(s) Tonnage 

(weight)

54 cd Candela

Magnetic Compass Supplementary national symbols: n

60 Variation var VAR

61 Magnetic mag

62 Bearing brg

63 True T

64 Decreasing

65 Increasing

66 Annual change

67 Deviation dev
15

B Positions, Distances, Directions and Compass

68.1 Note of magnetic variation, in 

position

68.2 Note of magnetic variation, out of 

position

70

Compass rose, normal pattern (smaller patterns of compass rose may be used)

Magnetic variation (example): on magnetic north arrow

VAR 4o15’W (2011) means Magnetic Variation was 4o15’W in 2011

ANNUAL CHANGE 8’W means annual change is 8’E or decreasing 8’ annually
16

B Positions, Distances, Directions and Compass

71 Isogonic lines, Isogonals

82.1

Local magnetic anomaly:

Within the enclosed area the 

magnetic variation may 

deviate from the normal by 

the value shown

82.2

Local magnetic anomaly:

Where the area affected 

cannot be easily defined, a 

legend only is shown at the 

position

Supplementary National Symbols

a Square meter

b Cubic meter

c Inch(es) in

d Yard(s) yd

e Statute mile St M St Mi

f Microsecond(s)

g Hertz Hz

h Kilohertz kHz

i Megahertz MHz

j Cycles/second cps c/s

k Kilocycle kc

l Megacycle Mc

m Ton(s) (U.S. short ton) (2,000lbs) T

n Degree(s) deg
17

C Natural Features

Coastline Supplementary national symbols: a – d, p – t

Foreshore  I, J

1 Coastline, surveyed

2 Coastline, unsurveyed

3 Cliffs, Steep coast, Steep coast 

with rock cliffs

4 Hillocks

5 Flat coast

6 Sandy shore

7 Stony shore, Shingly shore

8 Sandhills, Dunes
18

C Natural Features

Relief Supplementary national symbols: e – g

Plane of reference for heights  H

10 Contour lines with values and 

spot height

11 Spot heights

12 Approximate contour lines with 

values and approximate height

13 Form lines with spot height

14 Approximate height of top of 

trees (above height datum)

Water Features, Lava Supplementary national symbols: h

20 River, Stream

21 Intermittent river

22 Rapids, Waterfalls

23 Lakes

24 Salt pans
19

C Natural Features

25 Glacier

26 Lava flow

Vegetation Supplementary national symbols: i - o

30 Woods in general

31 Prominent trees (isolated or in groups)

31.1 Deciduous tree

31.2 Evergreen (except conifer)

31.3 Conifer

31.4 Palm

31.5 Nipa Palm

31.6 Casuarina

31.7 Filao

31.8 Eucalypt

32 Mangrove

33 Marsh, Swamp, Reed beds
20

C Natural Features

Supplementary National Symbols

a Chart sounding datum line 

(surveyed)

b Approximate sounding datum line 

(inadequately surveyed)

c

Foreshore; Strand (in general) 

Stones; Shingle; Gravel; Mud; 

Sand

d Breakers along a shore

e Rubble

f Hachures

g Shading

h Lagoon

i Deciduous woodland
21

C Natural Features

j Coniferous woodland

k Tree plantation

l Cultivated fields

m Grassfields

n Paddy (rice) fields

o Bushes

p Apparent Shoreline

q Vegetation or topographic 

(Feature Area Limit- in general)

r Cypress

s Grass

t Eelgrass
22

D Cultural Features

Settlements, Buildings

Height of objects  E Landmarks  E

1 Urban area

2 Settlement with scattered 

buildings

3 Settlement (on medium and 

small-scale charts)

4 Village

5 Buildings

6 Important building in built-up 

area

7 Street name, Road name

8 Ruin, Ruined landmark

Roads, Railways, Airfield Supplementary National Symbols: a – c

10 Motorway

11 Road (hard surfaced)

12 Track, Path (loose or 

unsurfaced)
23

D Cultural Features

13 Railway, with station

14 Cutting

15 Embankment

16 Tunnel

17 Airport, Airfield

Other Cultural Features Supplementary National Symbols: d - i

20 Vertical clearance above High 

Water

21 Horizontal clearance

22 Fixed bridge with vertical 

clearance

23.1 Opening bridge (in general) with 

vertical clearance

23.2 Swing bridge with vertical 

clearance

23.3 Lifting bridge with vertical 

clearance (closed and open)
24

D Cultural Features

23.4 Bascule bridge with vertical 

clearance

23.5 Pontoon bridge

23.6 Draw bridge with vertical 

clearance

24 Transporter bridge, with vertical 

clearance below fixed structure

25 Overhead transporter, Aerial 

cableway with vertical 

clearance

26

Overhead power cable with 

pylons and safe vertical 

clearance

Note: The safe vertical clearance above the height datum as defined by the responsible authority is given in magenta where known; 

otherwise the physical vertical clearance is shown in black, as in D 20, for the lowest wires (also see diagram at H 20)

27 Overhead cable, Telephone line, 

Telegraph line with vertical 

clearance

28 Overhead pipe with vertical 

clearance

29 Pipeline on land
25

D Cultural Features

Supplementary National Symbols

a Highway markers

b Railway (Ry)

(single or double track)

Railroad (RR)

c Abandoned railroad

d Bridge under construction

e Footbridge

f Viaduct

g Fence

h Power transmission line

i Approximate vertical clearance
26

E Landmarks

Plane of reference for Height  H Lighthouses  P Beacons  Q

General

1 Examples of landmarks

2

Examples of conspicuous 

landmarks (On NOAA charts, a 

large circle with dot and capitals 

indicate that position is accurate, 

small circle and lowercase 

indicates position is 

approximate)

3.1 Pictorial sketches (in true 

position)

3.2 Pictorial sketches (out of 

position)

4 Height of top of a structure 

above height datum

5 Height of structure above ground 

level

Landmarks

10.1 Church

10.2 Church tower

10.3 Church spire

10.4 Church cupola

11 Chapel

12 Cross, Calvary

13 Temple

14 Pagoda

15 Shinto shrine, Joss house

16 Buddhist temple or shrine
27

E Landmarks

17 Mosque, Minaret

18 Marabout

19 Cemetery

20 Tower

21 Water tower, Water tank on a 

tower

22 Chimney

23 Flare stack (on land)

24 Monument (including column, 

pillar, obelisk, statue)

25.1 Windmill

25.2 Windmill (without sails)

26.1 Wind turbine, Windmotor

26.2 Wind farm

27 Flagstaff, Flagpole

28 Radio mast, Television mast

29 Radio tower, Television tower

30.1 Radar mast

30.2 Radar tower

30.3 Radar scanner
28

E Landmarks

30.4 Radar dome

31 Dish aerial

32 Tanks

33 Silo

34.1 Fortified structure (on large-scale 

charts)

34.2 Castle, Fort, Blockhouse (on 

smaller-scale charts)

34.3 Battery, Small fort (on smallerscale charts)

35.1 Quarry (on large-scale charts)

35.2 Quarry (on smaller-scale charts)

36 Mine

37.1 Recreational vehicle site

37.2 Camping site (including 

recreational vehicles)

Supplementary National Symbols

a Muslim shrine

b Tomb

c Watermill

d Factory

e Well

f School

g Hospital
29

E Landmarks

h University

i Gable

k Telegraph 

Telegraph office

Tel

Tel Off

l Magazine Magz

m Government house Govt Ho

n Institute Inst

o Courthouse Ct Ho

p Pavilion Pav

q Telephone T

r Limited Ltd

s Apartment Apt

t Capitol Cap

u Company Co

v Corporation Corp
30

F Ports

Protection Structures Supplementary national symbols: a – c

1 Dyke, Levee, Berm

2.1 Seawall (on large-scale 

charts)

2.2 Seawall (on smaller-scale 

charts)

3 Causeway

4.1 Breakwater (in general)

4.2 Breakwater (loose boulders, 

tetrapods, etc.)

4.3 Breakwater (slope of concrete 

or masonry)

5 Training wall (partly 

submerged at high water)
31

F Ports

6.1 Groin (always dry)

6.2 Groin (intertidal)

6.3 Groin (always under water)

Harbor Installations

Depths  I Anchorages, Limits  N Beacons and other fixed marks  Q Marina  U

10 Fishing harbor

11.1 Boat harbor, Marina

11.2 Yacht berths without facilities

11.3 Yacht club, Sailing club

12 Mole (with berthing facility)

13 Quay, Wharf

14 Pier, Jetty

15 Promenade pier

16 Pontoon

17 Landing for boats

18 Steps, Landing stairs
32

F Ports

19.1 Designation of berth

19.2 Visitors’ berth

20 Dolphin

21 Deviation dolphin

22 Minor post or pile

23 Slipway, Patent slip, Ramp

24 Gridiron, Scrubbing grid

25 Dry dock, Graving dock

26 Floating dock

27 Non-tidal basin, Wet dock

28 Tidal basin, Tidal harbor

29.1 Floating barrier, e.g. oil 

barrier, security barrier
33

F Ports

29.2 Oil retention barrier (high 

pressure pipe)

30 Works on land, with year date

31 Works at sea, Area under 

reclamation, with year date

32 Under construction (2009)

Works in progress (2009)

Works under construction, 

with year date

33.1 Ruin

33.2 Ruined pier, partly submerged 

at high water

34 Hulk

Canals, Barrages Supplementary national symbol: d

Clearances  D Signal Stations  T Distance Marks  B

40 Canal

41.1 Lock (on large-scale charts)

41.2 Lock (on smaller-scale charts)

42 Caisson, Gate

43 Flood barrage

44 Dam, Weir (direction of flow)
34

F Ports

Transhipment Facilities Supplementary national symbols: g

Roads  D Railways  D Tanks  E

50 Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) Ferry 

Terminal

51 Transit shed, Warehouse 

(with designation)

52 Timber yard

53.1 Crane with lifting capacity, 

Traveling crane (on railway)

53.2 Container crane (with lifting 

capacity)

53.3 Sheerlegs (conspicuous)

Public Buildings Supplementary national symbol: e – f

60 Harbormaster’s office

61 Custom office

62.1 Health office, Quarantine 

building

62.2 Hospital

63 Post office
35

F Ports

Supplementary National Symbols

a Jetty (partly below MHW)

b Submerged jetty

c Jetty (on smaller-scale charts)

d Mooring Canal

e Quarantine office

f Pump-out facilities

g Conveyor
36

G Topographic Terms

Coast

1 Island 8 Head, Headland

2 Islet 9 Point

3 Cay 10 Spit

4 Peninsula 11 Rock

5 Archipelago 12 Salt marsh, Saltings

6 Atoll 13 Lagoon

7 Cape

Natural Inland Features

20 Promontory 30 Plateau

21 Range 31 Valley

22 Ridge 32 Ravine, Cut

23 Mountain, Mount 33 Gorge

24 Summit 34 Vegetation

25 Peak 35 Grassland

26 Volcano 36 Paddy field

27 Hill 37 Bushes

28 Boulder 38 Deciduous woodland

29 Table-land, Tableland 39 Coniferous woodland

Settlements

50 City, Town 53 Farm

51 Village 54 Saint

52 Fishing village

Buildings

60 Structure 74 Institute

61 House 75 Cathedral

62 Hut 76 Monastery, Convent

63 Multi-story building 77 Lookout station, Watch tower

64 Castle 78 Navigation school

65 Pyramid 79 Naval college

66 Column 80 Factory

67 Mast 81 Brick kiln, Brick works

68 Lattice tower 82 Cement works

69 Mooring mast 83 Water mill

70 Floodlight 84 Greenhouse

71 Town hall 85 Warehouse, Storehouse

72 Office 86 Cold store, Refrigerating storage 

73 Observatory 87 Refinery
37

G Topographic Terms

88 Power station 94 Well

89 Electric works 95 Telegraph office

90 Gas works 96 Hotel

91 Water works 97 Sailors’ home

92 Sewage works 98 Spa hotel

93 Machine house, Pump house

Road, Rail and Air Traffic

110 Street, Road 115 Footbridge

111 Avenue 116 Runway

112 Tramway 117 Landing lights

113 Viaduct 118 Helicopter landing site

114 Suspension bridge

Ports, Harbors

130 Tidal barrier 144 Customs harbor

131 Boat lift, Slip lift, Hoist 145 Naval port

132 Minor canal 146 Industrial harbor

133 Sluice 147 Commercial port, Trade port

134 Basin 148 Building harbor

135 Reservoir 149 Oil harbor

136 Reclamation area 150 Ore harbor

137 Port 151 Grain harbor

138 Harbor 152 Container harbor

139 Haven 153 Timber harbor

140 Inner harbor 154 Coal harbor

141 Outer harbor 155 Ferry harbor

142 Deep water harbor 156 Police

143 Free port

Harbor Installations

170 Terminal 180 Row of piles

171 Building slip 181 Bollard

172 Building yard 182 Conveyor

173 Buoy yard, Buoy dump 183 Storage tanker

174 Bunker station 184 Lighter Aboard Ship- LASH

175 Reception facilities for oily wastes 185 Liquified Natural Gas- LNG

176 Tanker cleaning facilities 186 Liquified Petroleum Gas- LPG

177 Cooling water intake/outfall 187 Very Large Crude Carrier- VLCC

178 Floating barrier boom 188 Ultra Large Crude Carrier- ULCC

179 Piling 189 Shipyard
38

H Tides and Currents

Terms Relating to Tidal Levels Supplementary national symbols: a – i

1 CD Chart Datum, Datum for sounding reduction

2 LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide

3 HAT Highest Astronomical Tide

4 MLW Mean Low Water

5 MHW Mean High Water

6 MSL Mean Sea Level

7 Height datum, Land survey datum

8 MLWS Mean Low Water Springs

9 MHWS Mean High Water Springs

10 MLWN Mean Low Water Neaps

11 MHWN Mean High Water Neaps

12 MLLW Mean Lower Low Water

13 MHHW Mean Higher High Water

14 MHLW Mean Higher Low Water

15 MLHW Mean Lower High Water

16 Sp Spring tide

17 Np Neap tide

Tidal Levels and Charted Data Tide Gauge  T

20
39

H Tides and Currents

Tide Tables

30

Tabular 

statement of 

semi-diurnal or 

diurnal tides

Note: The order 

of the columns of 

levels will be the 

same as that 

used in national 

tables of tidal 

predictions

31 Tidal stream table

Tidal Streams and Currents Supplementary national symbols: m – u

Breakers  K Tide Gauge  T 

40 Flood tide stream with rate

41 Ebb tide stream

42 Current in restricted waters

43 Ocean current with rates and 

seasons

44 Overfalls, tide rips, races

45 Eddies

46 Position of tabulated tidal 

stream data with designation

47 Offshore position for which 

tidal levels are tabulated
40

H Tides and Currents

Supplementary National Symbols

a High Water HW

b Higher High Water HHW

c Low Water LW

d Low-Water Datum LWD

e Lower Low Water LLW

f Mean Tide Level MTL

g Indian Spring Low Water ISLW

h High-Water full and change 

(Vulgar establishment of the 

port)

HWF&C

i Low-Water full and change LWF&C

j Columbia River Datum CRD

k Gulf Coast Low Water Datum GCLWD

l Stream Str

m Current, general, with rate

n Velocity, Rate vel

o Knots kn

p Height ht

q Flood fl

r New moon

s Full moon

t Current diagram

u Gulf Stream Limits
41

I Depths

General

1 ED Existence doubtful

2 SD Sounding of doubtful depth

3.1 Rep Reported, but not confirmed

3.2 Rep(2011) Reported (with year of report), 

but not confirmed

4 Reported, but not confirmed 

sounding or danger 

(on small-scale charts only)

Soundings Supplementary national symbols: a – c

Plane of Reference for Depths  H Plane of Reference for Heights  H 

10

Sounding in true position 

(NOAA uses upright 

soundings on English unit 

charts and sloping soundings 

on Metric charts)

11 Sounding out of position

12 Least depth in narrow 

channel

13 No bottom found at depth 

shown

14

Soundings which are 

unreliable or taken from a 

smaller scale source (NOAA 

uses sloping soundings on 

English unit charts and 

upright soundings on Metric 

charts)

15 Drying heights and contours 

above chart datum

16 Natural watercourse (in 

intertidal area), tidal gully, 

tideway

Depths in Fairways and Areas Supplementary national symbols: a, b

Plane of Reference for Depths  H

20 Limit of dredged area
42

I Depths

21 Dredged channel or area with 

depth of dredging in meters 

and decimeters

22 Dredged channel or area with 

depth and year of the latest 

control survey

23 Dredged channel or area with 

maintained depth

24

Area swept by wire drag. The 

depth is shown at Chart 

Datum (The latest date of 

sweeping is shown in 

parentheses)

25 Unsurveyed or inadequately 

surveyed area; area with 

inadequate depth information
43

I Depths

Depth Contours

30

31 Approximate depth contours

Supplementary National Symbols

a Swept channel

b

Swept area, not adequately 

sounded 

(shown by purple or green 

tint)

c Stream
44

J Nature of the Seabed

Types of Seabed Supplementary national abbreviations: a – ag

Rocks  K

1 S Sand

2 M Mud

3 Cy Clay

4 Si Silt

5 St Stones

6 G Gravel

7 P Pebbles

8 Cb Cobbles

9.1 R Rock; Rocky Rk; rky

9.2 Bo Boulders Blds

10 Co Coral, Coralline algea

11 Sh Shells (skeletal remains)

12.1 S/M Two layers, e.g. sand over 

mud

12.2 fS.M.Sh

The main constituent is given 

first for mixtures, e.g. fine 

sand with mud and shells

f S M Sh

13.1 Wd Weed (including kelp)

13.2 Kelp, Weed

14 Sandwaves

15 Spring in seabed

Types of Seabed, Intertidal Areas

20 Areas with stones and gravel

21 Rocky area, which covers and 

uncovers

22 Coral reef, which covers and 

uncovers
45

J Nature of the Seabed

Qualifying Terms Supplementary national symbols: ah – bf

30 f Fine

Note: J 30-32 to be 

used only in relation 

to sand

31 m Medium

32 c Coarse

33 bk Broken

34 sy Sticky

35 so Soft

36 sf Stiff

37 v Volcanic vol

38 ca Calcareous Ca

39 h Hard

Supplementary National Abbreviations

a Ground Grd

b Ooze Oz

c Marl Ml

d Shingle Sn

f Chalk Ck

g Quartz Qz

h Schist Sch

i Coral head Co Hd

j Madrepores Mds

k Volcanic ash Vol Ash

l Lava La

m Pumice Pm

n Tufa T

o Scoriae Sc

p Cinders Cn

q Manganese Mn

r Oysters Oys

s Mussels Ms

t Sponge Spg

u Kelp K

v Grass Grs

w Sea-tangle Stg

x Spicules Spi

y Foraminifera Fr

z Globigerina Gl

aa Diatoms Di

ab Radiolaria Rd

ac Pteropods Pt
46

J Nature of the Seabed

ad Polyzoa Po

ae Cirripedia Cir

af Fucus Fu

ag Mattes Ma

ah Small sml

ai Large lrg

aj Rotten rt

ak Streaky str

al Speckled spk

am Gritty gty

an Decayed dec

ao Flinty fly

ap Glacial glac

aq Tenacious ten

ar White wh

as Black bl; bk

at Violet vi

au Blue bu

av Green gn

aw Yellow yl

ax Orange or

ay Red rd

az Brown br

ba Chocolate ch

bb Gray gy

bc Light lt

bd Dark dk

be Varied vard

bf Uneven unev
47

K Rocks, Wrecks and Obstructions

General

1

Danger line: A danger line 

draws attention to a danger 

which would not stand out 

clearly enough if 

represented solely by its 

symbol (e.g. isolated rock) or 

delimits an area containing 

numerous dangers, through 

which it is unsafe to navigate

2 Swept by wire drag or diver

3 Depth unknown, but 

estimated to have a safe 

clearance to the depth shown

Rocks

Plane of Reference for Heights  H Plane of Reference for Depths  H

10 Rock (islet) which does not 

cover, height above height 

datum

11

Rock which covers and 

uncovers, height above chart 

datum

12 Rock awash at the level of 

chart datum

13

Underwater rock of unknown 

depth, dangerous to surface 

navigation

14.1

Underwater rock of known 

depth inside the 

corresponding depth area

14.2

Underwater rock of known 

depth outside the 

corresponding depth area, 

dangerous to surface 

navigation

15 Underwater rock of known 

depth, not dangerous to 

surface navigation
48

K Rocks, Wrecks and Obstructions

16 Coral reef which is always 

covered

17 Breakers

Wrecks and Fouls Supplementary national symbols: c

Plane of Reference for Depths  H

20 Wreck, never covers, on largescale charts

21 Wreck, covers and uncovers, 

on large-scale charts

22 Submerged wreck, depth 

known, on large-scale charts

23 Submerged wreck, depth 

unknown, on large-scale 

charts

24 Wreck showing any portion of 

hull or superstructure at level 

of Chart Datum

25 Wreck of which the mast(s) 

only are visible at Chart Datum

26 Wreck, least depth known by 

sounding only

27 Wreck, least depth known, 

swept by wire drag or diver

28 Dangerous wreck, depth 

unknown

29 Sunken wreck, not dangerous 

to surface navigation

30 Wreck, least depth unknown, 

but considered to have a safe 

clearance to the depth shown

31

Foul ground, non-dangerous 

to navigation but to be avoided 

by vessels anchoring, trawling, 

etc. (e.g. remains of wreck, 

cleared platform)
49

K Rocks, Wrecks and Obstructions

Obstructions and Aquaculture

Plane of Reference for Depths  H Kelp, Seaweed  J Underwater Installations  L

40 Obstruction, depth unknown

41 Obstruction, least depth 

known by sounding only

42 Obstruction, least depth 

known, swept by wire drag or 

diver

43.1 Stumps of posts or piles, 

wholly submerged

43.2 Submerged pile, stake, snag, 

or stump (with exact position)

44.1 Fishing stakes

44.2 Fish trap, Fish weir, Tunny 

nets

45 Fish trap area, Tunny nets 

area

46.1 Fish haven

46.2 Fish haven with minimum 

depth

47 Shellfish beds

48.1 Marine farm (on large-scale 

charts)

48.2 Marine farm (on small-scale 

charts)
50

K Rocks, Wrecks and Obstructions

Supplementary National Symbols

a Rock awash (height unknown)

b Shoal sounding on isolated 

rock or rocks

c Sunken wreck covered 20 to 

30 meters

d Submarine volcano

e Discolored water

f Sunken danger with depth 

cleared (swept) by wire drag

g Reef of unknown extent Reef

h Coral reef, detached 

(uncovers at sounding datum)

i Submerged crib

j Crib, duck blind (above water)

k Submerged duck blind

l Submerged platform

m Coral reef which covers and 

uncovers

n Sinkers

o

Foul area, foul with rocks or 

wreckage, dangerous to 

navigation

p Unexploded ordnance

q Float

r Stumps of posts or piles, which 

cover and uncover
51

L Offshore Installations

General

Areas and Limits  N

1 Name of oilfield or gasfield

2 Platform with designation/

name 

3 Limit of safety zone around 

offshore installation

4 Limit of development area

5.1

Wind turbine, floating wind 

turbine, vertical clearance 

under blade

5.2

Wind farm

Wind farm (floating)

6 Wave farm

Platforms and Moorings

Mooring Buoys  Q

10 Production platform, Platform, 

Oil derrick

11 Flare stack (at sea)

12

Single Point Mooring (SPM), 

including Single Anchor Leg 

Mooring (SALM), Articulated 

Loading Column (ALC)

13 Observation/research platform 

(with name)

14 Disused platform with 

superstructure removed

15 Artificial island
52

L Offshore Installations

16

Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), 

Oil or gas installation buoy, 

Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring 

(CALM)

17 Moored storage tanker

18 Mooring ground tackle

Underwater Installations Supplementary national symbol: a

Plane of Reference for Depths  H Obstructions  K

20 Submerged production well

21.1 Suspended well, depth over 

wellhead unknown

21.2 Suspended well, with depth 

over wellhead

21.3 Wellhead with height above 

the sea floor

22 Site of cleared platform

23 Above-water wellhead (lit or 

unlit)

24 Underwater turbine

25 Subsurface Ocean(ographic) 

Data Acquisition System 

(ODAS)

Submarine Cables

30.1 Submarine cable

30.2 Submarine cable area

31.1 Submarine power cable

31.2 Submarine power cable area

32 Disused submarine cable
53

L Offshore Installations

Submarine Pipelines

40.1 Supply pipeline: unspecified, 

oil, gas, chemicals, water

40.2 Supply pipeline area: 

unspecified, oil, gas, chemicals, 

water

41.1 Outfall and intake: unspecified, 

water, sewer, outfall, intake

41.2

Outfall and intake area: 

unspecified, water, sewer, 

outfall, intake

42.1 Buried pipeline pipe (with 

nominal depth to which buried)

42.2 Pipeline Tunnel

43 Potable Water intake, diffuser, 

or crib

44 Disused pipeline/pipe

Supplementary National Symbols

a Submerged well (buoyed)
54

M Tracks and Routes

Tracks Supplementary national symbols: a – c

Tracks Marked by Lights  P Leading Beacons  Q

1

Leading line (solid line is the 

track to be followed, , means 

“in line”)

2 Transit (other than leading line), 

clearing line

3 Recommended track based on a 

system of fixed marks

4 Recommended track not based 

on a system of fixed marks

5.1

One-way track and DW track 

based on a system of fixed 

marks

5.2

One-way track and DW track not 

based on a system of fixed 

marks

6

Recommended track with 

maximum authorized draft 

stated

Routing Measures Supplementary national symbols: d – e

Basic Symbols 

10 Established (mandatory) 

direction of traffic flow

11 Recommended direction of 

traffic flow

12 Separation line (large-scale, 

small-scale)

13 Separation zone

14

Limit of restricted routing 

measure (e.g. Inshore Traffic 

Zone (ITZ), Area to be Avoided 

(ATBA)

15 Limit of routing measure

16 Precautionary area

17

Archipelagic Sea Lane (ASL); 

axis line and limit beyond which 

vessels shall not navigate

18 Fairway designated by 

regulatory authority
55

M Tracks and Routes

Examples of Routing Measures
56

M Tracks and Routes

Examples of Routing Measures

Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), traffic separated by separation zone

Traffic Separation Scheme, traffic separated by natural obstructions

Traffic Separation Scheme, with outer separation zone separating traffic using scheme from traffic not using it

Traffic Separation Scheme, roundabout with separation zone

Traffic Separation Scheme, with “crossing gates”

Traffic Separation Scheme crossing, without designated precautionary area

Precautionary area

Inshore Traffic Zone (ITZ) with defined end limits

Inshore Traffic Zone without defined end limits

Recommended direction of traffic flow, between traffic separation schemes

Recommended direction of traffic flow for ships not needing a deep water route

Deep Water route (DW), as part of one-way traffic lane

Two-way Deep Water route,with minimum depth stated

Deep Water route, center line as recommended one-way or two-way track

Recommended route, one-way and two-way (often marked by centerline buoys)

Two-way route with one-way sections

Area to be Avoided (ATBA), around navigational aid

Area to be Avoided, e.g. because of danger of stranding

Radar Surveillance Systems

30 Radar surveillance station

31 Radar range

32.1 Radar reference line

32.2 Radar reference line coinciding 

with a leading line
57

M Tracks and Routes

Radio Reporting

40.1

Radio reporting (calling-in or 

way) points showing direction(s) 

of vessel movement with 

designation (if any) and VHFchannel)

40.2 Radio reporting line

Ferries

50 Ferry

51 Cable Ferry

Supplementary National Symbols

a

Recommended track for deep 

draft vessels (track not defined 

by fixed marks)

b

Depth is shown where it has 

been obtained by the cognizant 

authority

c Alternate course

d Established traffic separation 

scheme: roundabout

e

If no separation zone exists, the 

center of the roundabout is 

shown by circle
58

N Areas and Limits

General

Dredged and Swept Areas  I Submarine Cables, Submarine Pipelines  L Tracks, Routes  M

1.1

Maritime limit in general, 

usually implying permanent 

physical obstructions (tint 

band for emphasis)

1.2

Maritime limit in general, 

usually implying no permanent 

physical obstructions (tint 

band for emphasis)

2.1 Limit of restricted area

2.2 Limit of area into which entry is 

prohibited

Anchorages and Anchorage Areas

10 Anchorage

11.1 Anchor berths

11.2 Anchor berths with swinging 

circle

Note: Anchors as part of the limit symbol are not shown for small areas. Other types of anchorage areas may be shown.

12.1 Anchorage area in general

12.2 Numbered anchorage area

12.3 Named anchorage area

12.4 Deep water anchorage area, 

Anchorage area for deep draft 

vessels
59

N Areas and Limits

12.5 Tanker anchorage area

12.6 Anchorage area for periods up 

to 24 hours

12.7 Explosives anchorage area

12.8 Quarantine anchorage area

12.9 Reserved anchorage area

13 Seaplane operating area

14 Anchorage for seaplanes

Restricted Areas Supplementary national symbols: d, e, g

20 Anchoring prohibited

21 Fishing prohibited
60

N Areas and Limits

22

Limit of nature reserve:

Bird sanctuary

Seal sanctuary

Non-specific nature reserve, 

National parks, Marine 

Reserves (MR)

Particularly Sensitive Sea Area 

(PSSA)

23.1 Explosives dumping ground, 

individual mine or explosive

23.2 Explosives dumping ground 

(disused), 

Foul (explosives)

24 Dumping ground for chemical 

waste

25 Degaussing range (DG range)
61

N Areas and Limits

26 Historic wreck and restricted 

area

27 Maximum speed

Military Practice Areas

30 Firing practice area

31 Military restricted area, entry 

prohibited

32 Mine-laying (and countermeasures) practice area

33 Submarine transit lane and 

exercise area

34 Minefield

International Boundaries and National Limits Supplementary national symbols: a, f, h

40 International boundary on land

41 International maritime 

boundary

42 Straight territorial sea baseline 

with base point

43 Seaward limit of territorial sea

44 Seaward limit of contiguous 

zone

45 Limits of fishery zones

46 Limit of continental shelf

47 Limit of Exclusive Economic 

Zone (EEZ)

48 Customs limit
62

N Areas and Limits

49 Harbor limit

Various Limits Supplementary national symbols: a, b

60.1 Limit of fast ice, Ice front (with 

date)

60.2 Limit of sea ice (pack ice) 

seasonal (with date)

61 Floating barrier, including log 

ponds, security barriers, ice 

booms, shark nets

62.1 Spoil ground

62.2 Spoil ground (disused)

63 Extraction (dredging) area

64 Cargo transhipment area

65 Incineration area

Supplementary National symbols

a COLREGS demarcation line

b Limit of fishing area (fish trap 

areas)

c Dumping ground

d Dumping area (Dump site)

e Limit of airport

f Reservation line 

(Options)

g Dump site

h Three Nautical Mile Line

i No Discharge Zone
63

O Hydrographic Terms

1 Ocean 43 Shelf-edge

2 Sea 44 Slope

3 G Gulf 45 Continental slope

4 B Bay, Bayou 46 Continental rise

5 Fd Fjord 47 Continental borderland

6 L Loch, Lough, Lake 48 Basin

7 Cr Creek 49 Abyssal plain

8 Lag Lagoon 50 Hole

9 C Cove 51 Trench

10 In Inlet 52 Trough

11 Str Strait 53 Valley

12 Sd Sound 54 Median Valley

13 Pass Passage, Pass 55 Canyon

14 Chan Channel 56 Seachannel

15 Narrows 57 Moat, Sea moat

16 Entr Entrance 58 Fan

17 Est Estuary 59 Apron

18 Delta 60 Fracture zone

19 Mth Mouth 61 Scarp, Escarpment

20 Rd Roads, Roadstead 62 Sill

21 Anch Anchorage 63 Gap

22 Apprs Approach, Approaches 64 Saddle

23 Bk Bank 65 Levee

24 66 Province

25 Shl Shoal 67 Tideway, Tidal gully

26 Rf Co rf Reef, Coral reef 68 Sidearm

27 Sunken rock 69 Turning basin, Turning area, 

Turning Circle

28 Le Ledge Other Terms

29 Pinnacle 80 projected

30 Ridge 81 lighted

31 Rise 82 buoyed

32 Mt Mountain, Mount 83 marked

33 SMt Seamount 84 anc ancient

34 Seamount chain 85 dist distant

35 Pk Peak 86 lesser

36 Knoll 87 closed

37 Abyssal hill 88 partly

38 Tablemount 89 approx approximate

39 Plateau 90 Subm, subm submerged

40 Terrace 91 shoaled

41 Spur 92 exper experimental

42 Continental Shelf 93 D, Destr destroyed
64

P Lights

Light Structures and Major Floating Lights

Minor Light Floats  Q30, 31

1 Major light, minor light, light, 

lighthouse

2 Lighted offshore platform

3 Lighted beacon tower

4 Lighted beacon

5 Articulated light, buoyant 

beacon, resilient beacon

6 Major floating light (light vessel, 

major light float, LANBY)

Note: Minor lights, fixed and floating, usually conform to IALA Maritime Buoyage System characteristics.

7 Navigational lights on 

landmarks or other structures

8 Light off chart limits

Light Characters

Light Characters on Light Buoys  Q

Abbreviation

Class of light

Illustration Period shown 

International National

10.1 F F Fixed

10.2

Occulting (total duration of light longer than total duration of darkness)

Oc Oc Single-occulting

Oc(2)

Example Oc (2) Group-occulting

Oc(2+3)

Example Oc (2+3) Composite group-occulting

10.3

Isophase (duration of light and darkness equal)

Iso Iso Isophase
65

P Lights

10.4

Flashing (total duration of light shorter than total duration of darkness)

Fl Fl Single-flashing

Fl(3)

Example Fl (3) Group-flashing

Fl(2+1)

Example Fl (2+1) Composite group-flashing

10.5 LFl L Fl Long-flashing (flash 2s or 

longer)

Abbreviation

Class of light

Illustration Period shown 

International National

10.6 Quick (repetition rate of 50 to 79 - usually either 50 or 60 - flashes per minute)

Q Q Continuous quick

Q(3)

Example Q (3) Group quick

IQ IQ Interrupted quick

10.7

Very quick (repetition rate of 80 to 159 - usually either 100 or 120 - flashes per minute)

VQ VQ Continuous very quick

VQ(3)

Example VQ (3) Group very quick

IVQ IVQ Interrupted very quick

10.8

Ultra quick (repetition rate of 160 or more - usually 240 to 300 - flashes per minute)

UQ UQ Continuous ultra quick

IUQ IUQ Interrupted ultra quick

10.9 Mo(K)

Example Mo (K) Morse Code

10.10 FFl F Fl Fixed and flashing

10.11 Al.WR

Example AlWR Alternating
66

P Lights

Colors of Lights and Marks

11.1 W White (only on sector and 

alternating lights)

11.2 R Red

11.3 G Green

11.4 Bu Blue

11.5 Vi Violet

11.6 Y Yellow

11.7 Y Or Orange

11.8 Y Am Amber

Period

12 2.5s 90s Period in seconds and tenths of 

a second

Elevation

Plane of Reference for Heights  H Tidal Levels  H

13 12m Elevation of light given in 

meters or feet 36ft

Range

14

15M Light with single range

15/10M Light with two different ranges

10M

NOAA: only lesser 

of two ranges is 

charted

15/10M

15-7M Elevation of light given in 

meters or feet

7M

NOAA: only least of 

three ranges is 

charted

Note: Charted ranges are nominal ranges given in Nautical Miles

Disposition

15

(hor) Horizontally disposed

(vert) Vertically disposed
67

P Lights

Example of a Full Light Description

16

Leading Marking Fairways

Leading Lights and Lights in Line

20.1

Leading lights with leading line 

(solid line is the track to be 

followed) and arcs of visibility

Bearing given in degrees and 

tenths of a degree

20.2

Leading lights (, means lights 

in line)

Bearing given in degrees and 

tenths of a degree

20.3 Leading lights on small-scale 

charts

21 Lights in line, marking the 

sides of a channel

22 Rear Lt or Upper Lt Rear or upper light

23 Front Lt or Lower Lt Front or lower light

Direction Lights

30.1

Direction light with narrow 

sector and course to be 

followed, flanked by darkness or 

unintensified light
68

P Lights

30.2 Direction light with course to be 

followed, sector(s) uncharted

30.3

Direction light with narrow 

fairway sector flanked by light 

sectors of different characters 

on standard charts

30.4

Direction light with narrow 

fairway sector flanked by light 

sectors of different character on 

multicolored charts

31

Moiré effect light (day and 

night), arrows show when 

course alteration needed

Note: Quoted bearings are always from seaward

Sector Lights

40.1 Sector light on standard charts

40.2 Sector light on multicolored 

charts

41.1

Sector lights on standard charts, 

the white sector limits marking 

the sides of the fairway

41.2

Sector lights on multicolored 

charts, the white sector limits 

marking the sides of the fairway

42

Main light visible all-round with 

red subsidiary light seen over 

danger
69

P Lights

43 All-round light with obscured 

sector

44 Light with arc of visibility 

deliberately restricted

45 Light with faint sector

46 Light with intensified sector

Lights with limited Times of Exhibition

50

Lights exhibited only when 

specially needed (for fishing 

vessels, ferries) and some 

private lights

Occas

51

Daytime light (charted only 

where the character shown by 

day differs from that shown at 

night)

52 Fog light (exhibited only in fog, 

or character changes in fog)

53

Unwatched (unmanned) light 

with no standby or emergency 

arrangements

54 (temp) Temporary

55 (exting) Extinguished

Special Lights

Flare Stack (at Sea)  L Flare Stack (on land)  E Signal Stations  T

60 Aero light (may be unreliable)
70

P Lights

61.1 Air obstruction light of high 

intensity (e.g. on radio mast)

61.2 Air obstruction light of low 

intensity (e.g. on radio mast)

62 Fog Det Lt Fog detector light

63 Floodlit, floodlighting of a 

structure

64 Strip light

65 Private light other than one 

exhibited occasionally

66 (sync) Synchronized light

Supplementary National Symbols

a Riprap surrounding light

b Short-Long Flashing

c Group-Short Flashing

d Fixed and Group Flashing F Gp Fl

e Unmanned light-vessel; light 

float

f LANBY, superbuoy as 

navigational aid
71

Q Buoys and Beacons

Buoys and Beacons

IALA Maritime Buoyage System, which includes Beacons  Q130

1 Position of buoy or beacon

Colors of Buoys and Beacons Supplementary national symbols: l – t

Abbreviations for Colors  P

2 Green and black (symbols filled 

black)

3 Single color other than green 

and black

4

Multiple colors in horizontal 

bands, the color sequence is 

from top to bottom

5

Multiple colors in vertical or 

diagonal strips, the darker color 

is given first

6

Retroreflecting material

Note: Retroreflecting material may be fitted to some unlit marks. Charts do not usually show it. Under IALA Recommendations, black 

bands will appear blue under a spotlight.

Lighted Marks

Marks with Fog Signals  R

7 Lighted marks on standard 

charts

8 Lighted marks on multicolored 

charts

Topmarks and Radar Reflectors

For Application of Topmarks within the IALA-System  Q130 For other topmarks (special purpose buoys and beacons)  Q

9

IALA System buoy topmarks 

(beacon topmarks shown 

upright)

10 Beacon with topmark, color, 

radar reflector and designation

11

Buoy with topmark, color, radar 

reflector and designation

Note: Radar reflectors on floating marks usually are not charted.

Buoys

Shapes of Buoys

Features Common to Buoys and Beacons  Q1–11

20 Conical buoy, nun buoy, ogival 

buoy

21 Can buoy or cylindrical buoy

22 Spherical buoy
72

Q Buoys and Beacons

23 Pillar buoy

24 Spar buoy, spindle buoy

25 Barrel buoy, tun buoy

26 Superbuoy

Minor Light Floats

30 Light float as part of IALA 

System

31 Light float not part of IALA 

System

Mooring Buoys Supplementary national symbols: m, n

Oil or Gas Installation Buoy  L 

40 Mooring buoys

41 Lighted mooring buoy 

(example)

42 Trot, mooring buoys with ground 

tackle and berth numbers

43 Mooring buoy with telegraphic 

or telephonic communication

44 Numerous moorings (example)

45 Visitors’ mooring

Special Purpose Buoys 

Note: Shapes of buoys are variable. Lateral or Cardinal buoys may be used in some situations.

50 Firing danger area (Danger 

Zone) buoy

51 Target

52 Marker Ship

53 Barge

54 Degaussing Range buoy

55 Cable buoy
73

Q Buoys and Beacons

56 Spoil ground buoy

57 Buoy marking outfall

58

ODAS buoy, Data collecting 

buoy [Ocean(ographic) Data 

Acquisition System]

59 Buoy marking wave recorder or 

current meter

60 Seaplane anchorage buoy

61 Buoy marking traffic separation 

scheme

62 Buoy marking recreation zone

Seasonal Buoys

70 Buoy privately maintained 

(example)

71 Seasonal buoy (example)

Beacons Supplementary national symbols: o

Lighted Beacons  P Features Common to Beacons and Buoys  Q1–11

80

Beacon in general, 

characteristics unknown or 

chart scale too small to show

81 Beacon with color, no distinctive 

topmark

82 Beacons with colors and 

topmarks (examples)

83 Beacon on submerged rock with 

colors (topmark as appropriate)

Minor Impermanent Marks Usually in Drying Areas (Lateral Marks of Minor Channels)

Minor Pile  P

90 Stake, pole

91

Port Hand Starboard Hand

Perch, stake

92

Port Hand Starboard Hand

Withy
74

Q Buoys and Beacons

Minor Marks, Usually on Land

Landmarks  E

100 Cairn

101 Colored or white mark

102.1

Colored topmark (color known 

or unknown) with function of a 

beacon

102.2 Painted boards with function 

of leading beacons

Beacon Towers

110

Beacon towers without and 

with topmarks and colors 

(examples)

111 Lattice beacon

Special Purpose Beacons

Leading Lines, Clearing Lines  M

Note: Topmarks and colors shown where scale permits.

120 Leading beacons

121 Beacons marking a clearing 

line

122 Beacons marking measured 

distance with quoted bearings

123 Cable landing beacon 

(example)

124 Refuge beacon

125 Firing danger area beacons

126 Notice board
75

Q Buoys and Beacons

IALA Maritime Buoyage System

International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)

130

IALA Buoyage Regions A and B

130.1

Lateral marks are generally for well-defined channels. There are two international Buoyage Regions – A and B – where Lateral marks differ. 

Note: A preferred channel buoy may also be a pillar or a spar. All preferred channel marks have horizontal bands of color.

130.2

Direction of Buoyage: The direction of buoyage is that taken when approaching a harbor from seaward. Along coasts, the direction is 

determined by buoyage authorities, normally clockwise around land masses.

Symbol showing direction of buoyage where not obvious

Symbol showing direction of buoyage on multicolored charts
76

Q Buoys and Beacons

130.3

Cardinal Marks: indicating navigable water to the named side of the marks. In the illustration, all marks are the same in Regions A and B.

130.4

Isolated Danger Marks stationed over dangers with navigable water around them.

130.5

Safe Water Marks such as mid-channel and landfall marks.

130.6

Special Marks not primarily to assist navigation but to indicate special features.

Supplementary National Symbols

a Bell buoy

b Gong buoy

c Whistle buoy

d Fairway buoy (red and white 

vertical stripe)
77

Q Buoys and Beacons

e Mid-channel buoy (red and 

white vertical stripe)

f Starboard-hand buoy (entering 

from seaward - US waters)

g Port-hand buoy (entering from 

seaward - US waters)

h

Bifurcation, Junction, Isolated 

danger, Wreck and Obstruction 

buoys

i Fish trap (area) buoy

j Anchorage buoy (marks limits)

l

Triangular shaped beacons

Square shaped beacons

Beacon, color unknown

m Mooring buoy with telegraphic 

communications

n Mooring buoy with telephonic 

communications

o Lighted beacon

q Security barrier

r Scientific mooring buoy

s FLOAT

t White and Blue buoy
78

R Fog Signals

General

Fog Detector Light  P Fog Light  P

1 Position of fog signal, type of 

fog signal not stated.

Types of Fog Signals, with Abbreviations Supplementary national symbol: a

10 Explos Explosive GUN

11 Dia Diaphone DIA

12 Siren Siren SIREN

13 Horn Horn (nautophone, reed, tyfon) HORN

14 Bell Bell BELL

15 Whis Whistle WHIS

16 Gong Gong GONG

Examples of Fog Signal Descriptions

Note: The fog signal symbol is usually omitted when a description of the signal is given

20

Siren at a lighthouse, giving a 

long blast followed by a short 

one (N), repeated every 60 

seconds

21 Wave-actuated bell buoy

22

Light buoy, with horn giving a 

single blast every 15 seconds, 

in conjunction with a waveactuated whistle

Supplementary National Symbol

a Morse Code fog signal Mo
79

S Radar, Radio and Satellite Navigation Systems

Radar

Radar Structures Forming Landmarks  E Radar Surveillance Systems  M

1

Coast radar station, providing 

range and bearing service on 

request

2 Ramark, radar beacon 

transmitting continuously

3.1

Radar transponder beacon, with 

morse identification, responding 

within the 3 cm (X) band

3.2

Radar transponder beacon, with 

morse identification, responding 

within the 10 cm (S) band

3.3 Radar transponder beacon, with 

morse identification

3.4

Radar transponder beacon, with 

sector of obscured reception

Radar transponder beacon with 

sector of reception

3.5

Leading radar transponder 

beacons (,: objects in line)

Leading radar transponder 

beacons coincident with leading 

lights

3.6 Radar transponder beacons on 

floating marks

4 Radar reflector

5 Radar conspicuous feature

Radio

Radio Structures Forming Landmarks  E Radio Reporting (Calling-in or Way) points  M

10

Circular (non-directional) 

marine or aeromarine 

radiobeacon
80

S Radar, Radio and Satellite Navigation Systems

11

Directional radiobeacon with 

bearing line

Directional radiobeacon 

coincident with leading lights

12 Rotating pattern radiobeacon

13 Consol beacon

14 Radio direction-finding station

15 Coast radio station providing 

QTG service

16 Aeronautical radiobeacon

17.1 Automatic Identification System 

(AIS) transmitter

17.2

Automatic Identification System 

(AIS) transmitter on floating 

marks (examples)

Satellite Navigation Systems

50 WGS WGS72 WGS84 World Geodetic System, 1972 

or 1984

Note: A note may be shown to indicate the shifts of latitude and longitude, to one, two or three decimal of places of a minute, depending 

on the chart scale, which should be made to satellite-derived positions (which are referred to WGS 84) to relate them to the chart to 

relate them to the chart.

51 Station providing DGPS 

corrections
81

T Services

Pilotage

1.1 Boarding place, position of a 

pilot cruising vessel

1.2 Boarding place, position of a 

pilot cruising vessel, with name 

(e.g. District, Port)

1.3 Boarding place, position of a 

pilot cruising vessel, with note 

(e.g. Tanker, Disembarkation)

1.4 Pilots transferred by helicopter

2 Pilot office with pilot lookout, 

pilot lookout

3 Pilot office

4 Port with pilotage service 

(boarding place not shown)

Coast Guard, Rescue

10 Coast Guard station

11 Coast Guard station with 

Rescue station

12 Rescue station, Lifeboat station, 

Rocket station

13 Lifeboat lying at a mooring

14 Refuge for shipwrecked 

mariners

Signal Stations

20 Signal station in general

21 Signal station, showing 

international port traffic signals

22 Traffic signal station, Port entry 

and departure signals

23 Port control signal station

24 Lock signal station

25.1 Bridge passage signal station
82

T Services

25.2 Bridge lights including traffic 

signals

26 Distress signal station

27 Telegraph station

28 Storm signal station

29

Weather signal station, Wind 

signal station, National Weather 

Service (NWS) signal station

30 Ice signal station

31 Time signal station

32.1 Tide scale or gauge

32.2 Automatically recording tide 

gauge

33 Tide signal station

34 Tidal stream signal station

35 Danger signal station

36 Firing practice signal station

Supplementary National Symbols

a Bell (on land)

b Marine police station

c Fireboat station

d Notice board

e Lookout station; Watch tower

f Semaphore

g Park Ranger station
83

U Small Craft (Leisure) Facilities

Small Craft (Leisure) Facilities

Traffic Features, Bridges  D Public Buildings, Cranes  F Pilots, Coastguard, Rescue, Signal Stations  T

1.1 Boat harbor, Marina

32

Marina facilities
84

V Index of Abbreviations

A Br Breakers K 17

abt About D i br Brown J az

AERO, Aero Aeronautical light P 60 brg Bearing B 62

Aero RBn Aeronautical radiobeacon S 16 brk Broken J 33

Aero RC Aeronautical radiobeacon S 16 Bu Blue P 11.4

AIS Automatic Indentification 

System

S 17.1, 

17.2 C

Al Alternating P 10.11 c Coarse J 32

ALC Articulated Loading Column L 12 C Can, cylindrical Q 21

Am Amber P 11.8 C Cove O 9

anc Ancient O 84 C. Cape G 7

ANCH, Anch Anchorage N 20, 

O 21

ca, Ca Calcareous J 38

CALM Centenary Anchor Leg Mooring L 16

Ant, ANT Antenna E 31 Cap Capitol E t

approx Approximate O 89 Cas Castle E 34.2

Apprs Approaches O 22 Cb Cobbles J 8

Apr April cbl Cable B 46

Apt Apartment E s cd Candela B 54

Arch Archipelago G 5 CD Chart Datum H 1

ASL Archipelagic Sea Lane M 17 Cem Cemetery E 19

ATBA Area to be Avoided M 29.1 CG Coast Guard station T 10

Aug August

Chem Chemical L 40.1, 

40.2 auth Authorized K 46.2

Ave Avenue G 111 Chan Channel O 14

Ch Church E 10.1

B Ch Chocolate J ba

B Bay, bayou O 4 Chy, CHY Chimney E 22

B Black Q 2 Cir Cirripedia J ae

Bdy Mon Boundary mark B 24 Ck Chalk J f

Bk Bank O 23 Cl Clay J 3

bk Broken J 33

CL Clearance D 20, 21, 

26, 28 bk Black J as

Bkw Breakwater F 4.1 cm Centimeter(s) B 43

Bl Blue P 11.4 Cn Cinders J p

bl Black J as Co Coralline algae J 10

BM Bench mark B 23 Co Company E u

Bn, Bns Beacon(s)

M 1-2, 

P 4-5, 

Q 80-81

Co Hd Coral head J i

constr Construction F 32

Bn Tr Beacon Tower P 3

COLREGS International Regulations for 

Preventing Collisions at Sea N a

Bo Boulder(s) J 9.2

Bol Bollard G 181 Co rf Coral reef O 26

cov Covers L 21.2
85

V Index of Abbreviations

C (cont’d) ESSA Environmentally Sensitive Sea 

Areas N 22

cps Cycles per second B j

Corp Corporation E v Est Estuary O 17

Cr Creek O 7 exper Experimental O 92

CRD Columbia River Datum H j Explos Explosive R 10

crs Coarse J 32 Exting, exting Extinguished P 55

c/s Cycles per second B j

Cswy Causeway F 3 F

Ct Ho Courthouse E o f Fine J 30

Cup Cupola E 10.4 F Fixed P 10.1

Cus Ho Customs house F 61 Facty Factory E d

Cy Clay J 3 Fd Fjord O 5

Feb February

D F Fl Fixed and flashing P 10.10

D Destroyed O 94 FISH Fishing N 21

Dec December F Gp Fl Fixed and group flashing P f

dec Decayed J an Fl Flashing P 10.4

Deg Degree(s) B n fl Flood H q

Destr Destroyed O 93 Fla Flare stack L 11

dev Deviation B 67 fly Flinty J ao

DG Degaussing Range Q 54 fm, fms Fathom(s) B 48

DF Direction Finder fne Fine J 30

DGPS Differential Global Positioning 

System S 51

Fog Det Lt Fog detector light P 62

Fog Sig Fog signal R 1

Di Diatoms J aa FP Flagpole E 27

DIA, Dia Diaphone R 11 Fr Foraminifera J y

Dir Direction light P 30, 31 Fs, FS Flagstaff E 27

dist Distant O 85 Fsh stks Fishing stakes K 44.1

Discol Discolored K e

ft, FT Foot, Feet B 47, D 20

dk Dark J bd

dm Decimeter(s) B 42 Fu Fucus J af

Dol Dolphin(s) F 20

Dn, Dns Dolphin(s) F 20 G

DW Deep Water Track M 27.1, 

N 12.4

G Gravel J 6

G Green P 11.3

DZ Danger Zone Q 50 G Gulf O 3

GAB, Gab Gable E i

E GCLWD Gulf Coast Low Water Datum H k

E East B 10 Gl Globigerina J z

ED Existence doubtful I 1 glac Glacial J ap

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone N 47 gn Green J av

Entr Entrance O 16 Govt Ho Government House E m

Gp Fl Group flashing P 10.4
86

V Index of Abbreviations

G (cont’d) ISLW Indian Spring Low Water H g

Gp Oc Group occulting P 10.2 Iso Isophase P 10.3

GPS Global Positioning System ITZ Inshore Traffic Zone M 25.1

Grd Ground J a IUQ Interrupted ultra quick P 10.8

Grs Grass J v IVQ Interrupted very quick P 10.7

GT Gross Tonnage

gty Gritty J am J

gy Gray J bb Jan January

Jul July

H

h Hard J 39 K

h Hour B 49 K Kelp J u

H Helicopter T 1.4 kc Kilocycle B k

HAT Highest Astronomical Tide H 3 kHz Kilohertz B h

Hbr Mr Harbormaster F 60 km Kilometer(s) B 40

HHW Higher High Water H b kn Knot(s) B 52

Hk Hulk F 34, 

K 21, 22 L

Ho House G 61 L Loch, lough, lake O 6

hor Horizontal disposed P 15 La Lava J l

Hor CL Horizontal clearance D 21 Lag Lagoon O 8

Hosp Hospital E g, F 62.2

LANBY Large Automatic Navigational 

Buoy P 6

hr Hour B 49

hrd Hard J 39 Lat Latitude B 1

ht Height H p LASH Lighter Aboard Ship G 184

HW High Water H a LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide H 2

HWF&C High Water Full & Change H h Ldg Landing F 17

Hz Hertz B g Ldg Leading P 20.3

Le Ledge O 28

I L Fl Long flashing P 10.5

IALA International Association of 

Lighthouse Authorities Q 130

LLW Lower Low Water H e

Lndg Landing F 17

IHO International Hydrographic 

Organization

LNG Liquified Natural Gas G 185

LoLo Load-on, Load-off

illum Illuminated P 63 Long Longitude B 2

IMO International Maritime 

Organization

LPG Liquified Petroleum Gas G 186

LS S Life saving station T 12

In Inlet O 10 lrg Large J ai

in, ins Inch(es) B c Lt, Lts Light(s) P 1

Inst Institute E n lt Light J bc

INT International A 2, T 21 Ltd Limited E r

Intens Intensified P 46 Lt Ho Light house P 1

IQ Interrupted quick P 10.6
87

V Index of Abbreviations

L (cont’d) N

LW Low Water H c N North B 9

LWD Low water datum H d N Nun Q 20

LWF&C Low Water Full and Change H i NE Northeast B 13

NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence 

Agency M

m Meter(s) B 41 NM, NMi Nautical mile(s) B 45

m Minute(s) of time B 50 No Number N 12.2

m Medium (in relation to sound) J 31

NOAA National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration M Mud, muddy J 2

M Nautical mile(s) B 45 NOS National Ocean Service

Ma Mattes J ag Nov November

mag Magnetic B 61 Np Neap tide H 17

Magz Magazine E l NTM Notice to Mariners

Mar March NW Northwest B 15

Mc Megacycles B l

NWS SIG STA National weather service signal 

station T 29

Mds Madrepores J j

MHHW Mean Higher High Water H 13

MHLW Mean Higher Low Water H 14 O

MHW Mean High Water H 5 OBSC, Obscd Obsured P 43

MHWN Mean High Water Neaps H 11 Obs Spot Observation spot B 21

MHWS Mean High Water Springs H 9 Obstn Obstruction K 41

Mi Nautical mile(s) B 45 Oc Occulting P 10.2

min Minute of time B 50 Occas Occasional P 50

min Minimum K 46.2 Oct October

Mk Mark Q 101 ODAS Ocean Data Acquisition System Q 58

Ml Marl J c Or Orange P 11.7

MLHW Mean Lower High Water H 15 OVHD Overhead D 28

MLLW Mean Lower Low Water H 12 Oys Oysters J r

MLW Mean Low Water H 4

MLWN Mean Low Water Neaps H 10 P

MLWS Mean Low Water Springs H 8 P Pebbles J 7

mm Millimeter(s) B 44 P Pillar Q 23

Mn Manganese J q (P) Preliminary (NTM)

Mo Morse P 10.9 PA Position approximate B 7

MON, Mon Monument E 24 Pass Passage, Pass O 13

Ms Mussels J s Pav Pavillion E p

MSL Mean Sea Level H 6 PD Position doubtful B 8

Mt Mountain, Mount O 32 Pk Peak O 35

Mth Mouth O 19 PLT STA Pilot station T 3

MTL Mean Tide Level H f Pm Pumice J m

Maintd Maintained P 65

MR Marine Reserves N 22
88

V Index of Abbreviations

P (cont’d) Rf Reef O 26

Po Polyzoa J ad RG Radio direction finding station S 14

PO Post office F 63 Rk Rocks J 9.1, K b

pos, posn Position Rky Rocky J 9.1

Post Off Post office F 63 R Lts Air obstruction lights P 61.2

Priv, priv Private P 65, Q 70 R Mast Radio mast E 28

Prod well Production well L 20 RoRo Roll on Roll off F 50

PROHIB Prohibited N 2.2 R Sta Radio Station S 15

PSSA Particularly Sensitive Sea Area N 22 rt Rotten J aj

Pt Pteropods J ac R TR, R Tr Radio tower E 29

Pyl Pylon D 26 R Tower Radio tower E 29

Ru, ru Ruins D 8, F 33.1

Q RW Rotating pattern radiobeacon S 12

Q Quick P 10.6 RWVS Red and white vertical stripe Q d, e

QTG Service providing DF signals S 15

Quar Quarantine F e S

Qz Quartz J g S Sand J 1

S South B 11

R S Spar, spindle Q 24

R Radio Station S 15 s Second of time B 51

SALM Single Anchor Leg Mooring L 12

R Red P 11.2 SBM Single Buoy Mooring L 16

R, r Rock, Rocky J 9.1, K b Sc Scanner E 30.3

Ra Radar reference line M 32.1 Sc Scoriae J o

Ra Dome Radar dome E 30.4 Sch School E f

Ra (conspic) Radar conspicuous object S 5 Sch Schist J h

Ra Antenna Dish aerial E 31 Sd Sound O 12

Racon Radar transponder beacon S 3 SD Sounding doubtful I 2

Radar Sc Radar scanner E 30.3 SD Sailing Directions

Radar Tr, 

RADAR TR Radar tower E 30.2

SE Southeast B 14

sec Second of time B 51

Radome, Radar dome E 30.4 Sep September

Ramark Radar marker beacon S 2 sf Stiff J 36

Ra Ref Radar reflector S 4 sft Soft J 35

RBn Circular radiobeacon S 10 Sh Shells J 11

RC Circular radiobeacon S 10 Shl Shoal O 25

Rd Roads, roadstead G 110 Si Silt J 4

Rd Radiolaria J ab Sig Signal R 1

rd Red J ay Sig Sta Signal station T 20

RD Directional radiobeacon S 11 S-L Fl Short-Long Flashing P d

RDF Radio direction finding station S 14 S/M Sand over mud J 12.1

Ref Refuge Q 124 sml Small J ah

Rep Reported I 3 Sn Shingle J d
89

V Index of Abbreviations

S (cont’d) U

so Soft J 35 ULCC Ultra Large Crude Carrier G 188

Sp Spring tide H 16 Uncov Uncovers K 11

SP Spherical Q 22 unev Uneven J bf

Sp spire E 10.3 Univ University E h

Spi Spicules J x UQ Ultra quick P 10.8

Spipe, S’pipe Standpipe E 21 us Microsecond(s) B f

Spg Sponge J t usec Microsecond(s) B f

spk Speckled J al

SPM Single Point Mooring L 12 V

SS Signal station T 20 v Volcanic J 37

St Stones J 5 var, VAR Variation B 60

stf Stiff J 36 vard Varied J be

stk Sticky J 34 vert Vertically disposed P 15

Sta, STA Station F 41.1, 

S 15, T 3

vel Velocity H n

Vert CL Vertical clearance D 20, 28

Stg Sea-tangle J w Vi Violet P 11.5

Str Strait O 11 Vil Village D 4

Str Stream H l VLCC Very Large Crude Carrier G 187

str Streaky J ak vol Volcanic, Volcano J 37

St M, St Mi Statute mile(s) B e Vol Ash Volcanic ash J k

sub Submarine K d VQ Very quick P 10.7

Subm Submerged K 43.1 VTS Vessel Traffic Service

SW Southwest B 16

sy Sticky J 34 W

W West B 12

T W White P 11.1

T True B 63 Wd Weed J 13.1

t Ton(s), Tonnage (weight) B 53 Well Wellhead L 21

T Telephone E q WGS World Geodetic System S 50

T Short ton(s) B m Wh White J ar

T Tufa J n Whf Wharf F 13

Tel Telegraph D 27 WHIS, Whis Whistle R 15

Tel off Telegraph office E k Wk Wreck K 20

Temp, temp Temporary P 54 Wtr Tr, WTR TR Water tower E 21

ten Tenacious J aq

Tk Tank E 32 Y

Tr, TR Tower E 10.2, 

E 20 Y Yellow, Orange, Amber

P 11.6, 

P 11.7, 

P 11.8

TSS Traffic Separation Scheme M 20.1 yd, yds Yard(s) B d

TT Tree tops C 14 yl Yellow J aw

TV Mast Television mast E 28

TV Tower Television tower E 29
90

W International Abbreviations

A

DW Deep Water track M 27.1, 

N 12.4 Aero Aeronautical light P 60, 61.1

Aero RC Aeronautical radiobeacon S 16 DZ Danger Zone Q 50

AIS Automatic Indentification 

System

S 17.1, 

17.2 E

Al Alternating P 10.11 E East B 10

ALC Articulated Loading Column L 12 ED Existence doubtful I 1

Am Amber P 11.8 EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone N 47

ASL Archipelagic Sea Lane M 17 Explos Explosive R 10

exting Extinguished P 55

B

B Black Q 2 F

bk Broken J 33 f Fine J 30

Bn Beacon(s) P 4-5, 

Q 80

F Fixed P 10.1

FAD Fish Aggregating Device(s)

BnTr Beacon tower P 3, Q 110 FFl Fixed and flashing P 10.10

Bo Boulder(s) J 9.2 Fl Flashing P 10.4

Br Breakers K 17 Fla Flare stack L 11

Bu Blue P 11.4 Fog Det Lt Fog detector light P 62

FS Flagstaff, flagpole E 27

C ft Foot, Feet B 47

c Coarse J 32

ca Calcareous J 38 G

CALM Cantenary Anchor Leg Mooring L 16 G Gravel J 6

Cb Cobbles J 8 G Green P 11.3, Q 2

cd Candela B 54 GPS Global Positioning System

CG Coast Guard station T 10 grt Gross Register Tonnage

Ch Church E 10.1 GT Gross Tonnage

Chy Chimney E 22

cm Centimeter(s) B 43 H

Co Coraline Algae J 10, K 16 h Hard J 39

Consol Consol Beacon S 13 h Hour B 49

Cy Clay J 3 H Helicopter T 1.4

hor Horizontal disposed P 15

D

DG Degaussing Range N 25, Q 54 I

DGPS Differential Global Positioning 

System S 51

INT International A 2, T 21

Intens Intensified P 46

Dia Diaphone R 11 IQ Interrupted quick P 10.6

Dir Direction light P 30-31 Iso Isophase P 10.3

dm Decimeter(s) B 42 IUQ Interrupted ultra quick P 10.8

Dn, Dns Dolphin(s) F 20 IVQ Interrupted very quick P 10.7
91

W International Abbreviations

J NT Net Tonnage

Jan January NW Northwest B 15

Jun June

Jul July O

Obscd Obscured P 43

K

Obstn Obstruction K 40-43, 

L 43 km Kilometer(s) B 40

kn Knot(s) B 52 Oc Occulting P 10.2

occas Occasional P 50

L

ODAS Ocean(ographic) Data 

Acquisition System Q 58

LANBY Large Automatic Navigational P 6

LASH Lighter Aboard Ship G 184 Or Orange P 11.7, Q 3

Lat Lattitude B 1

LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide H 2 P

Ldg Leading P 20.3 P Pebbles J 7

LFl Long-flashing P 10.5 PA Position approximate B 7

Lndg Landing for boats F 17 PD Position doubtful B 8

LNG Liquified Natural Gas G 185 priv Private P 65, Q 70

Long Longitude B 2 Prod Well Submerged production well L 20

LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas G 186 PSSA Particularly Sensitive Sea Area N 22

Lt(s) Light(s) P 1 Pyl Pylon D 26

M Q

M Mud, muddy J 2 Q Quick P 10.6

M Nautical mile(s) B 45

m Meter(s) B 41 R

m Minute(s) of time B 50

R Coast radio station providing 

QTG service S 15

m Medium (in relation to sand) J 31

min Minute(s) of time B 50 R Red P 11.2, Q 3

Mk Mark Q 101 R Rock, Rocky J9.1, K 15

mm Millimeter(s) B 44

Ra Radar M 31-32, 

S 1

Mo Morse Code P 10.9, 

R 20 Racon Radar transponder beacon S 3.1-3.6

Mon Monument E 24 RC Circular marine radiobeacon S 10

MR Marine Reserves N 22 RD Directional radiobeacon S 11

MRCC Maritime Rescue Coordination 

Center Ref Refuge Q 124, T 14

Rep Reported, but not confirmed I 3.1-3.2

N RG Radio direction finding station S 14

N North B 9 RoRo Roll-on Roll-off, Ro-Ro Terminal F 50

NE Northeast B 13

Ru Ruins

D 8, 

E 25.2, 

No Number N 12.2 F 33

RW Rotating pattern radiobeacon S 12
92

W International Abbreviations

S W

S Sand J 1 W West B 12

s Second(s) of time B 51, P 12

W White P 11.1, 

Q 130.5 S South B 11

SALM Single Anchor Leg Mooring L 12 Wd Weed J 13.1

SBM Single Buoy Mooring L 16 Well Wellhead L 21

SD Sounding doubtful I 2 WGS World Geodetic System S 50

SE Southeast B 14 Whis Whistle R 15

sec Seconds of time B 51 Wk, Wks Wreck(s) K 20-30

sf Stiff J 36

Sh Shells J 11 Y

Si Silt J 4

Y Yellow, Orange, Amber

P 11.6, 

P 11.7, 

Sig Signal T 25.2 P 11.8

SMt Seamount O 33

so Soft J 35

Sp Church spire E 10.3

SPM Single Point Mooring L 12

SS Signal station T 20-36

St Stones J 5

SW Southwest B 16

sy Sticky J 34

T

t Ton(s), Tonnage (weight) B 53, F 53

temp Temporary P 54

Tr Tower E 10.2, 

E 20

U

ULCC Ultra Large Crude Carrier G 188

UQ Ultra quick P 10.8

UTC Coordinated Universal Time

UTM Universal Transverse Mercator

V

v Volcanic J 37

vert Vertically disposed P 15

Vi Violet P 11.5

VLCC Very Large Crude Carrier G 187

VQ Very quick P 10.7

VTS Vessel Traffic Service
93

X Index

A Astronomical tides.....................................H 2-3, 20 Blind, duck ....................................................... K j-k

Abysssal hill .....................................................O 37 Atoll....................................................................G 6 Blockhouse ................................................... E 34.2

Abyssal plain....................................................O 49 Authorized overhead clearance .......................D 26 Blue............................................................... P 11.4

Aerial, dish .......................................................E 31 Automatic fog signal....................................R 20-22 Board, painted ............................................Q 102.2

Aerial cableway................................................D 25 Automatic Identification System transmitter Boarding place, pilot .......................................... T 1

Aero light..........................................................P 60 transmitter.........................................S 17.1-17.2 Boat

Aeronautical radiobeacon ................................S 16 Avenue........................................................... G 111 harbor ...............................................F 1.1, U 1.1

Airfield, airport..................................................D 17 Awash, rock ................................................. K 12, a hoist, lift ......................................................G131

topographic terms ...............................G 116-118 B Bollard............................................................G 181

Air obstruction light ..........................................P 61 Band, X & S ..............................................S 3.1-3.3 Boom .............................................................G 178

Air traffic..................................................G 116-118 Bank....................................................... O 23, U 14 Borderland, continental....................................O 47

AIS ........................................................S 17.1-17.2 Bar code............................................................. A d Border scale, linear.......................................... A 14

Alongside depth .................................................I 11 Barge buoy.......................................................Q 53 Boulder .................................................. G 28, J 9.2

Alternate course.................................................M c Barrage, flood .................................................. F 43 Boundary, international ...............................N 40-41

Alternating light ........................................... P 10.11 Barrel buoy.......................................................Q 25 Boundary mark ................................................ B 24

Amber ........................................................... P 11.8 Barrier, floating...............................................G 178 Breakers ...................................................C d, K 17

Anchor berth .................................................... N 11 Barrier, tidal....................................................G 130 Breakwater......................................................... F 4

Anchorage.........................................N 10-21, O 21 Bascule bridge ..............................................D 23.4 Brick kiln, works...............................................G 81

Anchorage area .......................................N 11.1-21 Baseline, Territorial Sea...................................N 42 Bridges..................................................D 22-24, d-f

Anchoring prohibited ........................................N 20 Basin......................................F 27-28, G 134, O 48 suspension ................................................ G 114

Ancient .............................................................O 84 Battery........................................................... E 34.3 lights, traffic signals ......................... T 25.1, 25.2

Annual change .................................................B 66 Bay.....................................................................O 4 Broken ..............................................................J 33

Antenna............................................................E 31 Bayou.................................................................O 4 Brown................................................................ J az

Anomaly, local magnetic ..................................B 82 Beacon.........................................Q 1-11, Q 80-126 Buddhist temple ............................................... E 16

Apartment .......................................................... E s buoyant, resilient ............................................ P 5 Building................................................. D 1-8, G 60

Apparent shoreline.............................................C p Consol .......................................................... S 13 harbor ........................................................G 148

Approach..........................................................O 22 lighted............................................................. P 4 slip .............................................................G 171

Approximate.....................................................O 89 radar ............................................................S 2-3 topographic terms...................................G 60-98

depth contour................................................ I 31 radio.........................................................S 10-16 yard............................................................G 172

height contour ..............................................C 12 tower....................................................P 3, Q 110 Bunker station................................................G 174

position ........................................................B 33 Bearing............................................................. B 62 Buoyage system, IALA ..................................Q 130

vertical clearance............................................D i Bell............................................................R 14, T a Buoys............................................................Q 1-71

Apron ...............................................................O 59 Bell buoy .................................................. R 21, Q a Buoy dump, yard............................................G 173

Archipelagic Sea Lane .................................... M 17 Benchmark....................................................... B 23 Buoyant beacon................................................. P 5

Archipelago ........................................................G 5 Berth Buoyed.............................................................O 82

Area to be avoided.................................... M 14, 29 anchor........................................................... N 11 Buried pipe, pipeline .........................................L 42

Area, restricted.................................................N 20 designation ................................................... F 19 Bushes..................................................... C o, G 37

Arm of the Sea ...................................................O 6 visitors.............................................................U 2 C

Articulated Loading Platform............................ L 12 yacht ............................................................U 1.2 Cable ............................................................... B 46

Artificial features .............................................F 1-6 Bifurcation buoy .................................................Q h buoy ............................................................Q 55

Artificial island .................................................. L 15 Bird sanctuary..................................................N 22 ferry.............................................................M 51

Astronomical tides.....................................H 2-3, 20 Black ......................................................... J as, Q 2 landing beacon..........................................Q 123
94

X Index

C cont’d Chemical dumping ground...............................N 24 Conspicuous landmark ...................................... E 2

Cable (cont’d) Chemical pipeline...........................................L 40.1 Conspicuous, on radar....................................... S 5

overhead .....................................................D 27 Chimney........................................................... E 22 Construction works .......................................... F 32

submarine............................................... L 30-32 Chocolate..........................................................J ba Container crane ............................................ F 53.2

Cableway (aerial) .............................................D 25 Church ............................................................. E 10 Container harbor............................................G 152

Cairn ..............................................................Q 100 Cinders................................................................J p Contiguous Zone ............................................. N 44

Caisson ............................................................ F 42 Cirripedia...........................................................J ae Continental

Calcareous........................................................J 38 City...................................................................G 50 borderland ....................................................O 47

Calling-in point ................................................ M 40 Clay.....................................................................J 3 rise ...............................................................O 46

Calvary.............................................................E 12 Clearance shelf.................................................... N 46, O 42

Camping site ....................................................E 36 horizontal.....................................................D 21 slope.............................................................O 45

Canal.................................................... F 40, G 132 safe vertical .............................................. D 26, i Continuous flashing light.................................. P 10

Canal distance mark ........................................ F 40 vertical ..............................................D 20, 22-28 Contour

Can buoy..........................................................Q 21 Cleared platform, site........................................L 22 depth ....................................................... I 30-31

Candela............................................................B 54 Clearing line.......................................................M 2 drying ............................................................I 30

Canyon.............................................................O 55 Clearing line beacons ....................................Q 121 line ........................................................ C 10, 12

Cape ..................................................................G 7 Cliffs...................................................................C 3 Control points................................................... B 20

Capitol.................................................................E t Closed..............................................................O 87 Convent ....................................................F e, G 76

Camping site, recreational vehicles ..... F 37.1, 37.2 Coal head.............................................................J i Conversion scales ............................................. A a

Cardinal marks............................................Q 130.3 Coal harbor ....................................................G 154 Conveyor .......................................................G 182

Cargo transhipment area .................................N 64 Coarse ..............................................................J 32 Cooling water intake/outfall............................G 177

Castle.................................................. E 34.2, G 64 Coastguard station...................................... T 10-11 Copyright acknowledgement ............................. A 5

Casuarina......................................................C 31.6 Coast Coral ............................................. J 10, 22, K 16, h

Cathedral .........................................................G 75 coastline ......................................................C 1-8 Corner coordinates ............................................ A 9

Causeway .......................................................... F 3 topographic terms......................................G 1-13 Corporation........................................................ E v

Cautionary notes..............................................A 16 Coast radar station............................................. S 1 Courthouse ........................................................ E o

Cay.....................................................................G 3 Coast radio station, QTG service..................... S 15 Cove ..................................................................O 9

Cement works ..................................................G 82 Cobbles...............................................................J 8 Covers ............................................ K 10-11, 16, 21

Cemetery .........................................................E 19 Coldstore..........................................................G 86 Crane ............................................................... F 53

Centimeter .......................................................B 43 Color of beacon, buoy.....................................Q 2-5 Creek .................................................................O 7

Chalk....................................................................J f Color of lights................................................... P 11 Crib ................................................................... K i-j

Channel............................................................O 14 Colored mark .................................................Q 101 Cross ............................................................... E 12

dredged ................................................... I 21-23 Column................................................... E 24, G 66 Crossing gates, traffic separation ....................M 22

maintained.................................................... I 23 Commercial port.............................................G 147 Crossing, traffic separation ..............................M 23

Chapel.............................................................. E 11 Company............................................................ E u Cubic meter ....................................................... B b

Characters, light...............................................P 10 Compass rose...........................................A c, B 70 Cultivated

Chart Composite light ................................................ P 10 fields............................................................... C l

Datum.............................................. A 3, H 1, 20 Conical buoy ....................................................Q 20 shellfish....................................................... K 47

limit, larger scale .........................................A 18 Conifer, coniferous..................................... C 31.3, j Cultural features ................................................... D

number .......................................................A 1-2 Coniferous woodland .......................................G 39 Cupola, church.............................................. E 10.4

scale ............................................................A 13 Consol beacon................................................. S 13 Current........................................................H 42-43

title ..............................................................A 10 Current meter buoy..........................................Q 59
95

X Index

C cont’d Degreee ......................................................... B 4, n Dock

Customs Delta.................................................................O 18 dry, graving .................................................. F 25

harbor........................................................G 144 Depths.....................................................................I floating, wet............................................. F 26-27

limit..............................................................N 48 Depth Dolphin........................................................ F 20-21

office............................................................ F 61 contours .........................................................I 30 Dome ............................................................ E 30.4

Customer information.........................................A 6 minimum ...................................................M 27.2 Doubtful

Cut ...................................................................G 32 swept...................................................... I 24, K 2 depth ................................................................I 2

Cutting..............................................................D 14 Derrick, oil.........................................................L 10 existence ..........................................................I 1

Cycles per second .............................................. B j Designation of position........................................................... B 8

Cylindrical buoy................................................Q 21 beacon or buoy........................................Q 10-11 Draw bridge .................................................. D 23.6

Cypress...............................................................C r berth ....................................... F 19.1, N 11, Q 42 Dredged area, channel ................................ I 20-23

D in fairways .........................................I 20-23, a, c Dredging area .................................................. N 63

Dam ................................................................. F 44 reporting point ..............................................M 40 Dry dock........................................................... F 25

Danger Destroyed.........................................................O 93 Drying contour ...................................................I 30

area beacon...............................................Q 125 Detached coral reef............................................ K h Drying heights....................................................I 15

area/zone buoy............................................Q 50 Detector light.................................................... P 62 Duck blind........................................................ K j-k

firing area.....................................................N 30 Development area...............................................L 4 Dumping ground .............................N 23-24, e, d, g

isolated marks ........................................Q 130.4 Deviation dolphin ............................................. F 21 Dunes ................................................................ C 8

line.................................................................K 1 Deviation, magnetic ......................................... B 67 Dyke................................................................... F 1

reported ....................................................... I 3-4 DGPS station ................................................... S 51 E

signal station................................................ T 35 Diagonal color stripes ........................................Q 5 East.................................................................. B 10

Dangerous rock................................................K 13 Diaphone.......................................................... R 11 East cardinal mark......................................Q 130.3

Dangerous wreck .............................................K 28 Diatoms.............................................................J aa Ebb tide stream................................................ H 41

Dark ..................................................................J bd Diffuser..............................................................L 43 Eddies.............................................................. H 45

Data collection buoy.........................................Q 58 Dimensions ........................................................ A 8 Edition number................................................... A 5

Datum Direction-finding station ................................... S 14 Electric works...................................................G 89

chart................................................. A 3, H 1, 20 Direction lights ................................................. P 30 Elevation of light .....................................H 20, P 13

land survey ..............................................H 7, 20 Direction of buoyage...................................Q 130.2 Embankment.................................................... D 15

Daymark..............................................Q 80-83, 110 Directional radiobeacon ................................... S 11 Entrance ..........................................................O 16

Daytime light ....................................................P 51 Discharge pipe..................................................L 41 Entry prohibited area ............................ N 2.2, N 31

Decayed............................................................J an Discolored water ................................................ K e Environmentally Sensitive Sea Areas.............. N 22

Deciduous tree..............................................C 31.1 Dish aerial........................................................ E 31 Escarpment......................................................O 61

Deciduous woodland................................. C i, G 38 Disposition of lights.......................................... P 15 Established direction of traffic flow...............M 10, d

Decimeter.........................................................B 42 Distance mark.................................................. B 25 Estuary.............................................................O 17

Decreasing.......................................................B 64 Distance................................................................ B Eucalyptus .................................................... C 31.8

Deadhead .....................................................K 43.2 Distant..............................................................O 85 Evergreen ..................................................... C 31.2

Deep water Distress signal station...................................... T 26 Exclusive Economic Zone................................ N 47

anchorage.................................................N 12.4 Disused Exercise area, submarine ................................ N 33

harbor ........................................................G 142 cable..............................................................L 32 Existance doubtful ...............................................I 1

route .................................................... M 5.1, 27 pipeline..........................................................L 44 Experimental....................................................O 92

Degaussing range............................................N 25 platform .........................................................L 14 Explanatory notes...................................... A 11, 16

Degaussing range buoy ...................................Q 54
96

X Index

E cont’d Fixed Geographical positions ................................. B 1-16

Explosives bridge ............................................................D 22 Glacier ............................................................. C 25

anchorage area ..........................................N 12.7 & flashing light....................................... P 10.10, f Glacial...............................................................J ap

dumbing ground ............................................N 23 light ............................................................P 10.1 Globigerina ......................................................... J z

fog signals .....................................................R 10 point.............................................................. B 22 Glossary............................................................. A e

Extinguished light.............................................P 55 Fjord...................................................................O 5 Gong........................................................ Q b, R 16

Extraction area.................................................N 65 Flagpole, flgstaff............................................... E 27 Gorge...............................................................G 33

F Flare stack .............................................. E 23, L 11 Government house ........................................... E m

Factory ..................................................... E d, G 80 Flashing light................................................. P 10.4 Grain harbor...................................................G 151

Faint sector ......................................................P 45 Flat coast ...........................................................C 5 Grass ..................................................................J u

Fairway, safety ................................................ M 18 Flinty .................................................................J ao Grassfields........................................................ C m

Fairway, lights marking................................P 20-41 Floating Grassland ........................................................G 35

Fan...................................................................O 58 barrier.................................................F 29, G 178 Gravel ......................................................... C c, J 6

Farm.................................................................G 53 dock .............................................................. F 26 Graving dock.................................................... F 25

Farm, fish, marine ............................................K 48 lights................................................................ P 6 Gray..................................................................J bb

Fast ice, limit .................................................N 60.1 Flood..................................................................H q Green............................................ J av, P 11.3, Q 2

Fathom.............................................................B 48 Flood barrage................................................... F 43 Greenhouse .....................................................G 84

Fence .................................................................D g Flood tide stream .............................................H 40 Greenwich Meridian........................................... B 3

Ferry........................................................... M 50-51 Floodlight .........................................................G 70 Gridiron ............................................................ F 24

harbor.........................................................G 155 Floodlit structure .............................................. P 63 Gritty ................................................................J am

light...............................................................P 50 Fog Groin.................................................................. F 6

terminal, RoRo ............................................. F 50 detector light ................................................. P 62 Ground................................................................J a

Filao ..............................................................C 31.7 light ............................................................... P 52 Ground tackle ..................................................Q 42

Fine ...................................................................J 30 signals ................................................................R Group light ................................................... P 10, e

Firing danger area............................................N 30 Foreshore........................................................... C c Groyne ............................................................... F 6

beacon .......................................................Q 125 Foot, feet.......................................................... B 47 Gulf ....................................................................O 3

buoy .............................................................Q 50 Footbridge.............................................. D e, G 115 Gulf coast low water datum ............................... H k

Firing practice signal station............................. T 36 Foraminifera........................................................J y Gulf stream limits ............................................... H q

Fish Form lines ........................................................C 13 Gully, tidal ........................................................O 67

cages, farm ...............................................K 48.4 Fort, fortified structure...................................... E 34 Gun .................................................................. R 10

haven ...........................................................K 46 Foul.............................................................. K 31, o H

trap, weir ....................................... K 44.2-45, Q i Fracture zone...................................................O 60 Hachures ............................................................ C f

Fishery limit......................................................N 45 Free port ........................................................G 143 Harbor............................................................G 138

Fishing Front light......................................................... P 23 installations ................................ F 10, G 170-187

harbor .......................................................... F 10 Full moon ........................................................... H s limit................................................................ N 49

light ..............................................................P 50 G Master’s office ............................................... F 60

prohibited .....................................................N 21 Gable .................................................................. E i terms.....................................................G 130-189

stakes........................................................K 44.1 Gap ..................................................................O 63 Hard..................................................................J 39

village...........................................................G 52 Gas Haven ............................................................G 139

pipeline...........................................................L 40 Head, headland .................................................G 8

works.............................................................G 90 Headway.....................................................D 20-28

Gasfield name.....................................................L 1 Health office.................................................. F 62.1

Gate ................................................................. F 42
97

X Index

H cont’d Inner harbor ...................................................G 140 Landmarks.....................................................D 8, E

Height....................................... C 10-14, E 4-5, H p Inshore Traffic Zone.........................................M 25 Lane, submarine transit ................................... N 33

Height of light ......................................... H 20, P 13 Installations, offshore .............................................L Large.................................................................. J ai

Helicopter landing site....................................G 118 Installations, harbor...............................................G Large Automatic Navigational Buoy..... P 6, b, Q 26

Hertz ..................................................................B g Institute .................................................... E n, G 74 Lateral marks (IALA System)......................Q 130.1

Higher High Water....................................H 3, 20, b Intake .................................................G 177, L 41.1 Latitude.............................................................. B 1

High Water ................................................H 5-20, a Intensified sector.............................................. P 46 Lattice beacon ............................................... Q 111

High-Water Full and Charge ..............................H h Intermittent river...............................................C 21 Lattice tower ....................................................G 68

Highest Astronomical Tide ...........................H 3, 20 International Lava........................................................... C 26, J l

Highway markers ...............................................D a abbreviations..................................................... W Layered bottom..............................................J 12.1

Hill ....................................................................G 27 boundary ..................................................N 40-41 Layout of chart...................................................... A

Hillocks...............................................................C 4 chart number ................................................... A 2 Leading

Historic wreck...................................................N 26 Meridian (Greenwich) ...................................... B 3 beacons.....................................................Q 120

Hole..................................................................O 50 Nautical Mile.................................................. B 45 lights............................................................ P 20

Horizontal Interrupted light................................................ P 10 line.................................................................M 1

clearance.......................................................D 21 Intertidal area...............................................J 20-22 Least depth in narrow channel...........................I 12

color bands......................................................Q 4 Island, islet......................................................G 1-2 Ledge...............................................................O 28

lights ..............................................................P 15 artificial ...........................................................L 15 Leisure Facilities................................................... U

Horn .................................................................R 13 Isogonal ........................................................... B 71 Lesser..............................................................O 86

Hospital ..................................................E g, F 62.2 Isolated danger mark ..................................Q 130.4 Levee........................................................F 1, O 65

Hotel...........................................................G 96, 98 Isophase light................................................ P 10.3 Lifeboat mooring.............................................. T 13

Hour .................................................................B 49 J Lifeboat station ................................................ T 12

House...............................................................G 61 Jetty .......................................................... F 14, a-c Lifting bridge ................................................. D 23.3

Hulk...................................................F 34, K 21, 23 K Light.................................................................. J bc

Hut ...................................................................G 62 Kelp...................................................................J 13 Lights .................................................................... P

Hydraulic structures .....................................F 1-6.3 Kilocycle............................................................. B k character...................................................... P 10

Hydrographic terms .......................................O 67 Kilohertz............................................................. B h color ............................................................. P 11

Topographic terms................................ G 130-136 Kilometer.......................................................... B 40 description.................................................... P 16

Hydrographic terms...............................................O Knoll.................................................................O 36 direction .................................................. P 30-31

I Knot(s) ......................................................B 52, H o disposition.................................................... P 15

IALA Buoyage System ...................................Q 130 L elevation....................................................... P 13

Ice front, limits....................................................N 6 Lagoon............................................. C h, G 13, O 8 in line............................................................ P 21

Ice signal station .............................................. T 30 Lake ......................................................... C 23, O 6 landing ....................................................... G 117

Illuminated........................................................P 63 LANBY ................................................... P 6, , Q 26 on landmarks ................................................. P 7

Imprint ................................................................A 3 Land survey datum ......................................H 7, 20 leading ......................................................... P 20

In line ...............................................M 1-2, P 20-21 Landing ............................................................ F 17 major floating ................................................. P 6

Inadequately surveyed area.............................. I 25 area (seaplane)...........................................N 13 marking fairways..................................... P 20-41

Incineration area ..............................................N 65 beacon (cable) ..........................................Q 123 off chart limits................................................. P 8

Increasing ........................................................B 65 lights..........................................................G 117 moiré effect .................................................. P 31

Indian Spring Low Water....................................H g site (helicopter)..........................................G 118 period........................................................... P 12

Industrial harbor .............................................G 146 stairs, steps ................................................. F 18 range............................................................ P 14

Inlet ..................................................................O 10 riprap.............................................................. P c
98

X Index

L cont’d Lower light........................................................ P 23 Maximum draught on track ................................M 6

Lights (con’td) Lowest Astronomical Tide............................H 2, 20 Maximum speed .............................................. N 27

sector ...........................................................P 40 M Mean Sea Level........................................... H 6, 20

special.....................................................P 60-65 Machine house.................................................G 93 Mean Tide Level ............................................. H 2, f

structure ......................................................P 1-5 Madrepores..........................................................J j Measured distance ........................................Q 122

synchronized................................................P 66 Magazine ............................................................ E l Median valley...................................................O 54

times of exhibition ........................................P 50 Magnetic .......................................................... B 61 Medium .............................................................J 31

Light float, major ................................................P 6 anomaly ....................................................... B 82 Megacycle........................................................... B l

Light float, minor ........................................ Q 30-31 compass..................................................B 60-82 Megahertz............................................................ Bi

Light vessel ....................................................P 6, a variation ..................................................B 60-71 Meter................................................................ B 41

Lighted .............................................................O 81 Maintained channel............................................I 23 Microsecond ....................................................... B f

beacon ................................................P 3-4, Q o Major floating lightl............................................. P 6 Mid-channel buoy ..............................................Q e

marks ......................................................... Q 7-8 Major light .......................................................... P 1 Mile, nautical, sea ............................................ B 45

mooring buoy ...............................................Q 41 Manganese .........................................................J q Mileage Mark ................................................... F 40

offshore platform ............................................P 2 Mangrove.........................................................C 32 Military practice area...................................N 30-34

Lighter Aboard Ship (LASH) ..........................G 184 Marabout.......................................................... E 18 Mill ...................................................................G 83

Lighthouse .........................................................P 1 Marginal notes ...................................................... A Millimeter ......................................................... B 44

Limited ................................................................E r Marina.................................................F 11.1, U 1.1 Minaret............................................................. E 17

Limits.....................................................................N Marina facilities .........................................T b, U 32 Mine................................................................. E 36

airport.............................................................N g Marine farm...................................................... K 48 Mine-laying practice area................................. N 32

danger line .....................................................K 1 Marine Reserve................................................N 22 Minefield .......................................................... N 34

dredged area............................................ I 20-23 Maritime limit......................................................N 1 Minimum depth on route ...............................M 27.2

fishing area.....................................................N c Marks Minor

gasfield, oilfield............................................... L 3 cardinal ...................................................Q 130.3 light ................................................................ P 1

Gulf Stream ....................................................N d colored .......................................................Q 101 marks ....................................................Q 90-102

restricted area ................................M 14, N 2, 20 distance........................................................ B 25 post, pile....................................................... F 22

routing measure .......................................... M 15 isolated danger .......................................Q 130.4 Minute.......................................................... B 5, 50

unsurveyed area ........................................... I 25 lateral ......................................................Q 130.1 Mixed bottom .................................................J 12.2

Linear scale.................................................A 13-14 lighted .........................................................Q 7-8 Moat.................................................................O 57

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)...........................G 185 minor .....................................................Q 90-102 Moiré effect light .............................................. P 31

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) ......................G 186 safe water ...............................................Q 130.5 Mole................................................................. F 12

Local Magnetic Anomaly..................................B 82 special.....................................................Q 130.6 Monastery........................................................G 76

Location station.................................................. T e white...........................................................Q 101 Monument........................................................ E 24

Loch ...................................................................O 6 Marked.............................................................O 83 Moored storage tanker......................................L 17

Lock ................................................................. F 41 Marker Ship Buoy ............................................Q 52 Mooring.............................................................L 12

Lock signal station ........................................... T 24 Marl.....................................................................J c berth number................................................Q 42

Log pond ..........................................................N 61 Marsh...............................................................C 33 canal .............................................................. F d

Long-flashing light.........................................P 10.5 Mast .................................................................G 67 ground tackle ...............................................Q 42

Longitude ...........................................................B 2 mooring ........................................................G 69 life boat ........................................................ T 13

Lookout, pilot...................................................... T 2 radar.......................................................... E 30.1 mast .............................................................G 69

Lookout station......................................... G 77, T e radio, television ............................................ E 28 numerous.....................................................Q 44

Lough .................................................................O 6 wreck............................................................ K 25 trot................................................................Q 42

Low Water (datum)..............................H 4-20, c-e, i Mattes ...............................................................J ag visitors’.........................................................Q 45
99

X Index

M cont’d North .................................................................. B 9 Opening bridge ............................................. D 23.1

Mooring buoy ...................................................Q 40 North cardinal mark.....................................Q 130.3 Orange..................................................J ax, P 11.7

lighted...........................................................Q 41 Northeast ......................................................... B 13 Ore harbor .....................................................G 150

tanker ..................................................L 16, Q 26 Northwest......................................................... B 15 Outer harbor ..................................................G 141

telegraphic.....................................................Q m Notes.......................................................... A 11, 16 Outfall ............................................................L 41.1

telephonic.......................................................Q n Notice board............................................Q 126, T d buoy .............................................................Q 57

Morse Code Notice to Mariners.............................................. A 6 cooling water..............................................G 177

light............................................................P 10.9 Number, anchorage, berth ........F 19, N 11-12,Q 42 Overfalls........................................................... H 44

fog signal........................................................R a Numerous moorings.........................................Q 44 Overhead

Mosque ............................................................E 17 New Edition date................................................ A 5 cable ............................................................ D 27

Motorway .........................................................D 10 O pipe .............................................................. D 28

Mount, Mountain ....................................G 23, O 32 Obelisk............................................................. E 24 transporter.................................................... D 25

Mouth ...............................................................O 19 Obscured sector............................................... P 43 Oysters ................................................................J r

Mud .....................................................................J 2 Observation platform.........................................L 13 P

Multi-story building ...........................................G 63 Observation spot.............................................. B 21 Pack ice, limit................................................ N 60.2

Muslim shrine.....................................................E a Observatory .....................................................G 73 Paddy field.......................................................G 36

Mussels...............................................................J s Obstruction..................................................K 40-48 Pagoda ............................................................ E 14

N Obstruction light, air......................................... P 61 Painted board .............................................Q 102.2

Named anchorage area ................................N 12.3 Occasional light................................................ P 50 Palm.............................................................. C 31.4

Narrows............................................................O 15 Occulting light ............................................... P 10.2 Park Ranger station ........................................... T g

National limits..............................................N 40-49 Ocean ................................................................O 1 Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) .......... N 22

National park....................................................N 22 Ocean current ..................................................H 43 Partly................................................................O 88

Natural features ....................................................C Ocean Data Acquisition System Passage...........................................................O 13

Natural inland features............................... G 20-39 (ODAS) Buoy ................................L 25, Q 26, 58 Parent slip........................................................ F 23

Natural watercourse.......................................... I 16 Office................................................................G 72 Path ................................................................. D 12

Nature reserve .................................................N 22 customs........................................................ F 61 Pavilion .............................................................. E p

Nature of the coast.................................. C 1-3, 5-9 Harbor Master’s ........................................... F 60 Peak....................................................... G 25, O 35

Nature of the seabed .............................................J Health........................................................ F 62.1 Pebbles...............................................................J 7

Nautical mile, International...............................B 45 pilot ................................................................ T 3 Peninsula...........................................................G 4

Nautical mile line................................................N b Offshore installations .............................................L Perch ...............................................................Q 91

Nautophone .....................................................R 13 Offshore platform, lighted................................... P 2 Period of light................................................... P 12

Naval port.......................................................G 145 Offshore position, tidal levels...........................H 47 Pictorial symbols............................................. E 3.1

Naval College...................................................G 79 Ogival buoy......................................................Q 20 Pier .................................................................. F 14

Navigation school.............................................G 78 Oil promenade................................................... F 15

Neap tides...................................................H 10-20 barrier........................................................... F 29 ruined........................................................ F 33.2

Nets, tunny....................................................K 44.2 derrick ...........................................................L 10 Pile, pilling.............................................F 22, G 179

New Edition date................................................A 5 harbor.........................................................G 149 row of .........................................................G 180

Nipa palm......................................................C 31.5 installation buoy ............................................L 16 submerged................................................... K 43

No Anchoring Area...........................................N 20 pipeline.......................................................L 40.1 Pillar................................................................. E 24

No bottom found ............................................... I 13 Oilfield w/ name ..................................................L 1 Pillar buoy........................................................Q 23

Non-dangerous wreck......................................K 29 Oily wastes, reception facilities......................G 175

Non-directional radiobeacon ............................S 10 One-way track........................................M 5.1, 27.3

Non-tidal basin ................................................. F 27 Ooze ...................................................................J b
100

X Index

P cont’d Power Radar .............................................................. S 1-5

Pilot cable .............................................................L 31 beacon, transponder................................... S 2-3

boarding place................................................ T 1 transmission line ......................................D 26, h conspicuous................................................... S 5

helicopter transfer ........................................T 1.4 station ..........................................................G 88 dome, mast, scanner, tower......................... E 30

lookout............................................................ T 2 Practice area (military) ................................N 30-34 range............................................................M 31

office............................................................T 2-3 Precautionary area.....................................M 16, 24 reference line ...............................................M 32

Pilotage ...........................................................T 1-4 Preferred channel buoy...............................Q 130.1 reflector............................................Q 10-11, S 4

Pinnacle ...........................................................O 29 Private buoy.....................................................Q 70 station ............................................................ S 1

Pipe, pipeline .............................................. L 40-44 Private light ................................................ P 50, 65 surveillance system................................ M 30-32

buried ........................................................ F 42.1 Production platform...........................................L 10 Radio .......................................................... S 10-16

land ..............................................................D 29 Production well..................................................L 20 direction-finding station................................ S 14

overhead ......................................................D 28 Prohibited mast, tower ............................................. E 28-29

tunnel ........................................................ L 42.2 anchoring .....................................................N 20 reporting line, point ......................................M 40

Plateau...................................................G 30, O 39 area.......................................................N 2.2, 31 station, QTG service .................................... S 15

Platform................................L 2, 10, 13-14, 22, P 2 fishing...........................................................N 21 Radiobeacon............................................... S 10-16

Platform, submerged........................................... K l Projected..........................................................O 80 Radiolaria..........................................................J ab

Point...................................................................G 9 Promenade pier ............................................... F 15 Radome ........................................................... E 30

fixed..............................................................B 22 Promontory ......................................................G 20 Rail Traffic............................................... G 110-118

radio reporting............................................. M 40 Province...........................................................O 66 Railway, railway station................................ D 13, b

symbols........................................................B 32 Pteropods..........................................................J ac Ramark .............................................................. S 2

Pole..................................................................Q 90 Public Ramp ............................................................... F 23

Police .............................................................G 156 buildings.................................................. F 60-63 Range ..............................................................G 21

Polyzoa .............................................................J ad Publication note ................................................. A 4 Rapids.............................................................. C 22

Pontoon............................................................ F 16 Pumice...............................................................J m Rate, current...................................................... H n

Pontoon bridge..............................................D 23.5 Pump house.....................................................G 93 Ravine..............................................................G 32

Ports...................................................................... F Pump-out facilities............................................... F f Rear light ......................................................... P 22

Port control signal station................................. T 23 Pylon................................................................D 26 Reception facilities, oily wastes .....................G 175

Port-hand buoy ..................................................Q g Pyramid............................................................G 65 Reclamation area..................................F 31, G 136

Position ............................................................B 22 Q Recommended

approximate ...................................................B 7 QTG service..................................................... S 15 direction of traffic flow ........................M 11, 26, a

beacon, buoy..................................................Q 1 Quarantine anchorage ..................................N 12.8 route..........................................................M 28.1

doubtful ..........................................................B 8 Quarantine building/office ......................... F 62.1, g track ....................................................... M 3-4, 6

fog signal........................................................R 1 Quarry.............................................................. E 35 Recreation zone buoy......................................Q 62

geographical..............................................B 1-16 Quartz .................................................................J g Red ............................................... J ay, P 11.2, Q 3

pilot cruising vessel........................................ T 1 Quay ................................................................ F 13 Reed ................................................................ R 13

tidal data.................................................H 30, 46 Quick light ..................................................... P 10.6 Reef ...........................................J 22, K 16, g, O 26

Position-fixing systems .........................................S R Reference to

Post.................................................................. F 22 Races...............................................................H 44 adjoining chart.............................................. A 19

Office............................................................ F 63 Racon................................................................. S 3 charted units .................................................. A b

submerged ...................................................K 43 larger-scale chart ......................................... A 18

Refinery ...........................................................G 87

Reflector, radar ....................................Q 10-11, S 4

Refrigerated storage house .............................G 86
101

X Index

R cont’d Safety fairway ..................................................M 18 Sector (con’t)

Refuge beacon..................................... Q 124, T 14 Safety zone.........................................................L 3 obscured ...................................................... P 43

Relief...........................................................C 10-14 Sailing club.....................................................F 11.3 restricted ...................................................... P 44

Reported anchorage ........................................N 10 Sailmaker...........................................................U 8 Semaphore ......................................................... T f

Reported depth ................................................ I 3-4 Sailor’s home ...................................................G 97 Separation line.................................................M 12

Reporting, Radio ............................................. M 40 Saint.................................................................G 54 Separation scheme............. M 10-13, 20.1-29.2, d-f

Rescue station ............................................ T 11-12 Salt pans..........................................................C 24 Separation zone.........................................M 13, 20

Research platform............................................ L 13 Saltings, salt marsh................................ C 33, G 12 Settlements......................................D 1-8, G 50-54

Reservation line .................................................N h Sand....................................................................J 1 Sewage works .................................................G 92

Reserve fog signal ...........................................R 22 Sandhills, Sand dunes .......................................C 8 Sewer................................................................L 41

Reserved anchorage area ............................N 12.9 Sandwaves .......................................................J 14 Shading.............................................................. C g

Reservoir........................................................G 135 Sandy shore.......................................................C 6 Shapes, buoy..............................................Q 20-26

Resilient beacon ................................................P 5 Satellite navigation systems............................. S 50 Shed, transit..................................................... F 51

Restricted area......................................M 14, N 2.1 Scanner, radar .............................................. E 30.3 Sheerlegs...................................................... F 53.3

Restricted light sector ......................................P 44 Scarp................................................................O 61 Shelf............................................................O 42-43

Retroreflecting material......................................Q 6 Schist ..................................................................J h Shellfish bed .................................................... K 47

Ridge......................................................G 22, O 30 School....................................................... E f, G 78 Shells................................................................ J 11

Riprap surrounding light..................................... P c Scoriae................................................................J o Shingle................................................................J d

Rise............................................................O 31, 46 Scrubbing grid.................................................. F 24 Shingly shore..................................................... C 7

River............................................................C 20-21 Sea.....................................................................O 2 Shinto shrine.................................................... E 15

Road ...........................................................D 10-12 ice limit ......................................................N 60.2 Ship lift ...........................................................G 131

topographic terms .................G 110-111, 113-115 loch ................................................................O 6 Shipyard.........................................................G 189

Road traffic..............................................G 110-118 mile .............................................................. B 45 Shoal........................................................ K b, O 25

Roads, roadstead............................................ O 20 moat .............................................................O 57 Shoaled............................................................O 91

Rock.................................... G 11, J 9.1, K 10-15, n Seabed, types of....................................................J Shore, shoreline..........................................C 1-8, q

Rock awash .......................................................K a Sea channel.....................................................O 56 Showers........................................................... U 21

Rocky area........................................................J 21 Seal.................................................................. A 12 Side arm ..........................................................O 68

Rocket station .................................................. T 12 Seal sanctuary .................................................N 22 Signals, fog...............................................R 1-22, a

Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ferry terminal.............. F 50 Seamount....................................................O 33-34 Signal station ................................... T 20-31, 33-36

Rotating pattern radiobeacon...........................S 12 Seaplane Sill ....................................................................O 62

Roundabout, traffic separation................. M 21, d-e anchorage ....................................................N 14 Silo................................................................... E 33

Route ......................................................... M 27-28 anchorage buoy ...........................................Q 60 Silt.......................................................................J 4

Routeing measures..........................M 10-29.2, a-b landing area .................................................N 13 Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) ...................L 16, Q 26

Row of piles ...................................................G 180 Seasonal sea ice limit ...................................N 60.2 Single Point Mooring (SPM) .............................L 12

Rubble................................................................C e Seasonal buoy .................................................Q 71 Sinker................................................................. K n

Ruin...........................................................D 8, F 33 Sea-tangle.......................................................... J w Siren ................................................................ R 12

Runway ..........................................................G 116 Seawall .............................................................. F 2 Sketches......................................................... E 3.2

S Second......................................................... B 6, 51 Slip.................................................................G 171

Saddle..............................................................O 64 Sector Slipway .....................................................F 23, U 5

Safe clearance depth .........................................K 3 faint .............................................................. P 45 Slope...........................................................O 44-45

Safe vertical clearance........................... D 26, H 20 intensified..................................................... P 46 Sluice .............................................................G 133

Safe water marks ........................................Q 130.5 lights........................................................P 40-41 Small.................................................................J ah
102

X Index

S cont’d Stations (con’t) Suspended well ................................................L 21

Small craft facilities ...............................................U signal....................................................... T 20-36 Suspension bridge......................................... G 114

Snags...............................................................K 43 storm ............................................................ T 28 Swamp............................................................. C 33

Soft....................................................................J 35 Starboard-hand buoy ..........................................Q f Swept (depth)

Sound...............................................................O 12 Statute mile ........................................................ B e area.................................................... I 24, b, K 2

Soundings ...................................................... I 1-24 Steep coast ........................................................C 3 channel ............................................................I a

Sources (diagram) ...........................................A 17 Steps.........................................................F 18, U 7 Swing bridge................................................. D 23.2

South................................................................ B 11 Sticky ................................................................J 34 Swinging circle.............................................. N 11.2

South cardinal mark ....................................Q 130.3 Stiff....................................................................J 36 Symbols in plan ............................................... B 30

Southeast.........................................................B 14 Stock number..................................................... A d Symbols in profile ............................................ B 31

Southwest ........................................................B 16 Stones.................................................................J 5 Symbolized positions.................................. B 30-33

Spa hotel ..........................................................G 98 Stony shore........................................................C 7 T

Spar buoy.........................................................Q 24 Storage tanker.......................................G 183, L 17 Tableland .........................................................G 29

Special lights ...............................................P 60-65 Storehouse.......................................................G 85 Tablemount ......................................................O 38

Special marks..............................................Q 130.6 Strait.................................................................O 11 Tank ................................................................. E 32

Special purpose buoys........................... Q 50-62, p Stranded wreck .....................................K 20-21, 24 Tanker

Special purpose beacons....................... Q 120-126 Streaky..............................................................J ak anchorage area......................................... N 12.5

Speckled ............................................................J al Stream .......................................................C 20, H l cleaning facilities........................................G 176

Speed limit .......................................................N 27 Street ..................................................... D 7, G 110 mooring buoy ......................................L 16, Q 26

Spherical buoy ...................................................Q 2 Strip light .......................................................... P 64 storage..............................................G 183, L 17

Spindle buoy ......................................................Q 2 Stumps............................................................. K 43 Tap, water ........................................................ U 17

Spicules...............................................................J x Submarine Target buoy......................................................Q 51

Spire..............................................................E 10.3 cable ....................................................... L 30-32 Telegraph

Spit...................................................................G 10 exercise area ...............................................N 33 line ............................................................... D 27

Spoil ground .....................................................N 62 pipeline.................................................... L 40-44 office ........................................................ G 95, k

Spoil ground buoy ............................................Q 56 transit line.....................................................N 33 station .......................................................... T 27

Sponge.................................................................J t volcano........................................................... K d Telephone line.................................................. D 27

Spot heights ................................................C 11-13 Submerged........................................................O 90 Telephone .................................................E q, U 25

Spring, seabed ..................................................J 15 crib .................................................................. K i Telephonic mooring buoy.................................Q 43

Spring tides ...................................................H 8-20 duck blind....................................................... K k Televison mast, tower ................................. E 28-29

Spur..................................................................O 41 jetty ................................................................ F b Temple ........................................................ E 13-16

Square meter .....................................................B a platform ........................................................... K l Temporary light ................................................ P 54

Square shaped beacons .....................................Q l rock, beacon on ...........................................Q 83 Tenacious..........................................................J aq

Stake ..............................................K 44.1, Q 90-91 well (buoyed)...................................................L a Terminal .........................................................G 170

Stations Subsidiary light................................................. P 42 Terrace.............................................................O 40

bunker ........................................................G 174 Summit.............................................................G 24 Territorial Sea limit ........................................... N 43

coastguard .............................................. T 10-11 Sunken Territorial Sea, straight baseline ...................... N 42

coast radar ...........................................M 30, S 1 danger (swept) ................................................ K f Three Nautical Mile Line .................................... N b

coast radio...............................................S 14-15 rock ..............................................................O 27 Tidal

fuel ...............................................................U 18 wreck.............................................................. K c barrier.........................................................G 130

lookout..........................................................G 77 Superbuoy................................. L 16, P 6, Q 26, 58 basin ............................................................ F 28

railway..........................................................D 13 Supply pipeline..................................................L 40 gully..............................................................O 67

rescue ..................................................... T 11-13 Surveyed coastline.............................................C 1 harbor........................................................... F 28
103

X Index

T cont’d Traffic surveillance station................................M 30 Underwater installations ............................. L 20-24

Tidal level......................................................H 1-30 Trailer park.......................................................U 28 Underwater rock ......................................... K 11-15

station, offshore............................................H 47 Training wall....................................................... F 5 Underwater turbine ...........................................L 24

table .............................................................H 30 Tramway ........................................................G 112 Uneven ..............................................................J bf

Tidal stream ..........................................H 31-47, l-o Transhipment facilities ................................ F 50-53 Unexploded ordnance........................................ K p

ebb, flood ................................................H 40-41 Transhipment area...........................................N 64 Units.....................................................A b, B 40-54

station...........................................................H 46 Transit ................................................................M 2 Unknown extent, reef......................................... K g

signal station ................................................ T 34 lane ..............................................................N 33 Unmanned, unwatched light ........................ P 53, a

table ..................................................... A g, H 30 shed ............................................................. F 51 Unsurveyed

Tide Transmission line ....................................D 26-27, h area................................................................I 25

gauge, scale................................................. T 32 Transmitter, AIS ....................................S 17.1-17.2 coastline......................................................... C 2

rips ...............................................................H 44 Transponder beacon.......................................... S 3 wreck....................................................... K 28-30

signal station ................................................ T 33 Transporter bridge ...........................................D 24 Upper light ....................................................... P 22

Tideway............................................................O 67 Transporter, overhead for cables .....................D 25 Urban area......................................................... D 1

Timber harbor.................................................G 153 Trap, fish ..................................................K 44.2-45 V

Timber yard...................................................... F 52 Travelling crane ............................................ F 53.1 Valley ................................................G 31, O 53-34

Times ..........................................................B 49-51 Trees Variable arrow light .......................................... P 31

Time signal station ........................................... T 31 height to top .................................................C 14 Variation.......................................... B 60, 68.1-68.2

Toilets...............................................................U 23 types .................................................C 31-32, i-k Varied................................................................J be

Tomb ..................................................................E b Trench..............................................................O 51 Vegetation.................................... C 30-33, i-r, G 34

Ton, tonne, tonnage ....................................B 53, m Triangular shaped beacon ..................................Q l Velocity .............................................................. H n

Topmark .............................................Q 9-11, 102.1 Triangulation point ...........................................B 20 Vertical

Topographic terms ................................................G Trot, mooring....................................................Q 42 clearance ..........................................D 20, 22-28

Tower ...............................................................E 20 Trough..............................................................O 52 color stripes....................................................Q 5

beacon ............................................... P 3, Q 110 True (compass)................................................ B 63 lights............................................................. P 15

church. ......................................................E 10.2 Tufa.....................................................................J n Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)..................G 187

lattice............................................................G 68 Ton buoy ..........................................................Q 25 Very quick light.............................................. P 10.7

radar..........................................................E 30.2 Tunnel ..................................................D 16, L 42.2 Vessel, lighted...................................... P 6, a, Q 31

radio, television ............................................E 29 Tunny nets ..................................................K 44-45 Viaduct.....................................................D f, G 113

watch............................................................G 77 Turbine.......................................... E 26.1, L 5.1, 24 Views .............................................................. E 3.2

water ............................................................E 21 Turning area.....................................................O 69 Village ................................................. D 4, G 51-52

Town.................................................................G 50 Turning basin ...................................................O 69 Violet......................................................P 11.5, J at

Town Hall .........................................................G 71 Turning circle ...................................................O 69 Visitors’ berth, mooring ................................. F 19.2

Track ...............................................D 12, M 1-6, 27 Two-way route......................................M 27.2, 28.2 Volcanic ............................................................J 37

Trade port.......................................................G 147 Two-way track....................................................M 4 Volcanic ash........................................................ J k

Traffic (road, rail, air)...............................G 110-118 Tyfon ................................................................R 13 Volcano............................................................G 26

Traffic flow, direction ............................ M 10-11, 26 Types of seabed.....................................................J W

Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) .............. M 10-25 U Wall, training ...................................................... F 5

buoy .............................................................Q 61 Ultra quick light ............................................. P 10.8 Warehouse..............................................F 51, G 85

example......................................... M 20.1-29.2, f Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC) .................G 188 Watermill............................................................ E c

structure ...........................................M 10-13, d-f Uncovers................................................. K 11,21, h Watch tower.....................................................G 77

Traffic signal.......................................T 21-22, 25.2 Under construction, reclamation ................. F 30-32
104

X Index

W cont’d Well .......................................................... E e, G 94 Works in progress....................................... F 30-32

Water head ..............................................................L 23 World Geodetic System (WGS) ................A 3, S 50

discolored.......................................................K e production .....................................................L 20 Wreck.......................................................... K 20-31

features ...................................................C 20-25 submerged (buoyed).......................................L a buoyed ...........................................................Q h

mill................................................................G 83 suspended ....................................................L 21 historic.......................................................... N 26

pipe, pipeline........................................... L 40-41 West................................................................. B 12 Y

police............................................................U 31 west cardinal mark......................................Q 130.3 Yacht berth, harbor ........................................F 11.2

tap ................................................................U 17 Wet dock.......................................................... F 27 Yacht club ......................................................F 11.3

tower ............................................................E 21 Wharf ............................................................... F 13 Yard(s) (measurment)........................................ B d

works............................................................G 91 Whistle .............................................................R 15 Yard

Waterfall...........................................................C 22 Whistle buoy ......................................................Q c building.......................................................G 172

Wave farm.......................................................... L 6 White......................................................J ar, P 11.1 buoy ...........................................................G 173

Wave recorder buoy.........................................Q 59 White mark.....................................................Q 101 timber........................................................... F 52

Wave-actuated fog signal............................R 21-22 Wind farm............................................... E 26.2, L 5 Yellow............................................J aw, P 11.6, Q 3

Way point ........................................................ M 40 Wind signal station........................................... T 29 Z

Weather signal staion....................................... T 29 Windmill ........................................................... E 25 Zone

Weed..............................................................J 13.1 Windmotor........................................................ E 26 Exclusive Economic (EZZ)........................... N 47

Weir.................................................................. F 44 Wind turbine........................................ E 26.1, L 5.1 frishing ......................................................... N 45

Weir, fish .......................................................K 44.2 Wire drag sweep........................................ I 24, K 2 fracture.........................................................O 60

Withy................................................................Q 92 inshore traffic ...............................................M 25

Woodland, woods .............................C 30, G 38-39 seaward, contiguous.................................... N 44

Works..........................................................G 81-92 separation ..........................................M 13, 20, e
105

Appendix 1

IALA Maritime Buoyage System

Lateral Marks - Region A

Port Hand Starboard Hand

Color: Red. Color: Green.

Buoy: Cylindrical (can), pillar, spar. Buoy: Conical (nun), pillar, spar.

Topmark (if any): Single red cylinder (can). Topmark (if any): Single green cone, point upward.

Lights (if any): may have any phase characteristic other than that used for preferred channels.

Q Fl

Fl

L Fl

G Fl

Preferred Channel to Starboard Preferred Channel to Port

Color: Red with one green horizontal band. Color: Green with one red horizontal band.

Buoy: Cylindrical (can), pillar, spar. Buoy: Conical (nun), pillar, spar.

Topmark (if any): Single red cylinder (can). Topmark (if any): Single green cone, point upward.

Lights (if any): are composite group flashing.

Fl (2+1)
106

Appendix 1

IALA Maritime Buoyage System

Lateral Marks - Region B

Port Hand Starboard Hand

Color: Green. Color: Red.

Buoy: Cylindrical (can), pillar, spar. Buoy: Conical (nun), pillar, spar.

Topmark (if any): Single green cylinder (can). Topmark (if any): Single red cone, point upward.

Lights (if any): may have any phase characteristic other than that used for preferred channels.

Q Fl

Fl

L Fl

G Fl

Preferred Channel to Starboard Preferred Channel to Port

Color: Green with one red horizontal band. Color: Red with one green horizontal band.

Buoy: Cylindrical (can), pillar, spar. Buoy: Conical (nun), pillar, spar.

Topmark (if any): Single green cylinder (can). Topmark (if any): Single red cone, point upward.

Lights (if any): are composite group flashing.

Fl (2+1)
107

Appendix 1 

IALA Maritime Buoyage System

Cardinal Marks - Regions A & B

Buoy: Pillar or spar.

Topmark (when practicable): always fitted.

Lights (if any): may have any phase characteristic other than that used for preferred channels.

North

East

South

West
108

Appendix 1 

IALA Maritime Buoyage System

Isolated Danger Marks

Color: Black with one or more red horizontal band(s).

Buoy: Optional, but not conflicting with latteral marks; pillar, spar preferred.

Topmark (if practical): always fitted with double spheres.

Lights (if any) white, group flasing Fl (2)

Safe Water Marks

Color: Red and white vertical strpes.

Buoy: Spherical; pillar or spar with spherical topmark.

Topmark (if any): Single red sphere.

Lights (if any) white Iso

Occ

L Fl 10s

Morse “A”

Special Marks

Color: Yellow.

Buoy: Optional, but not conflicting with latteral marks.

Topmark (if any): Single yellow “X” shape.

Lights (if any) yellow, but not conflicting with white lightsl Fl Y

Fl (4) Y
Contents Key

GENERAL A Chart Number, Title and Marginal Notes

B Positions, Distances, Directions and 

Compass

TOPOGRAPHY C Natural Features

D Cultural Features

E Landmarks

F Ports

G Topographic Terms

HYDROGRAPHY H Tides and 

Currents

I Depths

J Nature of the Seabed

K Rocks, Wrecks and 

Obstructions

L Offshore Installations

M Tracks and 

Routes

N Areas and Limits

O Hydrographic Terms

NAVIGATION AIDS 

& SERVICES

P Lights

Q Buoys and 

Beacons

R Fog Signals

S Radar, Radio and Satellite Navigation 

Systems

T Services

U Small Craft (Leisure) Facilites

INDEXES V Index of Abbreviations

W International Abbreviations

X Index

APPENDIX 1 IALA