Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely
Compasses and Charts

A good compass and chart are always useful. Having a compass and knowing how to use it are invaluable when darkness, fog, or a storm occurs. Therefore, it's a good idea to take a basic course in navigation, usually available from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, American Sailing Association, and others.

Steering Compass

A compass, which is used to assist in navigation, is an instrument that shows magnetic north. You must apply a correction to determine the direction of true north. The ability to steer a boat by a compass is useful if land is out of sight, visibility is reduced, or the boat operator is disoriented.

Mount a boat compass away from iron, magnets, and electrical wiring and equipment. Practice with your compass and other navigation equipment in good weather. Make sure you know how to use them. This will give you confidence during bad weather.

A boat's compass can be invaluable in bad weather and at night. Make sure you know how to use it.

Nautical Charts

Charts contain important information such as water depths and the locations of channels, sand bars, rocks, and vegetation. This is especially helpful when boating in bays or in large lakes. They also can be used to determine the most direct course possible for fuel conservation. See an example of a navigation chart.

Check with the local marina for charts. If none are available, obtain local knowledge before boating in an unfamiliar area.