CHS Arctic Ocean Nautical Chart

The nautical charts produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) are the official reference for safe navigation in Canadian waters. They cover a vast maritime territory including the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts, the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Established in 1883, the CHS is one of the oldest hydrographic offices in the world and now operates under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Its mission is to survey, analyse and disseminate the hydrographic information required for safe navigation.

In the Arctic Ocean, the CHS is responsible for charting remote and difficult-to-access regions, requiring particularly high standards of accuracy and updating. Choosing the right chart for your type of navigation is essential for safety, precision and confidence at sea.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of a CHS nautical chart lies in its ability to provide comprehensive information and turn your navigation document into a strategic decision-making tool.

• Navigation planning: Paper charts are particularly valued for route planning and as a reliable onboard backup.

• Safe navigation in complex areas: They provide an essential level of detail for navigating areas known for changing seabeds or extreme conditions.

• Finding anchorages: Highly detailed, they provide essential information on depths, coastlines and regulated areas.

• Navigation assistance: They precisely identify aids to navigation, including buoys, lighthouses and beacons, as well as hazards such as wrecks and shoals.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these solutions to a wide range of maritime users operating in Canadian waters.

• Explorers and mariners in northern regions: These charts are essential for navigation in the remote areas of the Canadian Arctic.

• Professional mariners: They are indispensable for commercial shipping, fishing, towing and offshore operations.

• Leisure sailors: Whether you sail in coastal or offshore waters in Canada, these charts enhance the safety of your sailing or powerboat trips.

• Navigation schools: They provide a reference resource for maritime training and learning chartwork.

Reading and understanding the chart

The effectiveness of CHS charts is based on the wealth and accuracy of the information they contain, validated according to strict international standards.

• Accurate bathymetry: Depths are given in metres, with detailed depth contours and a representation of the underwater relief.

• Coastal information: The chart provides details on the nature of the coastline, including beaches, cliffs and rocky areas, as well as port infrastructure.

• Various scales: The Arctic Ocean catalogue includes 191 products, divided between coastal areas (85), nearshore areas (70), offshore areas (34) and oceanic areas (2).

• Delivery format: Paper charts are supplied flat and rolled in a tube.

• Chart symbology: They include all major aids to navigation, such as lighthouses, lights, and lateral or cardinal marks.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends directly on the reliability and currency of hydrographic data.

• Regular updates: The CHS continuously updates its charts to incorporate Notices to Mariners and new bathymetric surveys.

• International compliance: The charts are produced in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards.

• Printed to order: All nautical charts are printed to order and supplied with the latest available updates.

• Obsolescence and returns: Due to their rapid obsolescence, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged in accordance with the French Consumer Code.

• Digital transition: The CHS is progressively shifting its production towards Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), although paper charts remain an essential navigation backup.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in nautical charts and maritime documentation.

• A specialist reference: Nautic Way is an expert in nautical charts and navigation books.

• Extensive catalogue: With more than 25,000 references, Nautic Way assists leisure sailors and professional mariners in choosing the right navigation documentation and equipment.

• Local expertise: Based in Challans (85300), France, at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, our team provides specialist expertise to guide every navigator.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for sailing in the Canadian Arctic?
The choice depends on your area of navigation, whether coastal or offshore. You can use the interactive chart map on the Nautic Way website to identify the appropriate chart numbers for your route among the 191 available products.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?
Although comprehensive, it is an essential foundation that should form part of a broader navigation strategy including other documents such as sailing directions and light lists. For very small local anchorages, additional information may be useful.

How often should I replace my CHS chart?
It is essential to use the most recent edition. As these products may become obsolete rapidly, Nautic Way prints them to order to ensure the latest available corrections are included.

Can paper charts be used with a GPS?
Yes. Official paper charts and digital versions are based on the same official hydrographic databases, ensuring consistency when plotting your position.

What is the difference compared with a SHOM chart?
SHOM is the French hydrographic office, whereas the CHS is the official Canadian hydrographic authority. Nautic Way offers the catalogues of both organisations to meet navigation requirements within their respective areas of responsibility.