CHS Atlantic Ocean Nautical Chart

The nautical charts published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) are the official reference for safe navigation in Canadian waters. Established in 1883 and operating under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the CHS is one of the oldest hydrographic offices in the world. It is responsible for charting an exceptionally vast maritime domain extending over more than 240,000 kilometres of coastline, including the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Choosing the right chart for your type of navigation is essential for safety, accuracy and compliance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards.

What is this nautical chart used for?

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

• Navigation planning: Paper charts remain highly valued for route planning, training and as a reliable onboard backup.

• Safe navigation in complex areas: They provide an essential level of detail in areas known for changing seabeds or strong currents, such as the St. Lawrence River.

• Hydrographic accuracy: They help identify safe navigation areas using data validated according to strict standards.

• Operational support: They are suitable for everything from day sailing to long-distance passages, providing greater confidence at sea.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these documents to meet the needs of a wide range of demanding mariners.

• Leisure sailors: Whether navigating coastal or offshore waters in Canada, under sail or power.

• Professional mariners: These charts are essential working tools for commercial shipping, fishing, towing and offshore operations.

• Navigation schools: Ideal for maritime training and learning chartwork using official nautical charts.

• Explorers of northern regions: Essential for those venturing into remote and difficult-to-access areas, particularly the Canadian Arctic.

Reading and understanding the chart

The effectiveness of CHS charts is based on the wealth and accuracy of the technical information they contain.

• Bathymetry: Depths are given in metres, with detailed depth contours and an accurate representation of the seabed.

• Aids to navigation: Precise positions of lighthouses, lights, buoys—including lateral and cardinal marks—beacons and leading lines.

• Identified hazards: Accurate identification of shoals, drying rocks, wrecks and shallow-water areas.

• Coasts and shorelines: Information on the nature of the coastline, including beaches, cliffs and rocky areas, as well as port infrastructure.

• Regulated areas: Clear delineation of marked channels, Traffic Separation Schemes, and military or protected areas.

• Additional information: Data relating to currents, tides and variations in water levels.

• Formats and scales: The Nautic Way catalogue offers approximately 328 products supplied flat and rolled in a tube, covering coastal, nearshore, offshore and oceanic areas.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends on the reliability and continuous updating of navigation documents.

• Official authority: The charts are produced using hydrographic surveys carried out or validated by the CHS.

• Regular updates: The CHS continuously updates its charts to incorporate Notices to Mariners, new surveys and changes to port infrastructure.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all charts, whether paper or digital, are supplied to order in order to provide the latest available updates.

• Rapid obsolescence: Because these products are frequently updated, they may become obsolete rapidly and therefore cannot be returned or exchanged.

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

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 assists navigators with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references.

• Wide selection: We offer charts from major hydrographic authorities worldwide, including SHOM, Admiralty, NOAA and CHS, covering navigation areas across the globe.

• Expert advice: Our team helps you choose the most appropriate charting for your voyage, using tools such as our interactive chart map.

• Local expertise: Based in Challans (85300), France, at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, the bookshop offers specialist expertise dedicated to the needs of mariners.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for sailing in the Canadian Atlantic?
The choice depends on your area of navigation, whether coastal or offshore. You can use our interactive chart map to identify the appropriate chart numbers, such as 4002 for the Gulf of St. Lawrence or 4012 for the Yarmouth–Halifax area.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?
Although comprehensive and reliable, it is an essential foundation that should form part of a broader navigation strategy. For very small anchorages or secondary coves, additional local information may be useful.

How often should I replace my CHS chart?
It is essential to use the most recent edition to ensure the accuracy of safety-related information. Nautic Way ensures that each chart is supplied with the latest available corrections at the time of ordering.

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

What is the difference between a CHS chart and a Navionics chart?
CHS charts are official documents produced by the Canadian government in accordance with strict IHO standards, whereas Navionics is a private publisher of digital vector charts. Nautic Way offers both types of charting to meet a wide range of navigation requirements.