Chart Table: navigation equipment and instruments for marine navigation

The chart table is the main navigation workstation on board a boat. On a sailing yacht, motor yacht or ship, it is used to plan a route, consult nautical charts, plot positions, calculate courses, monitor navigation and keep the documents required for safe and organized passage making. Today, a modern chart table combines traditional paper-chart navigation with digital technologies such as navigation software, electronic charting, GPS, weather routing and marine computer equipment.

The Chart Table category at Librairie Maritime Nautic Way brings together a wide range of equipment intended for this navigation workstation: navigation and routing software, nautical chart instruments, celestial navigation equipment, logbooks, chart and document protection, marine binoculars, handheld anemometers, communication equipment, computer accessories and practical equipment for organizing the navigation station.

A central workstation for planning and monitoring navigation

The chart table is used before departure, during a passage and when approaching a destination. It can be used to prepare a coastal route, study an offshore passage, plot bearings taken from landmarks, check a GPS position or compare a planned route with the conditions actually encountered at sea.

Even when electronic navigation plays a major role, paper nautical charts and traditional navigation instruments remain useful. A properly organized chart table allows several navigation methods to be used together and provides access to essential information without relying on a single piece of equipment.

Depending on the boat and the type of navigation, a chart table may include:

• one or more paper nautical charts;

• navigation or weather-routing software;

• compatible digital charting;

• a navigation rule and dividers;

• a logbook and maintenance record;

• measuring and observation instruments;

• nautical publications and reference books;

• protection against water and spray;

• marine computer equipment and accessories.

Navigation and routing software

Electronic navigation is now an important part of many chart tables. Navigation software can display digital charts, help prepare routes, process navigation information and, depending on the software, provide weather-routing or route-planning functions.

The category includes solutions such as Adrena, MaxSea, Noé, NV Charts, ScanNav and SeaPro. Some software environments are associated with specific charting solutions, including C-Map, NV Charts, LiveChart and SnMap.

Choosing navigation software depends on the boat, the type of sailing, the computer equipment, the available chart data and the functions required. A system designed primarily for weather routing and offshore passage planning does not necessarily serve the same purpose as software focused on chart display and navigation monitoring.

The chart table can therefore become a genuine marine navigation workstation capable of bringing together many of the information sources required by the navigator.

Instruments for paper nautical charts

Paper-chart navigation relies on simple but precise instruments. The category includes navigation dividers, navigation rules, bearing compasses, chart correction rules, calculating rules, chart magnifiers, chart weights, parallel rulers, rolling rulers, protractors and pencils or pens designed for chart work.

The Cras rule and other navigation protractors can be used to measure and plot directions and angles. Parallel rulers and rolling rulers make it easier to transfer courses and directions across a nautical chart. Dividers can be used to measure distances using the chart scale or transfer a distance between two points.

These instruments are particularly useful for traditional navigation and dead reckoning. They also provide a navigation method that does not depend on electronic equipment.

Knowing how to use these instruments remains valuable for sailors preparing for offshore qualifications, navigators practicing traditional techniques and crews wishing to maintain an additional navigation method alongside electronic systems.

Celestial navigation

The chart table can also be used to prepare celestial navigation. This traditional method relies on observations of celestial bodies to determine the vessel's position.

The category includes nautical ephemerides and almanacs, sextants, marine chronometers, astronomical rules, astronomical calculators and books covering celestial navigation techniques and training.

These products are relevant to sailors wishing to develop traditional navigation skills or prepare for long-distance passages. Using a sextant requires appropriate training and the correct astronomical data.

Logbooks and maintenance records

The chart table is also a place for recording and monitoring information. Logbooks can be used to record important navigation information such as position, course, speed, weather conditions and significant events, depending on the type of logbook.

Nautic Way includes logbooks and maintenance records intended for recreational boating. These documents provide a structured way to keep a record of passages and boat maintenance.

For regular sailing, a logbook is therefore a natural complement to nautical charts and navigation instruments.

Weather and observation equipment

Monitoring weather conditions is another important part of navigation work. The category includes barographs, barometers, thermometers, clocks and handheld anemometers.

A handheld anemometer provides a direct measurement of wind conditions at the vessel. A barometer provides useful information for monitoring changes in atmospheric pressure. Together with other weather information available on board, these instruments help the navigator assess the conditions encountered at sea.

Marine binoculars provide another essential observation tool. They can be used to identify navigation marks, landmarks, vessels and coastal features. Some models may incorporate a bearing compass or be specifically designed for marine use.

Protection for charts and documents

A chart table is exposed to a damp marine environment. Charts, logbooks, publications and equipment therefore need protection against spray and water.

The category includes nautical chart protection as well as waterproof pouches, bags and cases. Marine chart lamination is another solution for improving the durability of paper charts against moisture and repeated handling.

Protection is not limited to charts. Waterproof cases and pouches can also be used to protect various documents and sensitive equipment in the marine environment.

Communication, computer equipment and accessories

The chart table is often the central location for a boat's electronic navigation equipment. The category therefore includes fixed and portable VHF radios, rugged computer screens, waterproof keyboards and mice, as well as GPS antennas using USB or Wi-Fi connections.

These products make it possible to adapt a computer workstation to the specific conditions of marine navigation. Resistance to moisture, reliable connections and ease of operation are important considerations when electronic equipment is used on board.

Lamps, marine knives, multifunction tools, deck accessories and storage supports also complement the chart-table equipment.

A chart table adapted to each type of navigation

There is no single chart-table configuration suitable for every boat. Equipment requirements vary according to the vessel, the duration of the passage and the level of independence required.

For coastal navigation, the workstation may focus mainly on nautical charts, plotting instruments, nautical publications, binoculars and communication equipment.

For offshore cruising, the chart table may include more extensive digital charting, navigation or routing software, weather instruments, enhanced protection and a comprehensive set of navigation documents and backup instruments.

For traditional navigation or navigation training, rulers, dividers, protractors, paper charts and educational publications may have a particularly important role.

For celestial navigation, the sextant, nautical ephemerides, chronometer and astronomical calculation instruments form an additional group of equipment.

The chart table should therefore be considered as a coherent navigation system rather than simply a working surface. Each instrument should be easy to access, easy to identify and stored in appropriate conditions.

Digital technology and traditional navigation

Modern navigation relies heavily on electronic equipment, but traditional techniques remain relevant. A paper nautical chart provides a broad visual representation of the navigation area, while plotting instruments allow the navigator to work directly on the chart.

Navigation software, meanwhile, can process large quantities of information quickly and support route planning and passage preparation.

Combining both approaches provides a comprehensive navigation workflow: digital route preparation, cross-checking on paper charts, use of traditional instruments and systematic recording in the logbook.

A category dedicated to the navigation workstation

The Chart Table category at Librairie Maritime Nautic Way therefore covers much more than plotting instruments alone. It brings together many of the products required to organize a marine navigation workstation, from routing software and digital charting to dividers, paper-chart protection, logbooks and observation equipment.

This diversity reflects the reality of a modern chart table: a working environment where nautical charting, electronic navigation, traditional navigation, weather observation, communication, documentation and practical organization come together.

FAQ

What equipment is normally found at a boat's chart table?

A chart table can include paper nautical charts, navigation instruments, navigation or routing software, a logbook, nautical publications, observation equipment, waterproof protection and various accessories required for navigation.

Which instruments are used with a paper nautical chart?

Common instruments include navigation dividers, a Cras rule or another navigation rule, a bearing compass, parallel rulers, rolling rulers, protractors, calculating rules and suitable pencils or pens for nautical charts.

Why use a paper nautical chart when GPS is available?

A paper chart provides a complementary navigation method. It offers a broad view of the navigation area and can be used with traditional plotting instruments when electronic navigation equipment is unavailable.

Which navigation software is available for a chart table?

The category includes solutions such as Adrena, MaxSea, Noé, NV Charts, ScanNav and SeaPro, together with different charting solutions depending on the software and intended use.

What is a sextant used for on board?

A sextant measures the angular altitude of a celestial body. Combined with nautical ephemerides, an accurate time reference and the appropriate calculation methods, it can be used for celestial navigation.

How can a nautical chart be protected from water?

A nautical chart can be protected using a suitable waterproof pouch, bag or case. Lamination is another solution for improving resistance to moisture and repeated handling.

What equipment is useful for a sailing yacht chart table?

Equipment depends on the type of navigation. A cruising yacht may use paper and digital charts, plotting instruments, navigation software, a logbook, marine binoculars, weather instruments and waterproof protection.

Why keep a navigation logbook?

A logbook provides a structured record of the voyage and important information observed during the passage. It is useful for recreational sailing as well as for various professional maritime activities.

What additional equipment can be useful at the chart table?

Depending on the installation, useful equipment may include a VHF radio, rugged computer display, waterproof keyboard and mouse, GPS antenna, navigation lamp, marine knife, multifunction tool or storage support.