Routeing charts

Routeing Charts: An Essential Tool for Maritime Route Planning

Routeing Charts, also known as maritime routing charts, are specialized cartographic documents essential for planning offshore and ocean-going navigation. Used for decades by professional mariners, long-distance sailors, navigation schools, and meteorological services, they help optimize maritime routes based on average climatic conditions, prevailing winds, ocean currents, and seasonal risks.

The Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers a carefully selected range of official Routeing Charts, designed to meet the needs of modern navigators seeking accuracy, safety, and efficiency when planning long voyages.

What Is a Routeing Chart?

A Routeing Chart is a thematic marine chart that compiles statistical data gathered over long periods of meteorological and oceanographic observation. Unlike standard nautical charts intended for day-to-day navigation, Routeing Charts are designed for strategic route planning prior to departure.

They generally cover large ocean areas and are produced on a monthly or seasonal basis, reflecting climatic variations throughout the year.

What Are Routeing Charts Used For?

The primary purpose of routing charts is to help navigators:

• Choose the best route according to the season
• Avoid areas of recurring bad weather
• Take advantage of prevailing winds
• Benefit from favorable ocean currents
• Reduce passage time and fuel consumption
• Limit exposure to meteorological risks

They are particularly useful for:

• Transoceanic crossings
• International commercial shipping routes
• Long-distance sailing
• Offshore racing
• Maritime education and navigation training

Contents of Routeing Charts

Marine Routeing Charts stand out for the richness and clarity of their statistical information. They typically include:

Prevailing Winds

• Average wind direction and strength
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Frequency of strong winds
• Monthly wind roses

​​​​​​​Ocean Currents

• Main and secondary currents
• ​​​​​​​Average direction and speed
• Convergence and divergence zones

Weather Conditions

• Storm frequency
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Cyclonic and low-pressure areas
• Seasonal hazards (cyclones, monsoons)

Sea State

• Average wave height
• Areas of rough or confused seas
• Dominant swell directions

Ice and Seasonal Hazards

• Ice limits in polar regions
• Icebergs and growlers
• Areas of frequent fog

Recommended Routes

• Preferred navigation routes by month
• Alternative routes depending on conditions

These data are based on decades of observations and provide a valuable foundation for reliable route planning.

Types of Routeing Charts Available

Routeing Charts are available in several formats:

Monthly Routeing Charts

Each chart corresponds to a specific month, allowing precise seasonal planning.

Oceanic Routeing Charts

Covering the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Southern Oceans.

Specialized Routeing Charts

Designed for sensitive areas such as polar routes, cyclonic regions, and enclosed seas.

The Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers official Routeing Charts recognized internationally.

Advantages of Routeing Charts

A Strategic Planning Tool

Routeing Charts allow navigators to anticipate general conditions well before departure, which is essential for long passages.

A Global and Synthetic Overview

They provide a clear visualization of dominant phenomena over vast areas, facilitating informed decision-making.

Performance Optimization

For both sailing and motor vessels, routing helps reduce distance, sea time, and fuel consumption.

An Essential Educational Resource

They are widely used in navigation schools and professional maritime training programs.

Complementary to Modern Navigation Tools

Routeing Charts effectively complement digital navigation tools, routing software, and short-term weather forecasts.

Limitations and Drawbacks of Routeing Charts

Statistical, Not Real-Time Data

Routeing Charts do not replace real-time weather forecasts. They provide average trends, not instantaneous conditions.

Requires Navigational Expertise

Proper interpretation requires knowledge of marine meteorology and navigation.

Not Suitable for Coastal Navigation

They are designed for offshore use and do not include the detailed information needed for coastal or port navigation.

Planning Tool Only

Routeing Charts do not replace the official nautical charts required on board.

Who Are Routeing Charts For?

• Routeing Charts are particularly suited for:
• Offshore and long-distance sailors
• Professional skippers
• Merchant marine operators
• Sailing cruisers and racers
• Maritime schools and training centers
• ​​​​​​​Route planning services

Why Buy Your Routeing Charts from Nautic Way?

The Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop specializes in professional and international nautical cartography. By choosing Nautic Way, you benefit from:

• Official and internationally recognized Routeing Charts
• Up-to-date editions
• Expert guidance in selecting the right charts
• An offer tailored to both professionals and private sailors
• A reliable service dedicated to offshore navigation

Tips for Using Routeing Charts

For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended to:

• Cross-reference routing data with recent weather forecasts
• Adapt routes to vessel type and season
• Use Routeing Charts alongside Mercator charts
• ​​​​​​​Regularly update meteorological information

Conclusion

Routeing Charts are indispensable maritime planning tools for any long-distance navigation. Their ability to synthesize decades of meteorological and oceanographic data makes them invaluable for optimizing routes, improving safety, and enhancing efficiency.

Available from the Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop, marine Routeing Charts are designed for demanding navigators who wish to prepare their voyages with rigor and professionalism. When used correctly, they become a major asset for navigating more intelligently, safely, and in harmony with the natural forces of the oceans.

Before selecting your Routeing Chart, it is recommended to clearly define your navigation area, the season of travel, and your vessel type in order to choose the most suitable maritime cartography for your project.

Before choosing your nautical chart, it is interesting to know the particularities and differences between nautical charts.

All nautical charts, paper or digital, are published to order and benefit from the latest updates. In accordance with the provisions of Article L221-28 of the Consumer Code, the right of withdrawal cannot be exercised for the supply of goods likely to be obsolete quickly. These charts are neither taken back nor exchanged. Consequently, these orders are concluded definitively as soon as the order is placed by the Customer according to the methods specified in these GCS.