Offshore Boating Licence Charts: Shom Nautical Charts for Navigation Practice

Nautical charts for preparing for the French offshore licence extension

Preparing for the French offshore boating licence extension relies heavily on the ability to read a nautical chart, plot a course and carry out navigation calculations methodically. Working with paper charts helps candidates understand the relationship between position, heading, distance, speed and time, while learning to interpret cartographic information relevant to navigation.

Nautic Way’s Offshore Boating Licence Chart category includes Shom nautical charts for navigation exercises, along with preparation kits and a study pack containing a chart and learning equipment. The selection includes the Shom special exercise chart for the offshore licence, available flat or folded, as well as charts covering the area from Île Vierge to Pointe de Penmarc’h and the approaches to Brest, also available in both formats.

These documents provide a practical way to learn chartwork techniques and become familiar with maritime cartography. They are intended for candidates preparing for the offshore extension through a training provider or independently, as well as recreational boaters wishing to improve their course-plotting and navigation calculation skills.

The Shom special exercise chart for the offshore licence

The Shom special exercise chart is designed to support the navigation exercises associated with preparation for the French offshore boating licence extension. It provides a chartwork resource for applying the methods taught in study manuals and practising the use of navigation instruments.

Working with a nautical chart involves identifying relevant information, locating positions, measuring distances and determining directions. Exercises help candidates gradually improve measurement accuracy and their understanding of chart conventions.

The special exercise chart is available in two formats:

• Flat, supplied rolled: this format avoids fold lines and can be spread across a suitably sized working surface.

• Folded: this format is easier to store and carry in a bag with other study materials.

The choice mainly depends on how the chart will be used. Candidates who work frequently at a table may prefer the flat version. Those who need to carry their revision materials or store them alongside a manual may find the folded version more convenient.

The exercise chart should be treated as a learning resource. It should not automatically be regarded as suitable for actual navigation. A real passage requires documentation appropriate to the intended area, together with checks that the chart and other relevant nautical information are up to date.

Shom charts covering Île Vierge, Pointe de Penmarc’h and the approaches to Brest

The selection also includes Shom nautical charts covering the area from Île Vierge to Pointe de Penmarc’h and the approaches to Brest. They are available in a flat, rolled format and a folded format.

These charts represent a real maritime area and help users become familiar with nautical chart interpretation in a defined geographical context. They can be used to study the representation of the coastline, identify cartographic information and understand how chart details contribute to passage planning.

Choosing between the rolled and folded versions involves the same practical considerations as with the special exercise chart: available working space, ease of storage and frequency of use. It is useful to consider where the chart will be unfolded and how it will be stored between revision sessions.

These charts do not replace the specific exercises required for offshore licence preparation, but they can complement a broader understanding of nautical charts and their conventions. For actual navigation, their suitability for the intended area and their update status must be checked.

Learning to plot a course on a nautical chart

Course plotting is one of the essential skills developed when preparing for the offshore licence extension. It involves representing the intended movement between a departure point and a destination on the chart, then determining the parameters required by the exercise.

A structured method helps reduce mistakes:

• identify the departure and destination points;

• draw the route using an appropriate plotter;

• measure the direction and determine the heading required by the exercise;

• measure the distance using the appropriate scale;

• perform the necessary calculations using the supplied speed or time;

• check that the results and units are consistent.

A Cras-type navigation plotter helps draw routes and transfer directions. Dividers are used, among other things, to transfer a distance and compare it with the appropriate latitude scale, following the method taught during training.

For example, an exercise may ask candidates to determine the distance between two points and calculate the passage time at a given speed. The candidate must first measure the distance correctly, then apply the relationship between distance, speed and time using consistent units. The aim is not only to obtain a result but also to follow a repeatable procedure.

Understanding headings, distances and positions

Offshore licence preparation requires an understanding of the parameters used to describe a vessel’s movement at sea. Chartwork connects calculations with a spatial representation and helps candidates interpret the results.

Exercises may cover:

• measuring the distance between two positions;

• determining a direction or heading;

• plotting a point on a chart;

• reading geographical coordinates;

• estimating passage duration;

• understanding the difference between a planned route and the vessel’s actual movement;

• applying corrections when an exercise takes wind or current into account.

These concepts are related, but they do not all mean the same thing. Heading refers to the direction in which the bow is pointing, while the vessel’s track describes its movement. Wind and current can create a difference between the intended direction and the movement observed over the ground.

Paper charts help candidates visualise these relationships and understand the calculations. Regular practice improves accuracy and makes it easier to identify measurement or reasoning errors.

Codes Rousseau and Vagnon kits for combined preparation

This category also includes the Codes Rousseau offshore extension examination kit, the Vagnon offshore licence kit and the Vagnon study pack dedicated to this preparation.

Depending on their contents, these sets combine several useful learning resources: a theory manual, a practice-test book, an exercise nautical chart and navigation instruments. The Vagnon kit may include a chart, a Cras plotter, a compass, a pencil and a storage case. The Vagnon pack combines the study code, tests, exercise chart, plotter and compass. The exact contents should be checked for each set.

The advantage of these kits is that they bring together resources for structured preparation. The manual explains the concepts, the test book allows candidates to apply them, and the chart provides a basis for navigation exercises. The instruments are used to plot courses and carry out the required measurements.

Candidates who already own navigation instruments may prefer to choose a chart on its own. Those beginning their preparation may appreciate a kit that combines several complementary items. The choice depends on the resources already available, working preferences and the type of training being followed.

Organising navigation exercises

Regular chartwork sessions are useful for making progress. Rather than leaving all the practice until the final stage of preparation, candidates can focus on one skill at a time before combining several concepts in more complex exercises.

An effective approach can follow these steps:

• Learn the method: study the relevant explanation in the preparation manual.

• Set up the chart: identify the information needed for the exercise and check the scale being used.

• Plot the route: use the plotter and dividers methodically.

• Perform the calculations: record the data, units and steps in the reasoning.

• Check the result: compare the answer with the correction and understand any difference.

• Repeat the exercise: practise again where recurring difficulties appear.

This process helps develop reliable habits while maintaining an understanding of the methods involved. It also helps distinguish a calculation error from a measurement or chart-interpretation error.

From exercise chartwork to real navigation

The skills developed with an exercise chart help explain navigation principles, but examination preparation and planning an actual passage have different objectives.

For real navigation, the skipper must use charts appropriate to the intended area and conditions, check available updates and consult relevant nautical information. Weather, tides, currents and the characteristics of the vessel must also be considered.

An exercise chart provides a learning environment for plotting, measuring and calculating. A chart used for an actual passage must be selected and interpreted according to the planned route. Mastering the methods learned during licence preparation contributes to a better understanding of nautical documentation, but it does not replace the checks required before departure.

Conclusion

Nautic Way’s Offshore Boating Licence Chart category brings together Shom special exercise charts in flat or folded formats, charts covering Île Vierge, Pointe de Penmarc’h and the approaches to Brest in both formats, and Codes Rousseau and Vagnon kits and a study pack for offshore licence preparation.

These resources help candidates practise course plotting, distance measurement, heading calculations and the use of navigation instruments. Combined with a study manual and regular exercises, they support an understanding of chart-based navigation methods and a structured approach to preparing for the offshore boating licence extension.

FAQ – Offshore boating licence charts

What is a special exercise chart for the offshore licence used for?

It allows candidates to practise chart-based navigation methods, including plotting courses, measuring distances, calculating headings and plotting positions.

What is the difference between a flat Shom chart and a folded chart?

The flat chart is supplied rolled and can be spread without fold lines. The folded chart is easier to store and carry. The choice depends on the available working space and how the chart will be used.

What are the Shom charts covering Île Vierge to Pointe de Penmarc’h used for?

They represent this maritime area and help users become familiar with reading and interpreting a nautical chart in a specific geographical context.

Which instruments should I use with an offshore exercise chart?

A Cras-type navigation plotter and a pair of dividers are commonly used to plot directions, measure distances and carry out chartwork exercises.

What is the difference between an exercise chart and a navigation chart?

An exercise chart is intended for learning and practice. Actual navigation requires a chart suitable for the intended area and purpose, with its update status checked.

What do offshore preparation kits contain?

Depending on the set, they may combine a study manual, practice-test book, exercise chart, Cras plotter, compass and storage accessories. The precise contents should be checked for each kit.

How can I improve my nautical chartwork skills?

Study one method, complete several exercises, check the calculations and review any mistakes. Regular practice helps improve accuracy and understanding of navigation techniques.