Kartverket Norwegian Nautical Chart

Navigation along the Norwegian coastline is recognised as one of the most demanding and spectacular sailing environments in the world. With more than 100,000 kilometres of coastline, including a multitude of deep fjords, islands and archipelagos, Norway has a unique geography that requires absolute cartographic accuracy. Norwegian nautical charts published by Kartverket, the country’s official hydrographic authority, provide the official reference for safe navigation in these waters. Whether sailing along the mainland coast or venturing into Arctic regions such as Svalbard and Jan Mayen, choosing official nautical documentation is essential for safety, accuracy and regulatory compliance. Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers a carefully selected range of these essential navigation products for safe, efficient and confident sailing.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of an official Kartverket chart lies in its ability to provide comprehensive hydrographic information, turning the navigation chart into a genuine strategic decision-making tool.

• Safe voyage planning: Paper charts are widely used for route planning and maritime training, providing an overall view that digital systems alone do not always offer.

• Navigation in complex areas: They help mariners safely navigate narrow fjord passages and rocky areas thanks to their high level of detail and accuracy.

• Onboard backup: They provide an essential backup solution, particularly appreciated in remote or Arctic areas where electronic equipment may fail.

• Managing natural constraints: They help navigators anticipate strong currents, steep seabeds and local tidal conditions specific to the Norwegian coastline.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

The Kartverket catalogue available from Nautic Way is suitable for a wide range of users who require a high level of reliability, sometimes in extreme conditions.

• Professional mariners and commercial shipping: For whom official status and compliance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards are essential requirements.

• Coastal and offshore fishermen: An everyday tool for safe operations in commercial, industrial and fishing ports.

• Experienced leisure sailors: Recommended for skippers wishing to explore Norway’s fjords and archipelagos with maximum confidence.

• Polar expeditions: Essential for navigators venturing into the Arctic waters of Svalbard, where severe weather conditions and seasonal ice can create significant challenges.

• Navigation schools: A reference training resource for learning chartwork, plotting techniques and standardised nautical symbology.

Reading and understanding the chart

Norwegian nautical charts are distinguished by the wealth and technical precision of the information they provide and require a good understanding of nautical chartwork.

• Detailed bathymetry: Depths are shown in metres, with closely spaced depth contours reflecting the often steep underwater terrain.

• Accurate coastline representation: Charts provide detailed information on fjords, cliffs, reefs and port infrastructure.

• Aids to navigation: Reliable positioning of lighthouses, lights, buoys, beacons and leading lines.

• Regulated areas: Clear identification of military areas, marked channels and protected areas.

• Dynamic information: Cautionary notes concerning tides and local currents.

• Official formats: All charts, whether paper or ENC, are based on Kartverket’s official national hydrographic databases.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends directly on keeping navigation information up to date, an area in which Kartverket maintains a rigorous updating system.

• Regular updates: The authority regularly publishes Notices to Mariners to incorporate new surveys and changes to maritime infrastructure.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, nautical charts are printed to order to ensure that you receive the latest available corrections.

• Regulations and obsolescence: Due to their nature as products that may become obsolete rapidly, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged, in accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code.

• Operational caution: Despite the accuracy of official charts, navigators must remain vigilant regarding changing natural conditions, such as ice or shifting seabeds in Arctic areas.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

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

• Specialist reference: Nautic Way supports leisure sailors and professional mariners with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references.

• Recognised expertise: Our team provides specialist advice to help each navigator identify the appropriate navigation area and select charts according to their level of experience.

• Local presence: Based in Challans (85300), France, at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, Nautic Way puts its professional expertise at the service of safe and efficient navigation.

• Quality assured: We provide essential navigation products to help mariners navigate Norwegian waters with precision and confidence.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in this area?

The choice depends on your specific route. Kartverket offers more than 230 products covering different areas, from the Oslo Fjord (Chart 001) to the Trondheim area (Chart 039). You can use the interactive chart map on Nautic Way to identify the exact chart numbers required for your voyage.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?

Although comprehensive and official, a Kartverket nautical chart is an essential component of a broader navigation strategy. It should be used together with other navigation documents, such as sailing directions and nautical guides.

How often should a Kartverket chart be replaced?

It is essential to use the latest edition available. As Nautic Way prints charts to order with the latest available updates, it is recommended to obtain new charts before each expedition to ensure that safety-critical information is as accurate and current as possible.

Can it be used with a GPS?

Yes. Official paper charts and digital versions (ENCs) are based on the same national hydrographic databases, providing consistency when manually plotting a GPS position on a paper chart to cross-check electronic navigation data.

What is the difference compared with other charting products?

Kartverket charts are the official reference for navigation in Norway and are produced by the country’s national hydrographic authority. Unlike private chart publishers, official Kartverket products are produced in accordance with the relevant international standards of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).