Canadian Hydrographic Service Nautical Chart

The nautical charts produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) are the official and essential reference for safe navigation across one of the largest and most diverse maritime domains in the world. The charted territory covers more than 240,000 kilometres of coastline, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes and numerous inland waterways.

Choosing a CHS chart means relying on reliable and accurate information produced in accordance with the international standards of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), helping ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of your navigation.

What is the Canadian Hydrographic Service nautical chart used for?

The value of a CHS chart lies in its ability to provide comprehensive hydrographic information for navigation planning and operations.

• Navigation planning: Paper charts are particularly valued for route planning and as a reliable onboard backup.

• Safe navigation in complex areas: They provide an essential level of detail for navigating challenging areas, such as estuaries subject to strong tides or archipelagos with changing seabeds.

• Operational decision-making: They help navigators anticipate hazards and gain a detailed understanding of underwater topography in order to optimise their routes.

• Training resource: Official charts remain a reference tool for learning navigation and practising chartwork and route planning.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these solutions to meet the operational needs of all types of maritime users.

• Leisure sailors: Whether sailing in coastal or offshore waters in Canada, these charts enhance the safety of sailing and powerboat trips.

• Professional mariners: They are essential for commercial shipping, fishing, towing and offshore fleets.

• Explorers of northern regions: The CHS is the reference hydrographic authority for navigation in the Canadian Arctic, covering remote and difficult-to-access areas.

• Navigation schools: They provide a comprehensive training resource that complies with professional standards.

Reading and understanding the chart

The wealth and accuracy of the information provided allow for a clear interpretation of the maritime environment.

• Accurate bathymetry: Depths are given in metres, accompanied by detailed depth contours and an accurate representation of the seabed.

• Aids to navigation and buoyage: The chart identifies lighthouses, lights, buoys and leading lines in accordance with international standards.

• Hazard identification: Shoals, drying rocks, wrecks and shallow-water areas are clearly and accurately indicated.

• Regulated areas: Marked channels, Traffic Separation Schemes and protected areas are clearly delineated.

• Environmental information: Navigators can find valuable information on currents, tides and variations in water levels.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends on the continuous updating of hydrographic data.

• Continuous updates: The CHS regularly publishes Notices to Mariners to incorporate new bathymetric surveys and changes to maritime infrastructure.

• Digital transition: Although paper charts remain a reliable navigation resource, the CHS is progressively shifting its production towards Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) to allow corrections to be integrated more rapidly.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all nautical charts are printed to order to ensure that you receive the latest available updates at the time of purchase.

• Contractual provisions: Due to their rapid obsolescence, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged after ordering.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

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

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

• Expert advice: Our team helps you choose the most appropriate format—paper or digital—and scale—coastal, nearshore or offshore—for your project.

• Local expertise: Based in Challans (85300), France, at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, Nautic Way puts its specialist expertise at the service of confident navigation on all the world's seas.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for sailing in Canada?
The choice depends on your area of navigation. You can use our interactive chart map to identify the appropriate chart numbers for your route from the 909 products available in the catalogue.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for safe navigation?
Although comprehensive, a CHS chart is an essential foundation that should be supplemented by other navigation documents, such as sailing directions and tide tables, for comprehensive risk management.

How often should I replace my CHS chart?
It is essential to use the most recent edition. As our charts are printed to order with the latest available corrections, we recommend renewing your navigation documents before each major expedition or sailing season.

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