Shom C Nautical Chart – Arctic Ocean

Introduction

The Shom C nautical chart of the Arctic Ocean is a flat paper nautical chart, generally supplied rolled, intended for route planning and navigation in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions covered by the charting of the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shom). It covers, in particular, the Arctic Ocean, the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, the northern seas and certain areas associated with the Northwest Passages.

Navigation in polar regions presents specific challenges: vast maritime areas, variable weather conditions, the presence of sea ice, sometimes limited hydrographic survey coverage, the scarcity of ports and the importance of route planning. A Shom C Arctic nautical chart should therefore be selected according to the geographical area, intended route, scale and type of navigation.

Shom charts represent the hydrographic and nautical information required for navigation planning, including depths, soundings, depth contours, shoals, hazards, reefs, wrecks, channels, aids to navigation, lights, landmarks, ports and anchorages, depending on the scale and area charted.

Shom C Arctic chart: what is it used for?

The main characteristic of the Shom C chart is its flat paper format. It is generally rolled in a tube, allowing a large cartographic surface to be preserved without folds. This format is particularly suitable for working on a chart table and planning long-distance routes.

The Shom C Arctic Ocean category includes several levels of geographical coverage. Shom 5965C covers the Arctic Ocean at a scale of 1:6,300,000, while Shom 6014C covers the area from Peary Land to Scoresby Sound and from Trondheim to the North Cape at a scale of 1:2,748,100. Shom 6727C covers the Norwegian Sea and adjacent seas at a scale of 1:4,080,000.

These differences illustrate the importance of scale. A small-scale chart allows a very large region to be viewed and a general route to be planned, whereas a larger-scale chart provides a more detailed representation of a coastal area or approach.

Main areas covered

Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean is the central area of this category. It extends around the North Pole and connects with the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

A general chart of the Arctic Ocean makes it possible to understand the major geographical areas and polar shipping routes. It can be used to plan long-distance navigation or to study different possible routes between the North Atlantic and the Arctic regions.

Greenland Sea and Greenland coast

The Greenland Sea is a major transition zone between the North Atlantic and the Arctic. It is associated with the eastern coast of Greenland, Iceland and the North Atlantic archipelagos.

Areas such as Scoresby Sound, the eastern coast of Greenland and the waters between Greenland and Norway may require specific charting depending on the intended route.

Ports and navigation points associated with this region include Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit in Greenland.

Norwegian Sea and northern seas

The Norwegian Sea is another important area for navigation towards the polar regions. It connects the North Sea, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Arctic.

Shom C charts may cover areas between the North Cape, Trondheim, the Norwegian coast and adjacent seas.

Ports associated with this region include Tromsø, Bodø, Trondheim, Ålesund, Bergen, Hammerfest and Honningsvåg.

North Cape and Barents Sea

The North Cape is a major geographical reference point for navigation towards northern Norway and the Barents Sea. This area represents a transition between sub-Arctic waters and truly polar environments.

Navigation conditions can be very different from those encountered further south. Charting should therefore be combined with a good understanding of weather, sea ice and local conditions.

Northwest Passages

The Northwest Passages form a group of maritime routes crossing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Shom 6013C covers, in particular, the area from Lancaster Sound to Peary Land and Nugssuak, while Shom 6015C covers the area from the Northwest Passages to the Greenland Sea. These documents demonstrate that Arctic charting may cover areas spanning several major oceanic regions.

For navigators interested in these routes, ports and navigation points such as Nuuk, Pond Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Resolute, Nome and Nuuk may serve as geographical references depending on the route considered.

Navigation in Arctic regions

Arctic navigation requires specific preparation. Seasonal or permanent sea ice, low temperatures, weather conditions, winds, visibility and the distance from port infrastructure must all be taken into account when planning a route.

A nautical chart can be used to plan:

• the general route;

• course changes;

• passages between islands;

• coastal approaches;

• channels;

• areas of shallow water;

• available anchorages;

• harbour approaches;

• distances between different stages.

In a region where ports and infrastructure are much less numerous than in temperate areas, careful chart preparation becomes particularly important.

Information shown on a Shom C chart

Depending on the area and scale, a Shom C nautical chart may show:

• soundings;

• depths;

• depth contours;

• seabed characteristics where represented;

• shoals;

• rocks and reefs;

• wrecks;

• channels and passages;

• aids to navigation;

• lights;

• landmarks;

• ports;

• anchorages;

• regulatory limits and information;

• cartographic details required for route planning.

In the Arctic, these elements must be interpreted with particular attention to chart scale and the specific characteristics of the polar environment.

The importance of scale in the Arctic

Scale is particularly important when selecting a nautical chart of the Arctic Ocean.

A small-scale general chart provides an overall view of the polar regions and major routes. An offshore chart allows more detailed planning within a specific area. A larger-scale coastal chart is then required to study approaches to a port, strait, channel or anchorage.

It is therefore common to use several levels of charting during the same voyage.

Differences between Shom C, L, G, Z and Raster charts

Shom C and Shom L charts contain the standard information of a nautical chart. Their main difference concerns their presentation and handling: the C format is flat and generally rolled, whereas the L format is folded.

Shom G charts are designed to also represent the nature and distribution of seabed sediments. They may be useful for professional fishing, marine studies and certain scientific or technical activities.

Shom Z charts, or Zonex charts, include an overlay identifying exercise and firing areas.

A Shom Raster chart is a digital GeoTIFF version of the chart. Shom Raster charts are georeferenced in WGS 84 using the Mercator projection and are distributed at a resolution of 300 dpi. They are available at different scale levels, ranging from general charts to coastal charts and harbour and anchorage charts.

Shom C Arctic chart and polar navigation planning

Arctic navigation does not rely solely on a general chart. Planning may require several complementary charts corresponding to the different stages of the voyage.

A thorough preparation may include:

• a general Arctic chart;

• an offshore chart for the area concerned;

• more detailed coastal charts;

• charts of straits and passages;

• harbour approach charts;

• sea-ice information;

• sailing directions;

• atlases and specialist guides;

• navigation manuals.

The combination of different sources of information makes it possible to move progressively from an overall view of the route to a detailed analysis of the navigation areas.

Ports and navigation points associated with the Arctic

The charted areas around the Arctic are associated with numerous ports and navigation points, including:

• Tromsø;

• Bodø;

• Trondheim;

• Hammerfest;

• Honningsvåg;

• Longyearbyen;

• Nuuk;

• Ilulissat;

• Sisimiut;

• Tasiilaq;

• Ittoqqortoormiit;

• Reykjavik;

• Akureyri;

• Pond Inlet;

• Cambridge Bay;

• Resolute.

These ports are not all located in the Arctic Ocean in the strict geographical sense. Some belong to sub-Arctic regions or serve as access points to polar routes. Their cartographic relevance therefore depends on the exact route and area being studied.

How to choose a Shom C Arctic nautical chart

When selecting a chart, the following should be considered:

• the exact geographical area;

• the planned route;

• the departure port;

• the destination port;

• possible stopovers;

• the scale;

• straits and passages to be crossed;

• harbour approaches;

• anchorages;

• the chart date and edition;

• available corrections;

• other nautical documents required.

For a long-distance route, a general chart may be essential for planning, but it should not be regarded as a substitute for the more detailed charts required for coastal or harbour approaches.

Conclusion

The Shom C nautical chart of the Arctic Ocean is a paper charting resource suited to navigation planning in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. The range includes charts covering the Arctic Ocean, the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, northern seas, the North Cape and certain routes associated with the Northwest Passages.

The choice of a Shom C chart mainly depends on the geographical area and scale. An ocean chart provides an overall view for route planning, while an offshore or coastal chart provides greater detail for the different stages of navigation.

In an environment as vast and particular as the Arctic, charting should be complemented by nautical documents appropriate to polar navigation, including sailing directions, sea-ice information, atlases, specialist guides and navigation manuals.

FAQ – Shom C Arctic Ocean nautical chart

What is a Shom C Arctic Ocean nautical chart?

It is a Shom paper nautical chart, flat and generally rolled, designed to represent an area of the Arctic Ocean or associated polar and sub-polar regions. Depending on its scale, it can be used for general route planning, offshore navigation or the study of a specific area.

Which Shom C chart covers the Arctic Ocean?

Shom 5965C covers the Arctic Ocean at a scale of 1:6,300,000. Other charts cover specific areas of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

What is the difference between a Shom C and a Shom L chart?

A Shom C is a flat paper chart, generally rolled, whereas a Shom L is a folded paper chart. Both formats may contain standard Shom marine charting information, but their presentation and storage methods differ.

Which Arctic areas are covered by Shom C charts?

Depending on the reference, the charts cover the Arctic Ocean, the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, northern seas, the North Cape and certain areas associated with the Northwest Passages.

Do Shom C charts cover Greenland?

Yes. Some Shom C charts cover areas of the Greenland Sea and regions extending from Peary Land to Scoresby Sound.

Do Shom C charts cover the Northwest Passages?

Yes. Shom references 6013C and 6015C cover areas associated with the Northwest Passages and their connection with the Greenland Sea.

Which ports are associated with Arctic navigation?

Depending on the route, ports and navigation points may include Tromsø, Hammerfest, Honningsvåg, Longyearbyen, Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Tasiilaq, Reykjavik, Akureyri, Pond Inlet, Cambridge Bay and Resolute.

Why is scale particularly important in the Arctic?

The Arctic regions are vast and port infrastructure is relatively dispersed. A general chart provides an overview for route planning, but more detailed charts are required for coasts, straits, channels, ports and anchorages.

What is a Shom G chart?

A Shom G is a sedimentological chart. It provides additional information about the nature and distribution of seabed sediments. It is particularly relevant to fishing, marine studies and certain professional activities.

What is a Shom Z chart?

A Shom Z, or Zonex chart, includes an overlay representing exercise and firing areas. This information should be interpreted together with the relevant nautical documents and Notices to Mariners.

What is a Shom Raster chart?

It is a digital nautical chart in GeoTIFF format. Shom Raster charts are georeferenced in WGS 84 using the Mercator projection and can be used with compatible software.

Is one chart enough for Arctic navigation?

This depends on the route and its length. For polar navigation, several levels of charting may be required: a general chart, an offshore chart, coastal charts, charts of straits and harbour approach charts.

Which documents should complement a Shom C Arctic nautical chart?

Depending on the intended voyage, charting can be complemented by sailing directions, sea-ice information, atlases, navigation guides and specialist manuals. The documentation should be adapted to the specific requirements of polar navigation.