Nautical Charts

Navigation chart: the right choice before embarking

A nautical chart contains all the elements and information needed for maritime navigation, enabling you to find your bearings and navigate at sea. A nautical chart takes into account climatic conditions, in particular tides, currents, sea state and dangers on the route.

A navigation chart is one of the essential items to take with you on a boating trip. Regulations vary according to the type of sailing you do. However, according to SHOM (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine), the obligation to carry nautical documentation applies to all vessels, as does registration. So whether you're sailing inshore, offshore or on a river, a navigation chart is compulsory for all professional activities. For pleasure boats, this is not the case, but the maritime card can be a great help and offer you the necessary security when you board your vessel.

And at Nautisports, we've got just what you need! At navicarte, which belongs to the Plastimo brand, with the card Mininav Méditerranée Franceyou'll have the ideal product for light navigation along the French coast, at a cost of just 8 euros. Made of paper and in A3 format, this navigation chart is water-resistant and fold-resistant, thanks to a navicarte process that loads the paper with latex. You'll also find navicarte charts for Italy, Spain and the French Atlantic coast.

Other nautical charts available on our site include Atlantic and Channel nautical charts from Plastimo. Drawn up in accordance with SHOM, these color-coded charts help you identify the hazards you may encounter when out on the water, whether with a motorboat or a pleasure craft. Available for sale at 29 euros, these charts are reissued periodically, to keep you up to date in the event of changes in one or more sectors.

Also from Plastimo, opt for the Navicarte Méditerranée. These nautical charts give you all the traffic information you need if you decide to sail along the Côte d'Azur. The format of this Mediterranean nautical chart is A2. Purchasing this chart gives you access to a batch of 20 to 30 charts in different scales. Other information available includes details of marinas and anchorage areas. Find this model of Mediterranean nautical chart on our online site, at a price of 46 euros.

Code and security

Among the documents or plans you need to have on your boat, and for your own safety, don't forget the Topoplastic adhesive marine code. There's nothing original about this product, just the compilation on a single sheet of the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. This model of nautical chart, this code of the sea, enables you to take note of the new international regulations, whether for pleasure boats on inland waters, or for ships on international waters. And keep your eye on the information you need to ensure your safety. The maritime signs available on this chart correspond to SHOM books 2B and 3C. Available for just 9.50 euros.

Another product available to ensure your safety is the river navigation guide. This navigation guide maps every river, canal and navigable waterway in France (as well as some neighboring countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Germany). Available at a price of 19.80 euros, this guide will give you all the information you need on routes to follow, the environment, anchorages... in short, all the information you need for navigation. The nautical charts inside are enhanced by technical and tourist photos.

Nautical charts: for a safe outing on the water

Whether you're the owner of a powerboat or a pleasure boat, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Electronics, especially smartphones, can help, but there's no substitute for paper charts, which can save the day in the event of problems. Nautical charts, technical data sheets and the marine code will help you to ensure your safety, and that of others, while staying one step ahead of events. On Nautisports. com, you'll find a wide selection of essential documents dedicated to maritime navigation, all regulated by the SHOM, to take aboard your boat or ship. As an added bonus, you can also purchase protective pouches for your nautical charts.