Free chart-reading tool
Read a nautical chart one layer at a time
Use a fictional nautical chart to practise chart symbols, soundings, contours, hazards, buoyage, and route choice. It is an independent revision aid, not official RYA training or assessment.
Direct answer
To read a nautical chart, start with the title block, datum, scale, and units. Then separate depth soundings, depth contours, drying areas, hazards, buoyage, lights, and land features before choosing a route with enough depth and a clear margin from danger.
- Best for
- Chart symbols, depths, hazards, route thinking
- Chart type
- Fictional teaching chart, not for navigation
- Practice mode
- Layer toggles, symbol callouts, quiz
- Cost
- Free, no login required
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08Richard Moore
Symbols, soundings, route choice
Nautical chart reader
Inspect a fictional chart excerpt, separate layers, decode chart symbols, and see how safe tracks combine depth, buoyage, and hazards.