In the sailing world, there are many different publications that are useful to sailors of any skill level. However, only a few hold the authority of Sailing Directions. Whether you're sailing on the other side of the world or you're keeping your boating adventures closer to home, every seafarer needs a Pilot to hand, corresponding to a passage they're planning.
If you're unfamiliar with these written publications, what they contain or why Pilots are so important, discover the sailing significance of these mariner-must-haves with Sea Chest.
What Are Sailing Directions?
ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions are written by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and convey written information and directions pertaining to various boat and shipping routes, from coastal navigation to port approaches around the world. At Sea Chest, we stock the most widely used and most popular Sailing Directions from the UKHO, the ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions.
From the ADMIRALTY brand you get the most extensive, detailed and essential maritime coverage of global coastal routes that you can refer to incredibly easily across one of many different volumes. They're also updating these Sailing Directions all the time to ensure you always have the most current route information to hand, available in both physical and digital versions for versatility of use.
Why Are They Called Pilot Books?
Sailing Directions are typically called Pilot Books, or just Pilots, because they contain a range of information that would have originally been provided by a skilled professional maritime navigator, known as a Marine Pilot. This information ranges from local route and landmark information, hazards, currents, climate conditions, points of interest and much more.
What's In Each Sailing Direction Volume?
ADMIRALTY typically provide more than traditional Pilot guides, giving you a far more in-depth publication that includes not just pilotage, harbours and approaches but full colour photography and information on the surrounding facilities.
Expect to receive information on navigational hazards, buoyage, pilotage, regulations, general notes on countries, port facilities, seasonal currents, ice and climatic conditions. ADMIRALTY Pilots also come with high quality diagrams and photography to help bridge crews understand critical information during the passage planning stage.
Why Should I Own The Latest Sailing Directions?
Recently updated Pilots will often contain corrections and amendments that are different from the previous year, and due to the continuous updates of ADMIRALTY directions, you'll be able to plan routes and voyages and take on information with the highest levels of accuracy.
Having up-to-date information is more than just conscientious route planning, it's also necessary for your own safety. Sailing Directions such as the ones provided by Sea Chest are replete with safety information, keeping you aware of navigational hazards, weather and tidal expectations, approaches and more. Planning an accurate and precise passage is the key to a safe and error-free journey, so make sure you pick up a Pilot to enhance your situational awareness and ensure that crew members understand vital information during the planning stages by familiarising them with the clear diagrams and photography provided.
Sailing Directions are also quick and easy to pick up and refer to. The latest changes and amendments will always be at your fingertips and you can use this new information to enlighten your entire crew as well as yourself during any stage of planning and passage.
