List compiled by Rob McLean, last updated on: November 23, 2017
Disclaimer: This listing is compiled for the convenience of fellow boaters. To the best of our knowledge at the time of the latest update, links point to the latest versions of official documents. However, it is the responsibility of each user of this document to ensure that he or she accesses the latest official version of any listed publication. Internet links frequently change: if you notice any dead links please inform Rob McLean at rmclean@matrixlinks.ca and we’ll fix them if we can.
Contents
A. Links to official resources that are freely downloadable
B. Links to selected relevant laws and regulations
D. Links to selected other resources that are freely downloadable
E. Links to selected other resources available for purchase
A. Links to official resources that are freely downloadable
(May be useful to download and store on a computer or mobile device)
- Chart1:Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms: https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/docs/us-chart-1/ChartNo1.pdf
- Collision Regulations: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf
- Float plan: http://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/floating-plan.php
- US Aids to Navigation System Summary Guide: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/US_ATON_Guide.pdf
- US Aids to Navigation System Detailed Guide: http://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/130-05-06/usaidstonavigationsystembooklet23dec03.pdf
- NOAA Online Chart Catalog: Download RNC (raster) or ENC (vector) charts: can select individual charts, regions, or all charts: http://www.charts.noaa.gov/InteractiveCatalog/nrnc.shtml
- US Coast Pilot: Download for various regions: https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/index.html
- Free PDFs of US Nautical Charts: download from: http://www.charts.noaa.gov/PDFs/PDFs.shtml
- US Light List: Can be downloaded for specific regions: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightlists
- US Tide Predictions: View online and download tide information for specific reference and secondary stations: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.html
- US Current Predictions: View online and download current information for specific reference and secondary stations: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/Regions
- US local Notices to Mariners: download weekly updates: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmMain
- US Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/CG_NRHB_20151231.pdf
- Boaters Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats: http://uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF
- Online virtual safety check: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=virtual-safety-check
B. Links to selected relevant laws and regulations
- Work in process
D. Links to selected other resources that are freely downloadable
Tides
Weather
Celestial Navigation: Nautical Almanac data
https://www.thenauticalalmanac.com
http://www.nauticalalmanac.it/en/navigation-astronomy/the-nautical-almanac.html
http://sv-inua.net/the-nautical-almanac
http://www.backbearing.com/almanac.html
http://astro.ukho.gov.uk/nao/online/
Cruising Info
- Great Lakes Sailing: http://www.great-lakes-sailing.com
E. Links to selected other resources available for purchase
Ports/Waterway Guides
Weather guides
Nautical almanacs
Chart Books (third party)