What is the purpose of using navigation charts?

Using navigation charts is essential for safe and efficient boating, with a primary purpose focused on identifying water hazards and depths. These charts provide crucial information about the underwater landscape, such as varying depth levels, submerged objects, and navigable areas. By referencing these details, boaters can avoid dangerous situations such as grounding their vessel or encountering obstacles that may pose risks to their safety.

Additionally, navigation charts include information on navigational aids, currents, tides, and other relevant data that help boaters make informed decisions while on the water. The depth information is vital for knowing whether the water is deep enough for a specific vessel, as different boats require different depths to operate safely.

While finding the fastest routes, showcasing attractive areas, or recording personal experiences may be relevant to some boaters, these activities do not constitute the primary function of navigation charts, which are fundamentally designed to support safe navigation and protect against hazards on the water.