CHARTS AND PILOTING PUBLICATIONS
FOR THE MAINE COASTTHE charts that cover Maine waters are extremely good. In exploring the whole coast, we have found very few errors, and we have had difficulty only when the scale of the chart is too small.
The Coast Guard periodically subjects regions of the Maine coast to waterway analyses, often resulting in dramatic changes to the buoyage. Use current charts and update them with the corrections published by the Coast Guard in Local Notice to Mariners. Notice to Mariners can be obtained by calling 800-848-3942, ext. 8335 or on the internet at www.navcen.uscg.gov.
Government charts, in our opinion, are the best charts available. A collection of reproduced government charts known as a Chart Kit is produced by Map Tech in a convenient spiral-bound folio, which might be more convenient to use on smaller boats.
For each harbor described in this guide, we have included the appropriate government chart number and Chart Kit page. Where the pilotage, anchorage, or shoreside amenities need illustration, we have included a sketch map to help you interpret the terrain.
Canadian Charts can often be ordered through your usual U.S. chart agency or directly by writing Hydrographic Chart Distribution Office, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 1675 Russell Road, PO Box 8080, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 3H6; by calling 613-998-4931, 4932, or 4933; or by visiting their website at www.chs-shc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/chs. The Canadian Notices to Mariners can be obtained at 613-990-3037 or at www.notmar.com. Payments must be made in Canadian funds.
Electronic charts. Vector or raster-scanned digital charts of U.S. waters are available through most chart dealers. They give the appearance, particularly when interfaced with GPS, of absolute accuracy. They are, however, only as accurate and as current as the scanned originals. Electronic versions of Canadian charts are available through Nautical Data International at 800-563-0634 or at www.ndi.nf.ca.
Publications. Below is a list of the U.S. and Canadian publications that we have found essential:
United States
U.S. Coast Pilot (Eastport to Cape Cod
U.S. Tide Tables (Atlantic Coast of North America)
Tidal Current Tables (Atlantic Coast of North America)
Canada
Sailing Directions (Nova Scotia and Bay of Fundy)
Sailing Directions (Saint John River)
Tide and Current Tables, Vol. 1 (Atlantic Coast and Bay of Fundy)
Other publications that might be useful:
Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book, published annually by Robert E. White, 64 Commercial Street, Boston, Ma. 02110 and available at many chart outlets and booksellers.
Light and Buoy List, CG-158, available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Govern ment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 and also at many chart outlets.