An overview of Notices to Mariners and how to use them

Summary

The video script discusses the process of updating nautical charts using Notices to Mariners (NMs). It emphasizes the importance of cross-referencing textual NMs with graphic tracings and blocks for accurate updates. Upon receiving NMs, one should identify affected charts, record NM numbers, and apply updates using tracings or NM blocks. Tracings come in A4 or A5 sizes, indicating chart numbers, update locations, and previous updates. After applying updates, use a magenta pen to record the NM number on the chart and cross out the applied NM in the maintenance record to avoid confusion.

Takeaways

• ⚓️ Notices to Mariners (NMs) are crucial for updating nautical charts and consist of textual information and graphic tracings or blocks.
• 📜 Textual NMs are the primary source for chart updates, while tracings and blocks provide a visual representation of the textual NMs.
• 🔄 It's essential to cross-reference tracings and blocks with the textual NMs to ensure all updates are applied correctly.
• 🗂️ Upon receiving NMs, identify affected charts and record the relevant NM number in pencil in the chart maintenance record (NP133A).
• 📅 Record the date of new additions, new charts, or withdrawn charts as a permanent record in the chart maintenance record.
• 📝 Updates can be applied using tracings or NM blocks, which come in two sizes: A4 or A5.
• 📍 Tracings include a small grid for quick reference of the update location on the chart and show the previous update for verification.
• ✅ After applying an update, use a magenta pen to write the NM number in the bottom left corner of the chart to record the update.
• 🖊️ If the update has a year date, underline it to differentiate it from an NM number.
• ✏️ Cross through the appropriate NM number in NP133A with a 2B pencil to indicate that the update has been applied.

Q & A

What are the primary sources for updating a chart according to the transcript?

The primary source for updating a chart is the textual Notices to Mariners (NM).

What is the purpose of the tracings and blocks in Notices to Mariners?

Tracings and blocks show the information from the textual NM in a graphic form to help apply updates quickly and accurately.

Why is it important to cross-reference the tracings and blocks with the textual NM?

Cross-referencing ensures that all changes are applied correctly on the charts.

What should you do upon receipt of new Notices to Mariners items?

Identify affected charts, record the relevant NM number in pencil against the chart number in your paper chart maintenance record (NP 133A), and enter the date of new additions or withdrawn charts as a permanent record.

What are the two sizes in which tracings are produced?

Tracings are produced in two sizes: A4 and A5.

What information does a tracing display, and how does it help in updating a chart?

A tracing displays the chart number, the new chart or new addition date, and a small grid for quick reference of where the update is located on the chart.

How can you ensure that a chart contains the previous update before applying a new one?

Check the NM number in the bottom left corner of the chart to ensure it contains the previous update.

What should you do after applying an update using a tracing?

Write the notice number in the bottom left corner of the chart using a magenta pen to record the completed update.

How should you mark the updates in your paper chart maintenance record (NP 133A) after applying them?

Cross through the appropriate NM number in NP 133A using a 2B pencil to show the update has been applied.

What does it mean to underline the year date when applying an update, and why is it done?

Underlining the year date signifies that it is not an NM number, preventing confusion with the NM numbers.