Should I replace my old charts?

[Miker]

I've been looking through the updates of my Admiralty charts of around the Irish Sea and have noticed that they have all been replaced over the last year or so. Have the reprints just brought them into line with WPS84 standards or would any other changes have been slipped in? In other words, would I be advised to scrap my old charts and shell out for new ones?

 

[hlb]

Well. Till some one tells me that Ireland has moved a few miles left or right. I would not bother. They can only move a buoy or two about and with GPS you dont realy need them. Only thing I can think of is you might run into a resent ship wreck. But that would be unlucky.

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn

 

[Guest]

Notices to mariners?

 

[poter]

Yes Admiralty charts are being reprinted to conform with WGS 84 over I believe a 3 year period which started in 2000

I note that even the Imray charts of the med are now WGS 84

I would have thought that you could update them with the 'notices to mariners'
The only other problem might be the chart datum but if you are using a new GPS then you should be able to input the chart datum. Most of the older UK charts were based on OSGB 36 and there would be a discrepancy between your chart and GPS derived positions ( if your GPS is operating WGS 84 )

trust the above is of some help. you can get further info from a good chart dealer or for corrections try Imray on http://www.imray.com/imray.html


poter

 

[Miker]

Thanks for the advice. I have been looking at the notices to mariners but I was wondering whether the new charts would contain any changes not also given in previous notices.

 

[poter]

Not to my knowledge but of course it all depends on how old your charts are?
I have an old stanford chart ( No 12 Needles to Start Point ) March 1963, by the way it cost thirteen shillings & sixpence, which is not that different to the new one purchased last year, except for the Compass variation of around 4deg west and some lights. However I always use an up to date Almanac like Macmillan Reeds, for port and harbour details and tidal streams.

Note. even the latest Admiralty chart ( 2002 ) of start bay, which is now datum WGS 84, has a reference to source survey data of between 1993 and believe it or not 1858, with a note for the 1858 date that soundings are by leadline.
So much for technology

poter

 

[claymore]

Well, I agree with Haydn on this one Mike - Piel Is. and the I.O.M have not and indeed are not likely to move so you may as well stick with the ones you've got. Mind you, having said all that - they do them with colours on them now, I find them easier to read than the black and whites - might be worth a look?

regards
Claymore