prize7-7, Exercise 3: Reading a sea chart

Model answer (example list; the symbols depend on the chart you choose):

1. Soundings: small numbers giving the depth at points, in metres or fathoms.
2. Depth contours: lines joining points of equal depth.
3. A rock: a small cross or star, sometimes with a number giving the height or depth.
4. A wreck: a stylised hull or a specific symbol, with a note on depth.
5. A lighthouse or light: a dot with a magenta flare and a note on the colour and the pattern of flashes.
6. A buoy: a small symbol with its colour, shape and name.
7. An anchorage: an anchor symbol.
8. A channel or leading line: a dashed line marking a safe route.
9. A tidal stream arrow: with the rate in knots.
10. A compass rose: with true and magnetic bearings and the annual change.

Also note the chart datum, which says what level the depths are measured from, and the date of the latest correction.

Check the chart's own key (often chart 5011 for UK charts) for the exact symbols.