How to Choose the Correct AUS Nautical Chart

by Christopher O'Keeffe June 21, 2026

The correct AUS nautical chart is not simply the chart showing your destination. It must provide continuous coverage of the entire passage at the scale required for safe planning, coastal navigation, approaches and harbour entry.

Choosing a nautical chart can appear straightforward.

You know the harbour, island, bay or section of coastline you intend to visit. You search for that place and purchase the chart carrying its name.

But the chart named after your destination may cover only the harbour itself.

It may not show the coastal passage leading there.

A broader coastal chart may cover the route but provide insufficient detail for entering a narrow channel, crossing a bar or approaching a marina.

The place you need may appear only as an inset on a chart carrying a completely different title.

Your route may also run close to the edge of one sheet and continue onto an adjoining chart.

The safest way to select AUS charts is to think in layers:

• broad passage coverage

• coastal coverage

• approach coverage

• harbour coverage

• detailed port or berthing plans

For many voyages, the correct answer is not one chart.

It is a carefully selected chart folio.

Mapworld supplies official Australian Hydrographic Office AUS-numbered charts for Australian waters in both paper and laminated formats.

Begin with the complete Mapworld Marine Charts and Accessories collection, then use the chart indexes and official Australian Hydrographic Office search tools to identify the coverage required.

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What Is an AUS Nautical Chart?

An AUS chart is an official nautical chart published and maintained by the Australian Hydrographic Office, Australia’s national charting authority.

The Australian Hydrographic Office produces official paper charts and Electronic Navigational Charts covering:

• Australia

• Australian Antarctic Territory

• Papua New Guinea

• Solomon Islands

• surrounding charting areas for which Australia has responsibility

Australian charts carry an AUS number.

Examples include:

• AUS 200 — Port Jackson

• AUS 204 — Broken Bay

• AUS 236 — Moreton Bay

• AUS 252 — Whitsunday Group

• AUS 293 — Prince of Wales Channel

• AUS 57 — Dampier Archipelago

The AUS number identifies the chart product.

It does not, by itself, tell you:

• the chart’s scale

• its geographic limits

• whether it is a coastal or harbour chart

• whether it includes inset plans

• whether it covers the entire intended passage

Always check the full title, scale, chart limits, edition and included plans before ordering.

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Why Official Charts Matter

Official nautical charts are produced under the authority of a recognised national hydrographic office.

They are:

• quality controlled

• government assured

• updated for navigationally significant information

• supported by Notices to Mariners

• designed to meet applicable chart-carriage requirements

• supported by official nautical publications

Depending on the chart and scale, an AUS chart may show:

• soundings

• depth contours

• drying areas

• reefs

• shoals

• rocks

• wrecks

• channels

• navigation marks

• lights

• leading lines

• anchorages

• port limits

• restricted areas

• pilot boarding places

• traffic-separation information

• submarine cables and pipelines

• coastal topography

• tidal notes

• source and survey-quality information

Unofficial recreational maps and boating guides can provide valuable local information.

They do not replace current official charts where official chart carriage, professional navigation or commercial compliance is required.

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The Golden Rule: Select Charts for the Passage

The most important principle in chart selection is:

Select charts for the whole passage—not merely the destination.

A harbour chart may provide excellent detail of:

• the harbour entrance

• leads and navigation marks

• channels

• anchorages

• swinging basins

• wharves

• marina approaches

But that chart may extend only a few nautical miles beyond the entrance.

It may offer little or no useful coverage of the coastal waters used to reach the harbour.

The correct chart folio might therefore include:

1. a broad planning or passage chart

2. one or more coastal charts

3. an approach chart

4. a harbour chart

5. a larger-scale port or berthing plan

The same principle applies to recreational boating.

A relatively short trip between neighbouring bays can require several charts where the coastline is complex, heavily reefed or divided between sheets.

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A Seven-Step Method for Choosing the Correct Chart

Step 1: Define the Complete Route

Write down:

• departure point

• destination

• intermediate ports

• planned anchorages

• offshore sections

• channels and entrances

• diversion ports

• emergency refuges

• possible alternative routes

Do not start by searching only for the destination.

Step 2: Open the Appropriate Chart Index

Use:

• AUS 5000

• AUS 5001

• the Australian Hydrographic Office Chart Explorer

• the Australian Chart Index

These resources help identify the charts intersecting the proposed route.

Step 3: Identify Broad Passage Coverage

Begin with the smaller-scale chart that places the complete journey into regional context.

Step 4: Add Coastal Charts

Select charts providing continuous coverage along the coast or offshore track.

Step 5: Add Approach and Harbour Charts

Choose larger-scale charts for:

• port approaches

• reef passages

• narrow channels

• harbour entrances

• anchorages

• pilotage areas

Step 6: Examine Insets and Plans

Check whether the harbour, marina or berth appears as a larger-scale inset on another chart.

Step 7: Confirm Currency

Before use, verify:

• current edition

• current update number

• applicable Notices to Mariners

• Temporary Notices

• Preliminary Notices

• whether a new edition has superseded the chart

This layered approach is much safer than attempting to make one chart perform every navigational task.

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Download the Australian Chart Indexes

The downloadable chart indexes provide a visual overview of Australian paper-chart coverage.

They are especially useful when building a chart folio for a longer voyage.

Australian Chart Index AUS 5000

Download Australian Chart Index AUS 5000

AUS 5000 provides broad chart-index coverage for the northern portion of the Australian charting area.

It can help identify charts covering areas such as:

• northern Western Australia

• the Kimberley

• the Northern Territory

• Torres Strait

• Cape York

• the Great Barrier Reef

• Queensland waters

• adjoining northern regions

Australian Chart Index AUS 5001

Download Australian Chart Index AUS 5001

AUS 5001 provides broad chart-index coverage for the southern portion of Australia.

It can help identify charts covering areas such as:

• southern Western Australia

• South Australia

• Victoria

• Tasmania

• New South Wales

• southern Queensland

• Bass Strait and adjoining waters

Together, the two indexes help users see:

• chart boundaries

• adjoining chart relationships

• coastal chart sequences

• harbour-chart coverage

• charts available at different scales

The indexes are identification tools.

They are not nautical charts and must never be used for navigation.

Because chart portfolios change, confirm your selection through the current Australian Hydrographic Office services before ordering or sailing.

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Australian Hydrographic Office Search Options

The Australian Hydrographic Office provides several official tools for finding and verifying charts.

AHO Chart Explorer

Use the AHO Chart Explorer for an interactive map-based search.

The Chart Explorer can be used to:

• zoom to a coastal location

• identify paper-chart coverage

• identify Electronic Navigational Charts

• review AusENC packs

• check chart editions

• check update information

• inspect charted features

• view bathymetric data-quality information

It is one of the best tools for identifying the charts covering a harbour, island or passage.

The AHO Chart Explorer is a product-discovery tool.

It is not for navigation.

Always navigate with official, current charts and publications.

Australian Chart Index

Use the Australian Chart Index when you prefer a text-based product list.

The Australian Chart Index provides access to:

• paper nautical-chart lists

• chart details

• thumbnail images

• edition information

• chart updates

• Notices to Mariners

• Temporary Notices

• Preliminary Notices

• ENC cell lists

• AusENC pack information

AUS Paper Chart List

The official AUS Paper Chart List allows charts to be reviewed by number and title.

This is useful when:

• you already know the AUS number

• you need to confirm the chart title

• you want to check edition details

• you need to review the notices affecting a chart

New Charts and Editions

The New Paper Charts and Editions List identifies newly issued and replaced paper-chart editions.

A new edition generally supersedes the previous edition.

Notices to Mariners

Use the official Australian Notices to Mariners service to keep charts and nautical publications current.

Notices affecting AUS, PNG and SLB paper charts are generally issued fortnightly.

Australian Hydrographic Office Charts Information

The AHO Charts page provides the main entry point for paper and electronic chart-discovery services.

The Paper Charting Information page explains official chart use, chart maintenance and supporting nautical publications.

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Understanding Nautical Chart Scale

Chart scale determines how much detail can be shown.

A chart described as large scale covers a relatively small geographic area in greater detail.

A small-scale chart covers a much larger area with less detail.

For example:

• 1:10,000 is a larger scale than 1:100,000

• 1:100,000 is a larger scale than 1:1,000,000

On a 1:10,000 chart, one centimetre represents 100 metres.

On a 1:1,000,000 chart, one centimetre represents ten kilometres.

The larger-scale chart has more room to show:

• individual navigation marks

• soundings

• berths

• wharves

• narrow channels

• small hazards

• detailed harbour infrastructure

Use the Largest Appropriate Scale

When navigating close to shore or in confined waters, use the largest-scale current chart available for that area.

A coastal chart may omit details that appear on a dedicated approach or harbour chart.

However, the harbour chart may cover too little of the surrounding passage.

Several scales are therefore commonly required.

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The Nautical Chart Hierarchy

Official nautical charts can be understood as a hierarchy moving from broad coverage to detailed local plans.

Planning and Overview Charts

These show large maritime areas.

They are useful for:

• initial route planning

• identifying broad geographic relationships

• understanding the overall voyage

• identifying the next charts required

They do not contain enough detail for close coastal navigation.

Passage Charts

Passage charts provide broader offshore or coastal-route coverage.

They may show:

• long sections of coastline

• major offshore hazards

• islands and reefs

• shipping routes

• regional ports

• broad depth information

Coastal Charts

Coastal charts provide greater detail along a defined section of coast.

They can be used to examine:

• headlands

• coastal shoals

• offshore rocks

• islands

• anchorages

• navigation aids

• shipping routes

• coastal depth contours

A long coastal passage may require several adjoining sheets.

Approach Charts

Approach charts provide larger-scale coverage as a vessel closes a port, harbour, reef passage or confined waterway.

They are important for:

• landfall

• channel alignment

• traffic awareness

• pilotage preparation

• identifying hazards near an entrance

Harbour Charts

Harbour charts provide detailed coverage of confined waters.

They may show:

• entrances

• navigation marks

• channels

• anchorages

• swinging basins

• marinas

• wharves

• port limits

• local hazards

Port and Berthing Plans

The largest-scale plans may show:

• individual berths

• dock facilities

• wharves

• turning areas

• local channels

• detailed port infrastructure

These may appear as separate charts or as inset plans.

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Check the Full Chart Title

The title should be read carefully.

A chart titled Approaches to… may not provide the detailed harbour information needed inside the port.

A chart titled Plans in… may contain several separate plans rather than one continuous mapping panel.

A coastal chart named after two headlands may cover numerous towns, harbours and anchorages between them.

Before ordering, confirm:

• AUS number

• full chart title

• principal coverage

• chart limits

• principal scale

• inset scales

• edition number

• edition date

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Look for Insets and Plans

Many AUS charts include multiple inset plans.

These may provide detailed coverage of:

• small ports

• boat harbours

• river entrances

• anchorages

• offshore terminals

• wharves

• marinas

A location may be shown in an inset even when it does not appear in the chart’s main title.

Mapworld product descriptions commonly identify important included plans.

Check the scale of the inset.

A very small plan may be useful for orientation but insufficient for detailed pilotage.

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Check the Chart Boundaries

Every chart has defined geographic limits.

Check whether your intended route approaches:

• the northern edge

• southern edge

• eastern edge

• western edge

• corner of the chart

A chart may contain the destination while excluding:

• the departure harbour

• the offshore leg

• an alternative anchorage

• an emergency diversion port

• part of the coastal route

Where the passage crosses the margin, identify and carry the adjoining chart.

Ideally, adjoining charts should provide enough overlap for continuity and route transfer.

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Do Not Choose by Sheet Size

Most AUS charts are printed on broadly similar physical sheet sizes.

That does not mean they provide the same geographic coverage.

One sheet may show:

• hundreds of kilometres of coastline

Another may show:

• one harbour

• one narrow channel

• several individual port plans

The chart scale and geographic limits determine its usefulness—not the dimensions of the paper.

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Build a Complete Chart Folio

A well-planned voyage usually requires a chart folio rather than a single chart.

The folio should cover:

• departure harbour

• the full intended route

• coastal and offshore legs

• destination approach

• destination harbour

• planned anchorages

• intermediate ports

• alternative refuges

• emergency diversion routes

A typical coastal folio may contain:

• one broad passage chart

• several coastal charts

• approach charts for major ports

• harbour charts

• detailed inset plans

The appropriate folio depends on:

• route

• vessel type

• vessel draught

• distance offshore

• voyage duration

• weather alternatives

• operational requirements

• applicable regulations

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Browse Mapworld AUS Charts by State

Mapworld organises AUS charts into state and territory collections.

New South Wales AUS Charts

Browse New South Wales AUS Charts.

The range includes coverage of:

• Twofold Bay

• Port Kembla

• Botany Bay

• Port Hacking

• Port Jackson

• Broken Bay

• Newcastle

• Port Stephens

• Clarence River

• the complete NSW coast

Queensland AUS Charts

Browse Queensland AUS Charts.

The collection includes:

• Moreton Bay

• Great Sandy Strait

• Hervey Bay

• the Whitsundays

• the Great Barrier Reef

• Cape York

• Torres Strait

• major Queensland ports

• Gulf waters

Victoria AUS Charts

Browse Victoria AUS Charts.

Coverage includes:

• Port Phillip

• The Rip

• Western Port

• Portland

• Bass Strait

• Victoria’s coastal approaches

South Australia AUS Charts

Browse South Australia AUS Charts.

Coverage includes:

• Gulf St Vincent

• Spencer Gulf

• Port Adelaide

• Port Pirie

• Kangaroo Island

• Eyre Peninsula

• Ceduna

• the Great Australian Bight

Western Australia AUS Charts

Browse Western Australia AUS Charts.

Coverage includes:

• Albany

• Fremantle

• Perth

• Geraldton

• Shark Bay

• Exmouth Gulf

• Dampier

• Port Hedland

• Broome

• the Kimberley

• North West Shelf waters

Tasmania AUS Charts

Browse Tasmania AUS Charts.

Coverage includes:

• Hobart

• the River Derwent

• D’Entrecasteaux Channel

• Bass Strait

• Tasmania’s east coast

• Tasmania’s west coast

• offshore islands and passages

Northern Territory AUS Charts

Browse Northern Territory AUS Charts.

Coverage includes:

• Darwin

• Van Diemen Gulf

• Arnhem Land

• the Arafura Sea

• Gulf of Carpentaria waters

• remote northern approaches

Complete Marine Range

Browse the complete Marine Charts and Accessories collection.

The wider range also includes:

• state inshore charts

• international Imray charts

• cruising guides

• digital charts

• tide tables

• navigation instruments

• historical charts

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AUS Charts and State Inshore Charts Are Different

Mapworld stocks official AUS charts as well as selected state-produced inshore charts.

They serve different purposes.

Official AUS Charts

AUS charts are published by the Australian Hydrographic Office.

They are designed for:

• professional navigation

• commercial operations

• offshore passage planning

• coastal navigation

• marine training

• serious recreational use

• vessels subject to applicable chart-carriage requirements

State Inshore Charts

State boating or fishing charts may emphasise:

• recreational waters

• fishing grounds

• boat ramps

• local facilities

• small harbours

• coastal access

• inshore boating information

They can be highly useful for recreational boating.

They do not replace official nautical charts where official chart carriage or commercial navigation requirements apply.

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Paper or Laminated AUS Chart?

Mapworld supplies AUS charts in two principal formats:

• paper

• laminated

Both contain the same official chart information and are corrected to the latest available Notices to Mariners at the time of dispatch.

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Paper AUS Charts

Mapworld’s paper AUS charts are printed on approximately 120 gsm matte paper.

They are best suited to:

• traditional chart-table plotting

• pencil courses and positions

• dividers

• parallel rules

• training

• commercial chart folios

• archival filing

• permanent corrections

Paper remains the traditional format for formal chartwork.

Choose Paper When:

• permanent pencil plotting is required

• the chart will be used at a protected chart table

• a conventional corrected folio is maintained

• organisational procedure specifies paper

• formal chart records must be retained

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Laminated AUS Charts

Mapworld’s laminated AUS charts feature:

• a soft-matte writable front

• gloss laminate on the reverse

• sealed edges for protection

The soft-matte surface reduces some of the glare associated with conventional gloss lamination and allows practical plotting with an appropriate pencil or dry-erase marker.

Laminated charts are well suited to:

• exposed helms

• cockpits

• training rooms

• charter operations

• repeated route discussions

• frequently handled reference charts

• wipe-clean planning

Choose Laminated When:

• water resistance is important

• the chart will be handled frequently

• temporary plotting is useful

• it will be used near an exposed helm

• durability is more important than traditional folding

Some vessels carry both:

• paper for the formal corrected folio

• laminated for repeated cockpit reference

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Corrections Still Matter After Lamination

Lamination protects the physical sheet.

It does not make the chart permanently current.

Relevant Notices to Mariners still need to be applied or recorded using a procedure appropriate to the vessel and operation.

This may involve:

• marking corrections on the chart

• maintaining an accompanying correction record

• using an approved chart-maintenance system

• checking updates before each voyage

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Chart Editions and Updates

The edition information is printed in the chart’s title area.

Check:

• edition number

• edition date

• update number

• date of latest correction

New Edition

A new edition replaces the previous edition of the chart.

The earlier edition is superseded and should normally be withdrawn from navigational use.

New Chart

A new chart may provide coverage not previously available or replace an older chart arrangement.

Notice to Mariners Correction

A Notice to Mariners updates the current edition between new editions.

A chart with a relatively old edition date can remain current if:

• it has not been superseded

• all relevant corrections have been applied

A recently printed chart can still require corrections issued after printing.

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Notices to Mariners

Australian Notices to Mariners communicate changes affecting nautical charts and publications.

These may include:

• new or altered lights

• buoy changes

• wrecks

• obstructions

• revised depths

• channel alterations

• port works

• restricted areas

• cable and pipeline changes

• chart corrections

• new editions

• chart withdrawals

Permanent Notices

Permanent corrections change the chart until incorporated into a later edition.

Temporary Notices

Temporary Notices describe conditions expected to remain in force for a limited period.

Preliminary Notices

Preliminary Notices provide early information about proposed, developing or incompletely surveyed changes.

Temporary and Preliminary Notices may remain important even though they are not permanently printed on the chart.

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Keeping Charts Current

The Australian Hydrographic Office provides several chart-maintenance methods.

Mariners can:

• download fortnightly Notices to Mariners editions

• check individual charts through the Australian Chart Index

• subscribe to eNotices

• maintain a chart-correction record

• check the New Charts and Editions List

The Australian Chart Index is especially useful for vessels carrying a selected group of charts because it provides the current notices affecting each chart.

Mapworld corrects AUS charts to the latest available Notices to Mariners at dispatch.

If the chart is stored for future use, it must be checked again before the voyage.

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Paper Charts and Electronic Navigation

Electronic navigation has transformed modern boating and shipping.

Electronic systems can provide:

• continuous vessel position

• route monitoring

• alarms

• rapid changes of display scale

• integration with radar and vessel systems

• official ENC coverage where appropriately equipped

Electronic systems can also fail through:

• power loss

• damaged displays

• sensor failure

• software faults

• incorrect settings

• expired chart data

• missing coverage

• operator error

Paper charts provide:

• an independent backup

• a broad-area overview

• a shared planning surface

• a way to brief crew

• a record of the planned passage

• resilience when electronics fail

The chart-carriage solution required depends on:

• vessel type

• voyage

• installed equipment

• operating authority

• applicable legislation

Commercial and regulated operators should confirm their obligations with the relevant maritime authority.

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Official Electronic Navigational Charts

The Australian Hydrographic Office also produces official Electronic Navigational Charts.

Use the AHO Chart Explorer and Australian Chart Index to identify:

• ENC cells

• ENC usage bands

• AusENC packs

• paper charts covering the same region

Mapworld also supplies selected products through its Digital Charts and Tide Tables collection.

Before purchasing any digital-chart product, confirm:

• chartplotter compatibility

• card format

• geographic coverage

• subscription requirements

• update method

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Check Survey Quality

Not every part of the seabed has been surveyed to the same standard or at the same time.

A chart may combine:

• recent high-resolution surveys

• older surveys

• lead-line soundings

• modern sonar data

• areas where less information is available

The AHO Chart Explorer can display Zone of Confidence information to help users understand the quality and reliability of underlying bathymetric data.

Read:

• source diagrams

• chart notes

• cautionary notes

• Zone of Confidence information

A clean-looking chart does not mean every sounding has equal certainty.

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Chart Datum, Soundings and Tides

Depths shown on a nautical chart relate to the chart’s stated datum.

They do not represent the water depth that will exist at every time and tide.

The navigator may need to consider:

• charted depth

• predicted tide

• actual water level

• vessel draught

• squat

• heel

• under-keel clearance

• wave conditions

• pressure and weather effects

• survey quality

Drying heights and vertical clearances may use different reference levels.

Read the chart notes and use the appropriate tide information.

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Supporting Nautical Publications

A chart is only one part of the navigational information required.

Depending on the voyage and vessel, supporting publications may include:

• Australian Notices to Mariners

• Mariner’s Handbook for Australian Waters

• Australian National Tide Tables

• AusTides

• Sailing Directions

• List of Lights and Fog Signals

• List of Radio Signals

• Chart and Publication Maintenance Handbook

• INT 1 symbols and abbreviations

• local port information

• current weather and maritime safety information

Browse Mapworld’s Cruising Guides for local passage and anchorage information that complements official charts.

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Navigational Equipment for Paper Charts

Traditional chartwork may require:

• dividers

• parallel rules

• navigation triangles

• chart plotters

• pencils

• erasers

• compasses

• correction tools

Browse Mapworld’s Navigational Equipment collection.

The chart provides the information.

The tools help transfer:

• bearings

• positions

• distances

• courses

• tidal vectors

• waypoints

Training and practice are essential before relying on manual chartwork at sea.

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Selecting Charts for a Harbour Trip

A local harbour outing may require only one large-scale chart if:

• the entire route remains inside its limits

• it contains sufficient detail

• no offshore passage is planned

• no adjoining approach chart is required

Even then, check:

• chart limits

• edition

• Notices to Mariners

• restricted areas

• port rules

• tidal information

• inset plans

A short trip still requires appropriate and current chart coverage.

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Selecting Charts for a Coastal Cruise

For a multi-day coastal cruise:

1. plot the complete intended route

2. identify every chart boundary crossed

3. select continuous coastal-chart coverage

4. add approach charts for planned ports

5. add harbour charts and plans

6. include possible diversion ports

7. check overlap between adjoining charts

8. verify editions and corrections

Do not build the folio solely around the planned overnight stops.

Weather, crew health or mechanical problems may require an alternative harbour.

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Selecting Charts for an Offshore Passage

An offshore voyage may require:

• broad planning charts

• passage charts

• coastal charts near departure and arrival

• approach charts

• harbour charts

• alternative-port charts

The folio should cover:

• the complete route

• offshore hazards

• shipping routes

• islands and reefs

• departure and destination approaches

• likely diversion options

A harbour chart alone is plainly insufficient.

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Selecting Charts for Reef and Torres Strait Waters

Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef can require several charts at different scales.

The route may involve:

• narrow fairways

• reefs

• shoals

• strong tidal streams

• traffic routes

• reporting systems

• pilotage requirements

• limited under-keel clearance

A broad coastal chart should not be used where a dedicated larger-scale route or channel chart is available.

Browse Queensland AUS Charts and use the AHO tools to identify the correct sequence.

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Selecting Charts for Remote Northern and Western Australia

Remote waters present additional planning challenges.

These can include:

• long distances between ports

• isolated reefs and islands

• limited infrastructure

• few opportunities to purchase a missing chart

• large tidal ranges

• sparse communications

• areas based on older surveys

Build the complete chart folio before departure.

Browse:

• Western Australia AUS Charts

• Northern Territory AUS Charts

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Common Chart-Selection Mistakes

Buying Only the Destination Chart

It may not cover the passage used to reach the destination.

Buying Only a Coastal Chart

It may not contain enough detail for a narrow entrance or harbour.

Assuming One Chart Covers the Entire Voyage

Long passages commonly cross several chart boundaries.

Ignoring Insets

The required harbour or port plan may already appear on another chart.

Choosing by Title Alone

The actual chart limits may differ from what the title suggests.

Confusing Sheet Size with Scale

Similar-sized printed charts can represent dramatically different geographic areas.

Failing to Carry the Adjoining Chart

The route may cross the edge or require an unexpected diversion.

Using a Superseded Edition

A new edition may have replaced the chart.

Ignoring Notices to Mariners

The printed chart may no longer reflect current aids, hazards or restrictions.

Using a Chart Index for Navigation

AUS 5000, AUS 5001 and online product finders are identification tools only.

Assuming Electronic Navigation Cannot Fail

Power, equipment, software and sensor failures remain possible.

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AUS Chart Selection Checklist

Before ordering or sailing, confirm:

• The departure point is covered.

• The full intended passage is covered.

• The destination is covered.

• Planned anchorages are covered.

• Alternative ports are covered.

• Coastal charts provide continuous coverage.

• Adjoining charts overlap appropriately.

• Approach charts have been identified.

• Harbour charts and inset plans have been checked.

• The scale is appropriate for each part of the passage.

• Chart numbers and titles are correct.

• Editions are current.

• Notices to Mariners have been checked.

• Temporary and Preliminary Notices have been reviewed.

• Paper or laminated format has been selected.

• Electronic-chart compatibility has been confirmed.

• Appropriate navigational publications are carried.

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Getting Help from Mapworld

Selecting charts can become complicated when:

• several charts cover the same place

• a route crosses multiple chart boundaries

• a harbour appears only as an inset

• a chart has been replaced or renumbered

• the chart title does not match the place name

• a vessel crosses several state regions

• commercial requirements apply

When contacting Mapworld, provide:

• departure point

• destination

• intermediate stops

• vessel type

• intended route

• whether the voyage is coastal or offshore

• chart numbers already held

• preferred paper or laminated format

A screenshot or marked route can also be useful.

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Why Buy AUS Charts from Mapworld?

Mapworld supplies one of Australia’s most comprehensive ranges of nautical charts and marine-navigation products.

The range includes:

• official AUS charts

• paper AUS charts

• laminated AUS charts

• state inshore charts

• international Imray charts

• cruising guides

• digital charts

• tide tables

• navigational equipment

• compasses

• binoculars

• clocks and barometers

• historical charts

Every Mapworld AUS chart is corrected to the latest available Notices to Mariners at the time of dispatch.

Paper charts are suitable for conventional plotting.

Laminated charts provide additional durability and moisture resistance for demanding onboard environments.

Start with the Mapworld Marine Charts and Accessories collection.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the correct AUS nautical chart begins with the complete voyage.

Do not ask only:

Which chart shows my destination?

Ask:

• Which chart covers the departure?

• Which charts cover the passage?

• Which chart covers the approach?

• Which chart provides the largest-scale harbour detail?

• Which plans cover the anchorage or berth?

• Which adjoining charts might be needed if conditions change?

Use AUS 5000 and AUS 5001 to understand the chart network.

Use the AHO Chart Explorer and Australian Chart Index to confirm current product information.

Check:

• coverage

• scale

• limits

• insets

• edition

• Notices to Mariners

Then choose paper, laminated or both according to how the chart will be used.

The correct chart is not necessarily the one with the most familiar title.

It is the chart—or set of charts—that provides continuous and appropriately detailed coverage from departure to safe arrival.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find which AUS chart covers a location?

Use AUS 5000, AUS 5001, the AHO Chart Explorer or the Australian Chart Index. Locate the area, review the chart boundaries and confirm the title, number and scale.

What is AUS 5000?

AUS 5000 is a broad visual index used to identify official chart coverage across the northern portion of the Australian charting area.

What is AUS 5001?

AUS 5001 is a broad visual index used to identify chart coverage across southern Australian waters.

Can I navigate using AUS 5000 or AUS 5001?

No. They are chart indexes used to identify products. They are not nautical charts.

What is the AHO Chart Explorer?

It is the Australian Hydrographic Office’s interactive product-discovery system for paper charts, ENCs and AusENC packs. It is not for navigation.

What does larger-scale chart mean?

A larger-scale chart covers a smaller area in greater detail. A chart at 1:10,000 is larger scale than one at 1:100,000.

Should I always use the largest-scale chart?

Use the largest-scale current chart appropriate to the waters being navigated. You may still need smaller-scale charts for passage context and continuous route coverage.

Why might I need several charts?

One chart may cover the coastal route, another the approach and another the harbour or berth.

Can one AUS chart include several plans?

Yes. Some charts contain multiple larger-scale inset plans for ports, anchorages, rivers or wharves.

Are AUS charts official?

Yes. AUS charts are official nautical products published and maintained by the Australian Hydrographic Office.

Are Mapworld AUS charts corrected?

Yes. Mapworld corrects AUS charts to the latest available Notices to Mariners at the time of dispatch.

Should I choose paper or laminated?

Choose paper for traditional plotting and permanent corrections. Choose laminated for durability, exposed use and repeated wipe-clean reference.

Does lamination mean the chart no longer needs corrections?

No. Laminated charts must still be maintained using a suitable correction procedure.

What happens when a new chart edition is issued?

The previous edition is superseded and should normally be withdrawn from navigational use.

Where can I check chart updates?

Use the Australian Chart Index, Notices to Mariners service and New Paper Charts and Editions List.

Do electronic charts replace paper?

That depends on the vessel, equipment, voyage and applicable regulations. Paper remains valuable for planning and independent backup.

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