Admiralty Notices to Mariners (NMs) are essential navigational updates that provide mariners with important information regarding changes or updates to navigational charts and publications. By regularly consulting NMs, you can ensure that you have the most up-to-date information to navigate safely. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Admiralty Notices to Mariners effectively:
Obtain the latest edition: First, make sure you have the most recent edition of the Admiralty Notices to Mariners publication. These can be obtained in various formats, including printed copies, digital versions, or online resources.
Identify the relevant charts or publications: Identify the specific navigational charts or publications that you are using for your voyage. Each NM is organized according to chart numbers, so it's important to know which charts cover your intended route.
Access the correct section: Open the Admiralty Notices to Mariners publication and navigate to the section corresponding to the chart numbers you are using. This section will contain the relevant updates for those specific charts.
Read the Notices: Within the section, you will find a list of Notices to Mariners, each accompanied by a notice number. These notices will provide details about any corrections, updates, or changes that have been made to the navigational charts or publications.
Locate the notice number: Locate the notice number pertaining to your chart or publication. This can be done by either scanning through the list or by using the provided index or search function if using a digital or online version.
Read the details: Once you've found the relevant notice number, carefully read the details provided. Notices may include a variety of information, such as changes in buoyage, new or modified navigational aids, updates to depth soundings, or any other important navigational information.
Apply the updates: After understanding the changes outlined in the notice, apply them to your navigational charts or publications. This can involve making manual corrections on printed charts or updating digital versions using appropriate software or tools.
Keep a record: It's crucial to keep a record of the Admiralty Notices to Mariners that you have consulted and applied. This will help you track the updates you have made to your navigational materials and ensure that you have a comprehensive record of changes made over time.
Remember, regularly checking for new Admiralty Notices to Mariners is essential to maintain the accuracy and safety of your navigational information. It's good practice to review NMs before embarking
