Grounding is one of the most common problems for boaters, and in most cases, it results from avoidable navigation errors. Grounding occurs when the boat moves into shallow water, hits an obstacle, or leaves the channel. Although GPS has made navigation simpler in today’s world, boat navigation still requires chart-reading skills and knowledge. Knowledge about common navigation mistakes allows anglers, recreational boaters, and sailors to prevent dangers while enjoying their time at sea. Even if there are advanced digital navigation solutions, such as GPS Nautical Charts, which give boaters access to marine charts and precise location information, they do not replace chart reading and wise decision-making. Why Do Boats Run Aground? Grounding means that the hull of the boat hits the seabed, sandbars, rocks, or any other obstacle in the waters. Grounding can occur in oceans, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Some common reasons for grounding include: Disregarding the chart data Misinterp...

We are pleased to announce that the latest version of the i-Boating application includes support for hi-resolution sonar bathymetry for coasts. The update is available on all platforms - iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS. It is currently available for selective waterbodies/coastal sections. If you do not see your waterbody/region covered, drop us a line. Here is how to enable it: Tap layers icon Check box for Hi-Resolution/Sonar Maps Tap Save Included below are a few screenshots showing what it looks like:

When people look up Google maps for boating, they want something familiar when navigating through the water. After all, Google Maps has established itself as the default tool for driving, walking, and mapping. However, boating is not the same as driving – the terrain changes all the time, there are no painted lanes, and dangers might lurk below the surface. That is why nautical charts are necessary. Yes, Google Maps will be useful for finding a marina or even getting some satellite pictures. Still, it does not contain the special marine information needed for a successful journey. Modern marine navigation software, like GPS Nautical Charts, integrates Google Maps' easy interface with high-quality nautical maps created for boating. Why Google Maps Falls Short for Boating Google Maps is designed for land transport. This app is perfect for road navigation, business locations, and traffic reports, but it lacks all the marine information that can help to navigate ...

Have you ever wondered where the Bab el-Mandeb strait is? Where the traffic lanes are on this body of water? How narrow it is and where are the lanes located with respect to Yemen and Djibouti coastlines. We have an interactive nautical chart viewer that covers the Bab al-Mandab Strait, clearly showing these features and more in detail. Bab el-Mandeb Nautical Chart Viewer Attached below is an image showing where different features are on the Bab el-Mandeb chart.

We are pleased to announce that ENC Charts covering Vietnam are now available. The new chart folio is available on all platforms - Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS. Vietnam Marine Charts Online I've included below a screenshot of what coverage looks like near Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh.

  Tampa Bay is one of the most active waterways in Florida. It consists of over 400 square miles of open water, channels, estuaries, and barrier islands. From heading to Egmont Key, fishing off the Skyway Bridge or navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), boating safety requires knowledge of local waterways, tide changes, and navigation aids. The following Tampa Bay Boating Map Guide provides you with all the necessary information regarding navigation, dangers, launching spots, season changes, and chart plotting. If you use digital navigation, the i-Boating app by GPS Nautical Charts includes offline NOAA nautical charts, GPS navigation, route planning, and waypoint management, even with limited mobile coverage. Tampa Bay Boating at a Glance Category Key Information Best Time to Boat October through May for milder temperatures and calmer conditions Primary Navigation Charts NOAA nautical charts Major Waterways Tampa Bay, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Egmont Channel Common Hazar...