Sailing Directions

Official or authoritative publications giving descriptive navigation information that supplements nautical charts.

They can describe coast and harbour approaches, hazards, currents, climate, routeing, regulations, reporting, pilotage, facilities and local procedures that cannot be shown fully on a chart. Hydrographic offices issue regional volumes under names such as Sailing Directions or Pilots.

The correct volume, edition, supplement and updates must be used. Text and diagrams do not replace the chart or current warnings, and port rules, buoyage and facilities can change after publication.