World Port Index
Encyclopedia
style="font-size: larger;" | World Port Index
The front cover of the World Port Index.
Purpose: Provide information about ports.
Publication Frequency: Irregular
Published by: Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Topographic Center
Available Online: Yes

The World Port Index (PUB 150) contains a tabular listing of thousands of ports throughout the world, describing their location, characteristics, known facilities, and available services. Of particular interest are the applicable volume of Sailing Directions
Sailing Directions
Sailing Directions is a 42-volume American navigation publication published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency . Sailing Directions consists of 37 Enroute volumes, 4 Planning Guide volumes, and 1 volume combining both types...

 and the number of the harbor chart
Nautical chart
A nautical chart is a graphic representation of a maritime area and adjacent coastal regions. Depending on the scale of the chart, it may show depths of water and heights of land , natural features of the seabed, details of the coastline, navigational hazards, locations of natural and man-made aids...

. The table is arranged geographically, with an alphabetical index.

The selection of these places is based on criteria established by the Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Topographic Center. They are not random choices. The applicable chart
Nautical chart
A nautical chart is a graphic representation of a maritime area and adjacent coastal regions. Depending on the scale of the chart, it may show depths of water and heights of land , natural features of the seabed, details of the coastline, navigational hazards, locations of natural and man-made aids...

 and Sailing Directions
Sailing Directions
Sailing Directions is a 42-volume American navigation publication published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency . Sailing Directions consists of 37 Enroute volumes, 4 Planning Guide volumes, and 1 volume combining both types...

 is given for each place listed.

In order to present such a large amount of diversified data in a single volume of convenient size, a simple code is used to indicate certain types of information. The code symbols are explained at the top of each page of text.

This book is corrected using Notices to Mariners
Notice to Mariners
A notice to mariners advises mariners of important matters affecting navigational safety, including new hydrographic information, changes in channels and aids to navigation, and other important data.Over 60 countries which produce nautical charts also...

.

Source

The text of this article originated from the preface of the World Port Index and section 413 of The American Practical Navigator. These documents are produced by the government of the United States of America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 and in the public domain.

See also

  • American Practical Navigator
  • Coast Pilots
    Coast Pilots
    United States Coast Pilots is a nine-volume American navigation publication distributed yearly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Coast Survey. The purpose of the publication is to supplement nautical charts of United States of America waters. Information comes...

  • Distances Between Ports
    Distances Between Ports
    Distances Between Ports is a publication that lists the distances between major ports. Reciprocal distances between two ports may differ due to different routes chosen because of currents and climatic conditions...

  • List of Lights
  • Local Notice to Mariners
    Local Notice to Mariners
    A Local Notice to Mariners is an authoritative instruction issued by a designated official, typically the harbormaster.-United States:In the United States, notices are issued by each U.S. Coast Guard District to disseminate important information affecting navigational safety within that District...

  • Notice to Mariners
    Notice to Mariners
    A notice to mariners advises mariners of important matters affecting navigational safety, including new hydrographic information, changes in channels and aids to navigation, and other important data.Over 60 countries which produce nautical charts also...

  • Sailing Directions
    Sailing Directions
    Sailing Directions is a 42-volume American navigation publication published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency . Sailing Directions consists of 37 Enroute volumes, 4 Planning Guide volumes, and 1 volume combining both types...


External links

  • Chapter 4: Nautical Publications - from the online edition of Nathaniel Bowditch
    Nathaniel Bowditch
    Nathaniel Bowditch was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. He is often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation; his book The New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is still carried on board every commissioned U.S...

    's American Practical Navigator

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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