What is the purpose of marine charts?

Marine charts serve the crucial function of providing navigational information essential for safe boating and navigation on waterways. These charts depict details such as water depths, hazards like rocks and shoals, navigational aids such as buoys, and the outlines of coastlines. This information helps mariners understand the waterway layout and determine safe routes to reach their destinations, avoid obstacles, and comply with navigational rules.

While tracking weather conditions, fish migration patterns, and boat speed regulations are important for various aspects of maritime activities, they are not the primary purpose of marine charts. The charts focus specifically on navigation, hence making them vital tools for anyone operating a vessel.