# NAUTICAL CHART SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS — Essential reference

> Reference for international and national nautical chart symbols and abbreviations. (iPhone/iPad app by The Other Hat.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nautical-chart-symbols-and-abbreviations/id687296241 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [The Other Hat](https://appshunter.io/developer/573973071)
- Category: Navigation, Reference
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 54 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-08-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nautical-chart-symbols-and-abbreviations/id687296241/reviews.md

## What is NAUTICAL CHART SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS?

SYMBOLS USED ON NAUTICAL CHARTS SPECIFIED BY THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION (IHO), PLUS INTERNATIONAL ABBREVIATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTARY NATIONAL SYMBOLS USED BY THE U.S. AND U.K. HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICES.

************ FEATURES and BENEFITS ************
- Perfect for reference, learning & revision 
- Hi-res graphics
- Tap & Enlarge feature for greater detail
- Fully searchable index to all the symbols
- Always with you on your iPhone or iPad
- No internet connection needed

************ Plus FREE Bonus Content from "Safe Skipper" ************  

"CHART SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS" provides quick reference to the "INT 1" symbols specified by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for use on International marine charts. 

There are five main sections in this app, each with lettered sub-sections organized into categories to guide users through the hundreds of symbols. The main sections are: 

GENERAL - chart layouts, positions, distances, directions and compass. 

TOPOGRAPHY - landmarks, ports and coastal land features. 

HYDROGRAPHY - tides, currents, depths, nature of the seabed, underwater obstructions, tracks, areas, limits and hydrographic terms. 

NAVIGATION AIDS & SERVICES - lights, buoys, fog signals, radar, radio, services and small craft facilities. 

INDEX & ABBREVIATIONS - international abbreviations and index to symbols and abbreviations. 

SUPPLEMENTARY NATIONAL SYMBOLS Supplementary National Symbols for nautical charts used by the United States and United Kingdom are included at the end of each section. 

************* FREE Bonus Content from "Safe Skipper" ***************************** 
A bonus section has tips on how to deal with emergencies including: Abandon ship; Dismasting; Distress Signals; Engine Failure; Fire Fighting; Flares; Getting a tow; Helicopter rescue; Holed hull; Man overboard; Medical emergency; Mayday; Panpan; Securité.

INDEX The index is an A-Z of symbols and abbreviations and enables the user to quickly look up the symbols and see them in context with others in the same categories. 
This app is based on the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office's print publication "Chart 5011 (INT 1) EDITION 2" Admiralty Charts Publication and "Chart No.1 United States of America Nautical Chart Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms". 

NOTE: ECDIS symbols used to display Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) as specified by the IHO are not included on this app. 

We have an on-going program of marine navigation and boating safety apps, so please contact us with any ideas or features that you would like to see included. 

Safe boating!

## Key features

- International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) symbols
- Supplementary US and UK national symbols
- Fully searchable index
- Tap & Enlarge feature
- Offline access
- Bonus emergency tips

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nautical-chart-symbols-and-abbreviations/id687296241/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Not impressed...  Could be great, but needs work

*2018-06-09*

Just downloaded this app, and while at first glance it looks really amazing, it has some serious flaws. First, it frequently crashes on my iPhone 7 running 11. For iOS, just updated two days ago.

But what is more troubling, is that while on his App Store page he advertises “fully searchable”, I have yet to see where in hell a workable solution actually exists to do that.  The index says it searchable, but hydrography symbols, for instance, cannot be searched in a way that takes you directly to its definition.

Hope this app get some attention soon, as it has incredible potential!  But for now, I would not waste your money.

### 5/5 — Good for me

*2017-11-29*

Really helps with quick reference and learning chart symbols, much better than my almanac. Nice to have it on my phone.

### 5/5 — Good for learning & quick reference

*2017-11-29*

I like the way you can quickly search for a symbol, and that the images are tap to enlarge - helps my not too good eyes! The info itself is just what you want if you can’t remember what they all mean. Good for learning and referring to at the chart table and when passage planning.

### 1/5 — I want my money back!

*2017-05-30*

You will waste money and time with this app.

## Frequently asked questions about NAUTICAL CHART SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS

### What is Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations?

Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations is a reference app that provides symbols used on nautical charts specified by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), along with international and supplementary national abbreviations.

### What symbols are included in Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations?

The app includes symbols from the IHO's 'INT 1' standard, as well as supplementary national symbols used by the U.S. and U.K. Hydrographic Offices. It covers general chart layouts, topography, hydrography, and navigation aids.

### Can I use Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations offline?

Yes, the app is designed to be used without an internet connection, making it a reliable reference tool at sea.

### How do I find specific symbols in Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations?

The app features a fully searchable index that allows you to quickly look up symbols and abbreviations and see them in context with others in the same categories.

### Does Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations include ECDIS symbols?

No, this app does not include ECDIS symbols used for Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

### What is the price of Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations?

Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations is a paid app priced at $1.99.

### What devices is Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations compatible with?

The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### How often is Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations updated?

The latest version, 3.0, was released on September 12, 2017. The developer has an ongoing program for marine navigation apps and welcomes user feedback for future updates.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 3.0 — 2017-09-12

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

New interface and better user experience.

### 1.0 — 2013-08-16

No release notes.

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All apps by The Other Hat: https://appshunter.io/developer/573973071

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*