NOAA/NGA Reference Publications A wealth of nautical knowledge is available from the U. S. Government: Chart No. 1--all the symbols, abbreviations, and terms found on nautical charts Distances Between Ports--available for U. S. and international destinations Navigation Rules--Includes the COLREGS.  If your vessel is more than 40' long, it's likely to be required on board International Code of Signals--Documents the flags, bells, whistles, and other signaling devices you might encounter Radar Navigation Manual and Maneuvering Board Manual--explains how to plot vectors for collision avoidance World Port Index--a listing of ports (with lat/lon) and services worldwide Chemical Data Guide--explains procedures for handing bulk shipments USCG 515--documents selected regulations from CFR's 33 and 46 that relate to all non-U. S. flagged vessels from design and equipment to operating procedures while in U. S. waters. Ordering Information 117722 Chart No. 1 Symbols used by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), NOAA, and NGA.  Sections also show the typical layout of a U. S. chart plus examples of charted tide data. $9.95   117822 Distances Between Ports Pub. 151.  Distances between worldwide ports over routes that afford the safest passage.  Departure Ports are listed alphabetically with distances to arrival ports listed below. $18.95   117730 Distances Between U. S. Ports Point-to-point distance data for ports in the U. S. plus distance from Great Lakes to Canadian Ports $7.95   117765 Navigation Rules:  International - Inland Includes International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), inland navigation rules, and international rules.  Inland rules are compared side-by-side with international rules to help define their differences.  $14.95   117733 International Code of Signals Pub. 102.  Descriptions plus photos for all signals:  visual, sound, and radio.  Focused on situations related to safety of navigation and personnel. $29.95   117755 Radar Navigation and Maneuvering Board Manual Includes both Publications 1310 and 217.  Includes expanded chapters on ARPA, operating manual for modern commercial radar. $44.95   117830 World Port Index Pub. 150.  Location, characteristics, know facilities, and available services of major ports, shipping facilities, and oil terminals throughout the world. $49.95   117724 Chemical Data Guide USCG Guidelines for safe transport of bulk chemicals.  Documents characteristics of a number of chemical hazards $38.95   117828 USCG 515 Rules and Regulations for Foreign Vessels Operating in the Navigable Waters of the U. S.  Two volume set includes CD-ROM of the text.  Updates included. $274.95   Find other U. S. Government publications