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Chart Reader Scout Interest Badge

From SCOUTS South Africa Wiki

Badge Requirements

Chart Reader
Chart Reader
  1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
    Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft badge and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements:
  2. Use Charting Terms
    Using a suitable nautical chart, demonstrate your understanding of the following terms and how they are used in chartwork:
    • Compass rose - and how it is used to determine directions and courses.
    • True course and magnetic course, and the difference between them.
    • Deviation and variation, and how they affect a compass course.
    • Dip, and why it is relevant when using a magnetic compass.
    • Swinging a compass, and why it is done.
    • Set and drift, and how they can affect the intended track of a vessel.
  3. Use Projections and Datums
    Using suitable nautical charts or chart extracts:
    1. Identify why a projection is needed to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat chart.
    2. Compare two chart projections, giving one advantage and one limitation of each for navigation.
    3. Describe in your own words what a spheroid and a datum are.
    4. Identify the chart datum shown on one of the supplied charts and describe why using the correct datum is important when working with coordinates.
  4. Plot Positions and Courses
    Using a suitable nautical chart and a Portland Plotter or other suitable chartwork instrument:
    1. Plot a given position accurately on the chart.
    2. Plot a course between two positions and determine the true course.
    3. Use the chart's compass rose and relevant chart information to convert the true course to a magnetic course.
    4. Transfer the course accurately between positions on the chart.
    5. Use two or more bearings or chart features to check or confirm a plotted position.
  5. Plan a Passage
    Using a suitable nautical chart supplied by the Examiner, complete a realistic, chart-based passage-planning exercise for a vessel entering harbour.
    1. Plan a suitable route into harbour using at least five waypoints, taking into account relevant chart information, including channels, traffic separation schemes, water depth and vessel draft, tidal flows, and navigational hazards.
    2. Using the set and drift supplied by the Examiner, adjust the planned courses to account for these conditions.
    3. Determine the magnetic course to steer for each leg of the passage.
    4. Record the coordinates of each waypoint.
    5. Calculate the estimated time between each waypoint using the speed over the ground supplied by the Examiner.
  6. Create a Nautical Chart
    Using information or data provided by the Examiner, create a nautical chart at a scale of 1:5 000 covering an area of at least one square nautical mile.
    Your chart must include:
    • A title and scale.
    • A north point or other appropriate directional reference.
    • An appropriate legend and chart symbols.
    • At least 20 soundings.
    • Significant land-based features useful for navigation.
    • Relevant navigational features and hazards, where applicable.
    • Sufficient information for another person to identify the mapped features and understand how the chart could be used for navigation.
    Note: The chart may be produced by hand or digitally.
  7. Check and Communicate Your Chartwork
    Using your completed chart and passage plan:
    1. Present your passage plan to the Examiner, including:
      • Waypoint coordinates;
      • Magnetic courses to steer;
      • Distances between waypoints; and
      • Estimated times between waypoints.
    2. Use your chart to identify at least three selected positions or navigational features.
    3. Check your chartwork and identify any assumptions, estimates or possible sources of error.
    4. Describe how you would check or improve the accuracy of your chart and passage plan before using them for navigation.
    5. Reflect on your chartwork by describing one thing you did well and one thing you would do differently next time.

Recommended Age Range: The Chart Reader Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years. It builds on the practical foundation developed through the Charting Scoutcraft Badge and introduces more advanced chartwork, navigation, passage planning and chart-production skills. The emphasis on independent application, accuracy, problem-solving and navigation decision-making is appropriate for older Scouts developing advanced skills and exploring maritime navigation.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

What You Need First

The following badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Last Update

September 2026


Explore More Opportunities

  • My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
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