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Caution   GPS Chart-Plotters (Global Positioning System), its Secret Pitfall:

The images displayed on chart-plotters are transcribed precisely from official Nautical Charts.  However, surveys creating most nautical charts were performed at a time long before GPS positioning was available.  Errors of up to 0.3 miles are therefore possible and frequent.  Oftentimes vessels that are transiting a small craft route, on course (in the channel) will appear to be off-course, outside the channel, even on land - according to the Chart-Plotter display.  If a navigator is positioning his or her vessel, only in accordance with the Chart-plotters display, he or she may run-aground in an area where it appears deep on the display.  Positioning methods such as ranges and bearings should therefore also be used.

(D.E.H)

Bibliography & References

Boating Safety Course & Test Syllabus  (Nov. 26, 2009)
Transport Canada, National P.C.O. Competency Program

Boating Safety Course Standard Version 98.04.01
Canadian Coast Guard

Chapman    Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling
53rd edition by E.S. Maloney

Sailing Directions  Great Lakes;
Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, North Channel, Lake Superior
Vol. 2  Seventh Edition   Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Canada Hydrographic Service

INLAND WATERS  List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals
Canadian Coast Guard, Marine Navigation Services

SAFE BOATING GUIDE, (2009)
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada

Small Craft & Collision Regulations
Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations

Lifesaving Society (Cold Water Boot Camp)

Canadian Topographic Maps, The Basics
Natural Resources Canada

Incident Reports
Ontario Boating League, 1989 - 2009

Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories
Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada

United States Coast Guard
Metlife Boating Safety Tips

(D.E.H.)