Frequently Asked Questions
Is BayCharts really free?
Yes. BayCharts is free to use with no signup, built on NOAA's freely published Electronic Navigational Charts. It may later be supported by sponsorships, never by charging for the basic chart.
Can I use BayCharts for navigation?
No — BayCharts is for planning and situational awareness only. It is not a certified navigation product. Always carry and use official charts and publications, and never rely on a single source.
Where does the chart data come from?
The chart layer is rendered live from NOAA's Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) via NOAA's own chart display service, so content updates as NOAA updates its charts. Tide and current predictions come from NOAA CO-OPS.
What do the numbers on the water mean?
They are soundings — depths in feet at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). A small subscript is tenths: 2₇ means 2.7 ft at chart datum. Actual depth is usually charted depth plus the current tide height.
Does BayCharts work offline?
Partially. Areas you have viewed are cached on your device and remain visible offline; new areas and live tide predictions need a connection.
How do I install BayCharts as an app?
On iPhone: open baycharts.com in Safari, tap Share, then 'Add to Home Screen'. On Android: Chrome offers 'Install app' from the menu. You get a full-screen chart with its own icon.
How accurate are the tide and current predictions?
They are NOAA's official predictions — the same numbers as the government tide tables. Real water levels can differ, mainly with sustained wind.
Does BayCharts track my location?
Your GPS position is used only on your device to draw you on the chart. There is no account, and your position, routes and boat profile stay in your browser's local storage.