An incredible new resource is now available as a free online download.

Published 8 years ago, updated 6 years ago

The Norwegian Chart Organization is issuing all the pilot books for Norway for free in an electronic version you can download. The eight volumes consist of sailing directions for the Norwegian coast, including Svalbard and Jan Mayen Island.

Currently, the only volume in English is that covering Svalbard and Jan Mayen Island.

The publications contain sailing directions for the various fairways and channels and provide information on harbours, destinations and anchorage areas. They also contain large scale charts of a number of harbours, aerial photos, sketches and panoramic views. In addition, there is information on wind and tidal currents, weather statistics for the last 30 years and nature, animal and seabird reserves. Other information includes boatyards, marinas, bunkers, local businesses, quay lengths and depths etc.

Even if required to use a translation program, these Pilot Guides will prove to be very useful to anyone planning to sail anywhere in Norway.

They can be downloaded from www.kartverket.no/en/Maps–Nautical-Charts/Nautical-Publications/The-Norwegian-Pilot-Guide

Our thanks to Bard Fosse for sending us this information.