Tidal Diamonds and Stream Atlases
Tidal diamonds are lettered positions on the chart (e.g., diamond A, B, C) that give the set (direction) and rate (speed) of the tidal stream for each hour relative to HW at a reference port. The table on the chart gives this data for both spring and neap rates.
Tidal stream atlases show the direction and rate of tidal streams across a whole area, typically as arrows on a chartlet for each hour relative to HW at a standard port. They give a broader picture than tidal diamonds, which are specific to one location.
Key Points
- Tidal diamonds: direction (set) and speed (rate) at specific points
- Data given for each hour relative to HW at a reference port
- Spring and neap rates listed separately
- Tidal stream atlases: arrows showing flow across a whole area
- Both are essential for course to steer calculations