Day Skipper training module 11 of 17

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Tides & Tidal Streams

Tidal heights, tidal curves, tidal diamonds, stream atlases, and secondary port corrections.

Tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlasesAdmiralty method for tidal height at standard port
3 outcomes for this module
  • Explain tidal heights, tidal curves, tidal diamonds, stream atlases, and secondary port corrections.
  • Apply Tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases to a realistic onboard situation.
  • Recall the core check: tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
Preview the onboard scenario

You are preparing a real trip where your understanding of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases shapes the decision. Use this module to explain the cue, the risk, and the next safe action before you move on.

8 lesson sections · 16 quiz questions · 15 flashcards

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Lesson summaries

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What Causes Tides?

Tides are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon (and to a lesser extent the Sun) on the Earth's oceans. As the Earth rotates, bulges of water follow the Moon, creating th...

  • Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun
  • UK has semi-diurnal tides — two highs and two lows per ~25 hours
Read the full lesson: What Causes Tides?

Springs and Neaps

When the Sun and Moon align (new moon and full moon), their gravitational pulls combine, producing spring tides — the highest highs and lowest lows. When the Sun and Moon are at right ang...

  • Spring tides — Sun and Moon aligned (new/full moon). Largest range.
  • Neap tides — Sun and Moon at 90° (quarter moon). Smallest range.
Read the full lesson: Springs and Neaps

Tidal Definitions and Datum

Chart Datum (CD) is the reference level from which depths on charts and tidal heights are measured. It is set at approximately the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) — the lowest tide that ca...

  • Chart Datum (CD) ≈ Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)
  • Charted depths are below CD
Read the full lesson: Tidal Definitions and Datum

Using Tide Tables

Tide tables list the predicted times and heights of high water (HW) and low water (LW) for standard ports, for every day of the year. They are published in the nautical almanac (or the de...

  • Tide tables give HW and LW times and heights for standard ports
  • Check whether the product shows UT/UTC or local civil time before applying BST
Read the full lesson: Using Tide Tables

The Tidal Curve Method

The Admiralty tidal curve is the standard method for finding the height of tide at any time. Step 1: Find the HW time and height, and LW height, from the tide tables. Step 2: Calculate th...

  • Range = HW height − LW height
  • Find hours before/after HW for your required time
Read the full lesson: The Tidal Curve Method

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 p...

  • Tidal diamonds: direction (set) and speed (rate) at specific points
  • Data given for each hour relative to HW at a reference port
Read the full lesson: Tidal Diamonds and Stream Atlases

Secondary Ports

Most ports are listed as secondary ports, with differences applied to a standard port. The almanac provides time differences (e.g., HW is 20 minutes later) and height differences or ratio...

  • Secondary ports use differences from a standard port
  • Time differences: applied to standard port HW/LW times
Read the full lesson: Secondary Ports

Worked Height and Secondary-Port Examples

Worked height example: HW is 4.9 m at 1200, LW is 1.3 m at 1800, and you need the height at 1500. The range is 4.9 - 1.3 = 3.6 m. 1500 is three hours after HW, so if the curve factor is 0...

  • Range = HW height minus LW height.
  • Height at time = LW height + (range x curve factor).
Read the full lesson: Worked Height and Secondary-Port Examples

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Study this topic deliberately

Secure outcome
Separate predictions, corrections, height of tide, charted depth and final clearance.
Common mistake
Using the wrong time zone, curve, port correction or datum relationship.
Best next practice
Label every value and finish with a depth and timing sense check.