3815 - Shields Bay Nautical Chart

The West Coast Sanctuary: 3815 - Shields Bay

Navigate the remote and majestic waters of western Haida Gwaii with the professional authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Chart 3815 is the definitive "road map" for mariners, providing the comprehensive coverage required for safe passage through Shields Bay and the broader Rennell Sound region.

Precision for Haida Gwaii’s Rugged Pacific Coast

The western side of Graham Island is characterized by deep-water fjords and high-energy coastal environments. CHS Chart 3815 provides the "ground-truth" data required for safe pilotage in this secluded wilderness:

• Shields Bay & Rennell Sound Detail: Features high-resolution bathymetry for the primary anchorages and inlets of Rennell Sound, which serves as a vital refuge for vessels transiting the exposed west coast.

• Clapp Basin & Inshore Navigation: Detailed mapping for the intricate waters of Clapp Basin, providing the resolution necessary to identify safe leads and hidden submerged hazards.

• Hazard & Rock Identification: Explicitly marks the locations of sea stacks, drying reefs, and underwater rocks that are common in this geologically active coastal zone.

• Seafloor & Anchorage Intelligence: Shows precise water depths and the nature of the sea bottom (rock, sand, or mud), which is essential for selecting secure anchorages in areas where deep fjords meet the Pacific shelf.

The Professional Standard for Remote Marine Safety

As the primary navigational resource for one of the most rugged shorelines in North America, the reliability of Chart 3815 is paramount. Specifically designed to meet the rigorous requirements of marine navigation, this official CHS chart delivers the accuracy and detail needed to explore the western reaches of Haida Gwaii with total confidence.

Feature	Details
Chart Number	3815
Region	Pacific Coast (Haida Gwaii / Graham Island West)
Scale	Large Scale / Detailed
Dimensions	Standard CHS Paper Sizes
Publisher	Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS)
Key Coverage	Shields Bay, Rennell Sound, Clapp Basin, Graham Island
Compliance	Meets official carriage requirements for safe marine navigation