What is the purpose of OROCA in navigational charts?

The purpose of OROCA, which stands for Off-Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude, is to provide pilots with a safety reference concerning terrain and obstacles when navigating away from established airways or routes. OROCA offers a minimum altitude that guarantees obstruction clearance, giving pilots confidence that they can fly at that altitude without encountering obstacles, even in areas that may not have detailed obstacle data. This is particularly crucial in regions with varied terrain where obstructions can be numerous and not always represented on visual navigation charts.

In practice, using OROCA helps enhance situational awareness by indicating the safest altitude to avoid both natural and man-made obstructions when not on a predetermined flight path. It is an essential tool for ensuring safety in navigation, particularly in unfamiliar or less charted airspaces where pilots must be vigilant about potential hazards.