Navigation is the process of getting you and
your vessel from where you are to where you want
to go safely. The four types of navigation are
dead reckoning, piloting, celestial and radio
navigation. This Navigation Seminar will focus
on dead reckoning and piloting.
To study these two types of navigation, we
will need to learn about navigation tools,
geographic co-ordinates, charts, the compass,
navigation publications, and other related
subjects.
Navigation
Tools (and Foggy's Tail)
List of tools
Pencil
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Parallel Rules
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Rolling Plotter
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Dividers
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Calculator
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Compass
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Time Piece
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Depth Sounder
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Charts
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Publications
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Binoculars |
Dividers- A variety of dividers is available for your
use. After trying several you will find which is more useful for you
to accurately measure distances on your chart.
You will need a pair of dividers that is easy to handle and will
stay in the position you set it. A fine point is critical for very
accurate plotting.
The dividers with a wheel in the center will go into position
quickly then can be fine tuned with the wheel in the center.
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Time Piece - A time piece will help you with your speed
time and distance calculations. The more accurately you can measure
this, the better.
A stopwatch works best for close distances and critical
navigation.
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Plotters - You can find a large variety of plotting
instruments. Each plotter seems to have its own positive qualities.
You will need a plotter that is easy to handle, will fit on your
chart "table" and has numbers that are easy to read.
In a recent survey, one of the more popular plotters seems to be the
one sold by the US Power Squadrons in their classes..
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After you try the different types of tools, you will find
your favorites.
The key is practice, practice, practice. There doesn't seem to be a "best"
tool
for everyone. If it works for you, it is the best tool for you.
Try our Study Questions
Back to Seminar Agenda
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