Sextant Errors And Corrections: With Downloadable PDF
A properly adjusted sextant is an incredibly precise scientific instrument. Unfortunately, it is subject to a large number of potential errors. All these errors need…
How Do EPIRBs Work?
EPIRBs are a small part of a much larger system which includes beacons, satellites, mission control centres, aircraft and vessels. Together, they have saved hundreds…
What Is An EPIRB?
You may have seen them on boats, in aircraft, or even in hiking shops. Maybe you have purchased one yourself, or are considering buying one….
What Is A Sextant Used For?
A sextant is a highly accurate scientific instrument, used for measuring the angle between two objects. Its best-known use is in celestial navigation when you…
What Happens If You Fall Off A Cruise Ship?
It is a highly unlikely scenario, but you would be surprised how many times I used to get asked “what happens if I fall overboard”?…
What Is The Difference Between An EPIRB And A SART?
EPIRBs and SARTs are both used to indicate your position in an emergency when you need rescuing at sea. The main difference between them is…
Do You Need AIS On Your Boat?
When you are installing navigational equipment to your boat, you have almost certainly asked yourself whether you really need everything on the market. AIS, in…
NMEA 0183 vs NMEA 2000
Electonic engineers are very familiar with the details and differences between NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000, but I am a navigator, not an electronics specialist….
What Are The Limitations Of AIS?
AIS is a useful tool to assist watchkeepers in carrying out their duties. It does improve the safety of navigation for everyone, but like everything,…
Where Are The Highest Tides In The World?
The highest tides are spread throughout the world. They occur as a result of local geography creating a funnel to concentrate the tide from a…
When Can You Switch Off AIS?
AIS is the Automatic Identification System that is compulsory on most vessels. Despite its compulsory status, there are a few very select occasions when a…
How Does A Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) Work?
A Hydrostatic Release Unit (HUR) is a device used to automatically release safety equipment when a vessel sinks. The most common places to find HRUs…