A Brief History of the Nautical Almanac Sailing the high seas has never been for the faint of heart. Imagine setting off into the great unknown, armed only with your wits, a sextant, and a disturbing lack of Wi-Fi. It’s the kind of thing that makes modern sailors shudder as they check their GPS for…
Why Verification is so Important in Marine Navigation For recreational sailors, whether seasoned skippers or weekend adventurers, the thrill of exploring the open waters comes with the responsibility of navigating safely and efficiently. While modern technology, such as GPS and electronic chart plotters, has made marine navigation more accessible and convenient than ever, relying solely…
The Enduring Value of Paper Charts in the Digital Age In today’s digital world, electronic nautical charts (ENCs) have become the norm for maritime navigation. With their real-time positioning, easy updates, and user-friendly interfaces, it’s easy to see why many mariners have shifted to digital solutions. As a racing skipper, I’m a huge fan of…
Are charted depths based on the worst-case scenario? Traditional and electronic navigation charts (ENCs) provide us with an understanding of depth, particularly near the coastline. Generally, we ask ourselves: Can we float? After all, we don’t want to run aground! The numbers provided on charts give a likely worst-case scenario, known as chart datum. For…
Introduction Navigational aids have been crucial for maritime safety for centuries, but you may be surprised to learn that the standardisation of the buoyage system didn’t materialise until the 1980s. Among the various systems developed, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) buoyage system stands out for its global adoption…
The Pros and Cons of Marine AIS for Recreational Mariners Safety and navigation are paramount concerns for recreational mariners. The adoption of Marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology has significantly changed the boating experience, offering benefits and posing challenges. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of AIS for recreational mariners and…
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...