Mariners and amateur boaters are fortunate to have the marine GPS (global positioning system) today. With this equipment they are able to determine land targets within or away from the vicinity. However, mariners are not advised to fully depend on marine GPS only. In case technical difficulties surmount along the travel, the mariner will be partially blind and the vessel will be in peril. So it’s better to have separate navigation software on board. Navigation instruments help lessen the risks and difficulties in sea travel. These devices are not at all hard to used to understand even the first time, except for the maritime fax.
A compass for example, is necessary for heading information. The one that’s complete with a compass transducer is what a mariner should have. With such modern device, an operator can lock bearing when the boat is one autopilot. The compass’ electronic screen will show any deviant steering from the locked bearing and the direction to which the boat should follow. The same equipment may also be fixed to the boat so that it won’t fall off or go missing. For more convenience, an instrument called the data display is also available, which shows both the heading and depth at the same time. The analogue rudder angle display is another very helpful device aboard. This shows the rudder position as indicated by a pointer. The rudder angle is the acute angle between a ship or plane’s rudder and its fore-and-aft line. The latest in rudder angle displays are able to show lower or higher indications than usual.
Your navigation software must also consist of vessel speed and wind speed display tools. There is an all-in-one system pack with graphic display, DPU, and speed and depth pods that you can purchase. Such model is open for additional accessories such as auto-pilot systems and the Man Overboard option. With a transducer, you can also hook the system up with wind speed display. It is a must to determine the boat’s speed and how much of the wind is going with or against it. With regards to weather condition, you will also need a maritime weather fax. This navigation software provides weather charts and satellite images through electronic scanning and thermal head printing. It provides clear images quietly and fully automatic operation may be provided through a programmable scheduler timer, allowing you to determine the weather the way weather administrators do.