Alarms and Waypoint Management

Electronic alarms are useful only if they are configured sensibly and understood by the crew. Cross-track error, depth, anchor, AIS CPA/TCPA, arrival, and guard-zone alarms can all reduce risk. Poorly set alarms create noise and may be ignored.

Waypoint arrival alarms deserve care. If the arrival circle is too large, the plotter may advance to the next leg before the vessel has safely reached the turning area. In pilotage waters, manually confirming a waypoint change may be safer than automatic advancement.