Module 19 - Electronic Navigation
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.
- Set alarms deliberately before departure
- Avoid alarm fatigue
- Use depth and cross-track alarms where helpful
- Check waypoint arrival radius
- Consider manual waypoint advance in pilotage waters
Continue studying Electronic Navigation
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 19. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.