Module 19 of 20
Yachtmaster-level use of GNSS, chart plotters, electronic charts, radar, AIS, alarms, and backup navigation.
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Electronic navigation is an aid to navigation, not a separate standard of seamanship. A Yachtmaster-level navigator uses GNSS, chart plotters, radar, AIS, depth, log, compass, and visual...
GNSS positions are usually referenced to WGS84, but charts may have a different or imperfect datum. Modern UKHO charts are normally compatible, yet older charts, harbour plans, and some f...
A route plotted electronically must still be appraised like a paper route. Check the entire track at the largest practical scale, especially around waypoints, headlands, drying banks, ove...
Electronic charts are not all the same. Official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) are vector charts designed for ECDIS and approved systems. Raster charts are scanned or image-based...
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...
Radar performance depends on setup. Range scale, gain, sea clutter, rain clutter, tuning, heading alignment, and display mode all affect what you see. A poorly tuned radar may miss small...
Radar range is usually more accurate than radar bearing on a yacht set. A radar fix from two or more ranges to identifiable charted objects can be very reliable. Use variable range marker...
Radar can show whether a contact is closing and whether the bearing is steady. A constant bearing with decreasing range indicates collision risk. MARPA or ARPA may calculate CPA and TCPA,...
AIS broadcasts a vessel's identity, position, course, speed, and other data. Plotters can calculate CPA and TCPA from AIS targets, making AIS extremely useful for identifying ships and pl...
A Yachtmaster passage plan should include what happens if the plotter, GNSS, radar, AIS, depth sounder, log, or charging system fails. The answer may be paper chartwork, backup handheld G...
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