The Navigator's Handbook: Essential Methods & Equipment — and How to Use Them to Go Anywhere at Sea

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Item # GP-47912  ISBN: 1585747912




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Simple. To the point. Comprehensive.

Here is everything you need to learn all facets of marine navigation, a wealth of information that will get you started and provide a valuable basis for expanding your confidence and experience.

• Using charts and other publications
• Compasses and other useful intruments
• Inshore, blue-water, and celestial navigation
• Ocean currents, seasonal winds, safety
• GPS, radar, and other electronic devices

Since the dawn of time humans have felt the need to define their position in relationship to the world around them—to be in control. Ancient mariners navigated by observing the night sky, studying the constellations and wind directions. Medieval navigators added cardinal points to simple charts that allowed them to set off on epic journeys and return home safely.

Many of today's most trusted instruments and navigation devices evolved from the crude equipment used centuries ago. Our world has been explored and mapped, yet countless modern adventurers set out each year, charting courses into new territories and home again.

For beginning navigators that new course could be a cove down the coast or an island just beyond the horizon. For those with a bit more experience the journey could be an overnight or multiday blue-water cruise. The Navigator's Handbook tells how it's done. It instructs the beginner in the art of navigation, and describes what devices are available and how to use them. Whether you choose to plot a course by the stars or use high-tech electronic gear, here is an indispensable and up-to-date read for any present-day voyager.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Charts & Publications
Nautical charts and useful reports

Chapter Two: Instruments & Aids to Navigation
Compasses and other important instruments

Chapter Three: Harbour Navigation
Tides, lights and safe anchorage

Chapter Four: Coastal Navigation
Plotting a course, bearings and fixes

Chapter Five: Celestical Navigation
Determining heavenly bodies and time

Chapter Six: The Computations
Sight form and sight reduction

Chapter Seven: Crossing the Oceans
Currents, winds, communication and safety

Chapter Eight: Electronic Navigation
GPS, radar and other electronics

About the Author

Jeff Toghill graduated from the United Kingdom's School of Navigation at Southampton University and traveled the world as a navigating officer on a variety of ships. The author of more than 70 books, he has conducted sailing and navigation schools for more than 25 years, written for numerous publications, and worked as a marine consultant.

The Navigator's Handbook: Essential Methods & Equipment — and How to Use Them to Go Anywhere at Sea