How to Choose Marine Aids to Navigation Solutions?
Marine Navigational Aids to Have Aboard Your Boat
Marine Navigational Aids to Have Aboard Your Boat
The U.S. Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of adhering to its guidelines to ensure boating safety. These guidelines advise boaters on preparedness and outline the required boating safety equipment and navigational aids.
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Essential marine navigational aids include maps and charts, knowledge of the "Rules of the Road", a two-way communication system, and a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Many people are familiar with GPS from their automobiles, and its use for boats is steadily increasing.
A GPS for boats can be a valuable addition to your navigational aids, but it shouldn't be the only tool you rely on.
Whether handheld or mounted, a standard GPS can be used for boats, offering location information and downloadable maps. Both types work well with charts and maps.
When choosing the best GPS for your needs, consider the additional features that marine GPS devices offer:
- Water depth measurement
- Tide predictions
- Charting and plotting navigational courses
- Track memory for future navigation
- Fish finder options
- Inbuilt compass and charts
- Obstacle warnings
- Accurate speed, distance/time to waypoint, and digital compass readouts
- Visibility in fog or bad weather
- Man Overboard feature for incident marking
- Real-time storm photographs (high-end models)
The cost of a GPS varies based on these features, but it is a worthwhile addition to your navigational aids.
The Importance of Maps and Charts
Maps and charts are essential for accurate navigation. While maps show surface features, charts illustrate underwater features necessary for safe navigation. Charts are dynamic and updated, unlike static maps. Both can be purchased online.
Understanding the "Rules of the Road"
Knowing the "Rules of the Road" is critical for safe boat navigation. The USCG describes Aids to Navigation as the Waterways' Road Signs. They offer a pamphlet titled "U.S. Aids To Navigation System," which should be kept on board as part of your navigational aids.
Familiarize yourself with nautical symbols and colors to ensure safe interactions with other boats. For example, when heading to shore, keep red colors and lights on your starboard (right) side, and green colors and lights on your starboard when heading to open waters. Some boaters use the "3R Rule" - "Red, Right, Returning."
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When approaching another boat head-on, pass port to port (left to left) with one short horn blast to signal your intent. If passing starboard to starboard (right to right) is necessary, use two short horn blasts.
Learning warning colors and designs is also essential, as they indicate restricted areas.
Learning the "Rules of the Road" is a vital component of Marine Navigational Aids.
The Role of Communication Systems
A two-way communication system is recommended on board, as cell phones may lose connectivity on the water. Ensuring the safety of everyone on and around your boat is the operator's responsibility and is required by the USCG and insurance companies.
How to Choose Marine Aids to Navigation Solutions
When selecting Marine Aids to Navigation Solutions, several factors should be considered:
- Determine the type of Aid to Navigation (AtoN) device needed and its transmission range.
- Identify the necessary hardware.
- Assess power consumption of the AtoN.
- Evaluate the impact of network capacity on your decision.
For more guidance, download our "AIS for AtoN Quick Guide" from Marine Aids to Navigation Solutions. Our experienced sales team can help you identify options that best suit your needs.