As paper charts are phased out, GPS risks become greater

摘要

Picture yourself coming to the end of your coastwise trip and entering the busy harbor of Norfolk, Va., or perhaps coming westbound in Long Island Sound to the very narrow confines of the East River. Since the implementation of Coast Guard NVIC 01-16 (see story, page 9), there are no longer paper charts available in your pilothouse. If they're on board at all, they're probably in a drawer that hasn't been opened for months. It's nighttime, visibility is poor and you are following that little dot on your electronic navigational chart that says "you are here." The dot is right where it should be in the middle of the channel. All is well. Without warning, the boat shudders and comes to a sudden stop. As you wonder what just happened, you notice a smell of diesel in the air.