Back to basics in vessel navigation

摘要

While the principles of basic navigation have stood seafarers in good steam for hundreds of years, the methods have changed out of all recognition, which brings mixed benefits, as George Marsh explains. Few mariners today would wish themselves back into the position of Admiral Lord Nelson's sea captains at Trafalgar 200 years ago, in having to navigate entirely non-electronically using compass, log, sounding lead, sextant, and tables. In fact many now place undue reliance on one remarkable tool of the 21st century, satellite-enabled navigation - OPS in particular. Relying on this system to the virtual exclusion of more traditional aids (albeit in modern guise) may not be wise.