Navigation Equipment

It goes without saying that the distress messages are considered the critically important function of any marine VHF; however, it shall be noted that they distress messaging is not the sole purpose of having the VHF on board ship. The VHFs are widely used for preventing distress situations - this is achieved by allowing ships to warn each other about various potential dangers.

Another function is receiving the safety info, including but not limited to the weather forecasts and navigation related warnings. Most of the radio messages are quite mundane and are send/received to cover different aspects of day-to-day operation, these would typically include planning, searching for fuel and berth etc. The present publication was prepared by RYA specialists. The list of topics covered in its pages opens with the description of types of messages, users and equipment.

The next chapter provides readers with the explanation of the working principle of any radio while the third chapter is dealing with the applicable regulations and rules including licensing and type approval. There are useful instruction on proper operation of the marine VHF radios, VHF channels and voice procedures as well as GMDSS and DSC. Of course, this is not a full list of what has been addressed in this book…

This is a very good publication on the electronic navigation means. The introductory part of the volume gives some brief insight to the world of the modern navigation. The second chapter is dealing with the DECCA navigator which is a navigation system commonly used for fixing the position through measuring the phase difference existing between the CW signals that are transmitted by two stations, i.e. slave and master.

The third chapter addresses the Loran-C long-range position fixing system, measuring the time differences between master and secondary pulses. The GPS and echo sounders are dealt with in the separate chapters, same as with the Doppler log and rate of turn indicator. The readers will find valuable information on the auto-pilots as well as the newly introduced and widely implemented ECDIS.

The last two chapters of the publication are devoted to the integrated navigation systems and gyro compasses. The book will be of great help for the students of the maritime colleges as well as to the practicing ship navigators who are in need to refresh their theoretical knowledge of the subject – they will definitely appreciate the material contained in the book and the way it is presented and explained.

This is one of the most important books on the navigation bridge of any ship. The GMDSS stands for the Global Maritime Distress & Safety System – this one was developed in order to provide navigators with the fastest and most efficient way to call for the assistance, should it be required at sea at any time, regardless of the size and geographical position of the vessel.

The present volume was released to help shipboard people better understand the system and will therefore be of great use for any person whose duties imply using the GMDSS system. In addition, it can also be used as the training material for the students. The author has explained the system together with its operation and all procedures.

The coverage includes the syllabi of the LRC, GOC and ROC, i.e. Long Range Certificate, General Operator’s and Restricted Operator’s Certificates. This sixth edition of the publication includes all recent changes to the regulations related to the GMDSS system. The volume has already proved a very valuable reference source for the users of the associated equipment as well as for the exam candidates. The text is full of informative and detailed illustrations, questions-and-answers and revision guide.

This publication will present a truly intelligent account of the fundamental principles on which the design of all contemporary systems of marine navigation bases. They have all been placed in context with the essential methods of navigation and addressed in the introductory part of the volume.

The material contained in the book has been arranged in the following way – first of all, the author addresses the navigation itself, including the history of navigation and different classical methods of celestial navigation, and then proceeds to introducing readers to the quantum ideas. In the final third the author is dealing with the navigation based on satellite systems, for instance the GPS and orbit theory – virtually everything is covered here.

The publication is mainly intended to be used by the non-specialists in the field of navigation but still possessing some basic understanding of engineering. The very broad range of different aspects relating to the development of both space and surface navigation has been covered, and every effort was made to avoid any mathematical formalism that would make reading difficult and too complicated. All technological advanced in marine navigation have been well documented in the pages of this brilliant book.

This is an excellent guidebook written in a very user-friendly manner to get the users of the VHF radios installed on board marine vehicles better acquainted with the functions of the equipment, covering both analogue and digital ones. The explanations provided by the author, who is the expert in the field, are describing the radio systems on the leisure crafts, detailed and straightforward.

It is one of the best books of marine radios available today and this third edition features revised and updated contents. The book will provide all required information for passing the SRC, standing for the Short range Certificate, considered mandatory for all people dealing with the radios including the associated procedures, theory of the radio, and general information about the GMDSS systems. The people all around the planet use this volume as a perfect reference book and a fundamental companion.

The style of presenting the information is typical for all other publications in Reeds series, i.e. absolutely clearly explained and supplemented with numerous illustrations for easier understanding of the subject. It will of great practical use for anyone willing to refresh both theoretical essentials and established procedures.

Electronic marine navigation has passed a critical waypoint – the vast majority of all vessels navigating the seas and engaged in the international maritime shipping have the ECDIS installed on board. This landmark shall be treated as one of the most important milestone in the long journey.

There are so many procedures that have been established during the past decades relating to the electronic navigation and that shall be used by the practicing ship navigators, developers and suppliers of the navigation charts, hydrographic offices and others.

As a result, the ECDIS was first accepted by the IMO as the substitute to the traditional paper charts. Moreover, there are many regulations developed by the IMO in this respect and the provisions of subject rules and regulations shall be complied with at all times. This fourth and latest edition of the publication features the completely revised contents.

The authors have provided the descriptions of the essentials for the development of the shipboard electronic navigation systems together with the recommendations for their use covering the associated technical functions and limitations imposed. The general guidance have been provided on the use of these systems as well as training and certification aspects.

Theory of the marine compasses can be understood by applying some imagination and is not that complicated. However, the information contained in most of the books available today lack clarity and it makes the process of understanding a bit more difficult. The author of this volume has made every effort to present the information in a simple way so that it can be understood by all categories of readers, from newcomers to the professional mariners.

The book starts with the syllabus of the STCW 1995 convention, followed by the info on the free gyroscope. Then, there are two chapters dealing with the damped and undamped gravity controlled gyroscopes. The errors encountered in the gyro compasses have been dealt with in a separate chapter. Same applies to the follow-up systems, transmission systems and the associated performance tests.

The author has also included several real life examples of the application of the contemporary compasses. Numerous exercises have been included for better training process and they are all supplemented with the correct answers. We recommend this publication to anyone interested in the construction and working principles of the gyro compasses.

The professional skills of today’s navigators shall be aligned with the marine technology which is advancing so rapidly. That is why the proper knowledge and understanding of the working principle of the shipboard radar and correct interpretation of the information provided by the radar is considered very important for the safety of the navigation. Its effective use will mean positive contribution to the safety of the vessel as well as the people and cargo on board.

Therefore, one could not over-emphasize the need for the nice and well written book that would suit all requirements of the mariners. In his book, the author is dealing with both theoretical and practical areas of the use of the shipborne radars. Note that all of the problems have been addressed. The author has made taken every effort to underline the importance of the proper radar plotting.

He has also included numerous work sheets that supplement each of the exercises; this will allow students to make quick revision whenever necessary. This fourth edition of the title takes into account all latest technological advances and is fully up to date. The book is highly recommended to all navigators since the radars are deservedly considered the equipment critical to the safety of navigation.