Knowra Maritime navigation Maritime navigation Maritime navigation is the planning and execution of a vessel’s movement across water. It combines position fixing, route selection, and control of the vessel to reach a destination safely.
Dead reckoning : A method of estimating position by advancing a known starting position using course, speed, and elapsed time. It estimates a vessel’s position between fixes, but accumulated errors can grow over time.
Nautical chart : A map designed for marine navigation, showing depths, coastlines, hazards, aids to navigation, and other maritime information. It represents the water depths and hazards used to plan and monitor a route.
Passage planning : The preparation of a vessel’s voyage route, including hazards, constraints, contingencies, and monitoring arrangements. It turns a destination into a checked route before the vessel departs.
Inertial navigation system : A navigation system that estimates movement and position by integrating measurements from accelerometers and gyroscopes. It can operate without external signals, unlike satellite-dependent position fixing.
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea : The international rules governing vessel conduct to prevent collisions at sea. Navigators use these rules to interpret encounter situations and determine vessel actions.
Celestial navigation : A method of determining position from observations of celestial bodies and the time of observation. A sextant observation can provide a position line when satellite signals are unavailable.
Latitude : The angular distance of a point north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees. Latitude is one coordinate used to state a vessel’s geographic position.
Ocean navigation : Navigation across open oceans, where land references are often absent for long periods. Ocean crossings rely on sustained position estimation and long-range route planning.
LORAN : A terrestrial radio navigation system that determines position from the timing of signals from fixed transmitters. It offers a shore-based alternative to satellite navigation, though with different coverage and precision.
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea : An international maritime treaty establishing minimum safety requirements for ships and their operation. Its requirements include standards for navigational equipment and safe voyage practices.
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