Electronic Navigation Basics

Marine navigation has undergone a significant change over the past 30 years with the advent of inexpensive, versatile electronics that can access and use sophisticated imagery and text information to even the smallest of boats. And the internet and satellite communications bring all of this to even the remotest of locations. But these modern gems are a double-edged sword that can cut through the darkest and foggiest of nights but also lull the mariner into a sense of false security. Advanced navigation prep remains an essential practice for the prudent mariner to avoid surprises during the cruise, and this requires route planning based on the charts, publications and notices prior to the cruise and use of these items in conjunction with the electronics during the cruise.