Navigation station

This is the chart table. From here, all the paperwork and planning, the checking and navigation are performed. A marine chart is similar in effect to a road map, detailing coastlines, currents, depths, hazards, scale, distances etc. As aids to navigation, I have GPS, HF radio, VHF radio, 27MHZ radio, compasses, night viewing apparatus, binoculars, inclinometer, speed and distance log, radar, sonar, automatic pilot, chartplotter and paper charts of the world, plus pilot books and cruising guides.

Through HF radio and my satellite phone, I can connect my computer to receive weather charts and maps, and send and receive email...although the transfer/download rate is v-e-r-y slow.

Depending upon a natural phenomenon known as 'propogation', I can communicate with HF over distances as great as 20,000 kilometers. (HF = High Frequency. VHF = Very High Frequency. Frequency relates to the length and duration of radio 'waves').

Also necessary to traditional navigation skills (as opposed to electronic, Hi-tech) is an accurate barometer, to measure the pressure of air, and an accurate chronometer for use when using a sextant to determine the vessel's position at sea.