Electronic Navigation: Book Review

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-02-10 11:50:07
Contributors:
Topic: Books,Charts and DVDs

Electronic Navigation

Tim Bartlett

Adlard Coles Nautical

First edition 2005

UK recommended price £15.99

ISBN 0 7136 5715 4

This slim volume of 132 pages is a perfect introduction to the complex subject of electronic navigation. The last decade has seen the arrival of a whole range of new or improved aids to navigation and many sailors probably share the confusion of this reviewer as to what is really essential among an ever lengthening list of gadgets. As a former naval officer and now a Yachtmaster instructor, Tim Bartlett does an excellent job of presenting his subject in a clear and logical manner. The book deals in sufficient detail without becoming confusing with the main subjects of GPS, chart plotters, computers, depth sounders, logs and radars. By using a clear language, the author manages to explain the workings of these complex items without becoming incomprehensible and losing the reader along the way. Besides dealing with the actual way of how they work, he also gives some valuable tips on how to improve one’s use of the GPS and radar. The one surprising omission that many readers would have found undoubtedly useful is that of autopilots. However, that is a minor fault that detracts little from a well written book that manages to blow away much of the mystery that surrounds these marvellous aids which are so easily taken for granted by today’s sailors.