Replacing Charts

[Mirage35]

Quoted by memory from a nav course I took somewhere:

"The prudent navigator will make use of all tools at his disposition."

[tkeithlu]

Redundancy. OpenCPN on the screen, plus paper (usually prints from OpenCPN, which I wish would tile charts) on the nav table, location updated each half hour. Plus an old GPS with a crude chart. The first and greatest commandment is "Never be totally dependent upon anything electronic," and the second is like unto it, "Never let anything mechanical know that you are in a hurry." The third is probably "Don't enter strange ports at night," but I break that one on occasion. It's fun waking up in the morning and seeing where you anchored.

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by StuM

The offical word from Navionics re Hong Kong:

"By order of the Hong Kong Government SAR we have removed all data originating from them. Navionics has applied for a license but regrettably their response is they do not permit any third party to sell their cartographic data. We will continue to pursue a suitable remedy. For any further details please directly contact Mr. Michael CM CHAU, Deputy Hydrographer, Marine Department, Hong Kong Government SAR michaelchau@mardep.gov.hk."

I suspected something like that but it seems odd, especially since the PRC licenses their data to Navionics and others. Anyone know of other countries that are not available electronically?

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by AnglaisInHull

Quoted by memory from a nav course I took somewhere:

"The prudent navigator will make use of all tools at his disposition."

That would be the USCG Rule 7

Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

That would be the USCG Rule 7

Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.

The original quote applies to much more than just Collision Avoidance.

It refers to "navigation", not "watchkeeping".

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by StuM

The original quote applies to much more than just Collision Avoidance.

It refers to "navigation", not "watchkeeping".

Not sure what you are trying to say?

[Scotty Kiwi]

Here in NZ, if it helps anyone, there is no requirement for local recreational vessels. That would answer the OP's question, if he were here. There is an overiding rule as to the skipper needing to be safe, competent, informed etc. That naturally includes being able to navigate to the destination, and handle any issues.

So the OP may not NEED to carry charts (or electronics), but he must know his route. He'd need to study, or know each route he intends to take, as people have described.

But I'd like to make the point that the regulations change for the type of vessel and purpose of trip. Here, for racing, or for vessels going overseas, each needs to pass an inspection to, variously, Cat (Category) 0, 1, 2, or 3.

I think a prudent coastal skipper, in any country, would be safe to abide by the following excerpt for the Cat One doc, for vessels leaving NZ. They were put in place to reduce the costs of Search and Resuce, and are from a 25 page document found:

http://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/sites/y...s%20Manual.pdf

"• NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
All inspectors are faced with the difficult question of whether to approve
out of date charts and publications. Electronic charts are carried on most
craft, but there also need to be sufficient paper charts to provide a safe
back-up in case of electronic/electrical failure.
In many vessels, a deviation card is either non-existent or out of date. On
wooden and FRP boats a significant problem is unlikely provided ferrous
metal objects, wiring, and electronics are kept well away (1 metre is
usually safe). It is a requirement that steel and ferro boats have a
deviation card made by a qualified compass adjuster within the previous
12 months and a second compass is required.
• ABILITY TO NAVIGATE
Virtually all boats rely on electronic systems, but lack of understanding of
the system has resulted in many groundings. Navigators should be aware
that the GPS system has an accuracy of 200 metres for 99% of the time,
and also that charts do not have a similar accuracy. The error between
charts and GPS may well be some miles. Recent charts indicate this
inaccuracy, but older charts do not. A GPS is not an alternative to a
compass or log for any category.
Although a lead-line is allowed as an alternative to a depth sounder, very
few boats would be so equipped. In reality a depth sounder is necessary
to assure a ship’s safe navigation in coastal waters.
When radar is fitted, the skipper should have had some tuition in radar
use. If radar is fitted its use is mandatory in keeping a lookout in poor
visibility. "

Is that the full answer for the OP, if he were a prudent, safe coastal skipper?