d design,
I suspect this is just your way of getting a lot of folks riled-up....
But, sorry to disappoint....this really isn't that big of an issue for most...
1)
--- Yes, just about everyone does use GPS as their primary position fixing source....
And while most (myself included) have many back-up GPS units and separate
power sources/supplies for them, should the GPS and GLONASS
satellite constellations fail (VERY unlikely) and/or the GPS signals jammed (possible in small geographic locations).....
Most coastal sailors should be okay (as they can do coastal piloting and DR, taking bearings accordingly, whether visual and/or radio bearings...)
And even most
offshore sailors will still be okay (as even without a sextant/almanac/tables, most
offshore sailors will have the positions either plotted on a paper
charts and/or written in their log, etc. so they can still do DR, and reach the other side of the ocean and/or find land/islands....)
--- And FYI I thought you may want to know that most offshore sailors do NOT rely on chartplotters, PC's, iPads, etc...(the
internet postings of a few, notwithstanding!!)
Coastal sailors, day sailors, bay sailors....yes, there are many that use iPad's, etc. as their primary charting/plotting source, etc...
But, not offshore sailors....(again, no matter what 'ya read on-line....most offshore sailors do NOT rely on such products for
navigation...
2) My direct answers, specific to your question...
With one difference, I do the same / have done the same, as Ann does, for many decades....(and yes, I started decades before GPS was launched...)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate
As it happens, we carry paper charts, sextant, and can plot possies; also, we can do coastal piloting. So, the situation is aggravating, but not hysterical. Also have spare GPSes,. having backups for your backups is not a bad deal. In the old days, we have run DRs. For far too long, given overcast skies.
Ann
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The only difference is my paper charts are my primary charting w/ GPS fixes plotted regularly, on paper charts...(along with a running DR log, as a "comparison"... to see how good I am on predicting avg. COG,
current set/drift, etc..)
My
Raymarine E-series plotters and
Navionics charts are nice to look at, but are secondary...
An accurate, deviated
compass....a wrist watch...and some paper charts will still get you to where you're going!!
3) And, Wotname, for clarity....the entire Omega system has been off-the-air for over a decade now (mid-late 90's, I think)....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wotname
Guess I will fire up the VLF / Omega long range nav unit and plot the fix on paper. This should keep working until the big boys stop talking to submarines .
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I assume you know that....but just wanted everyone to be aware....
EDIT:::
I started this posting >12 hours ago....and now there are 6 pages!!!
Goodness, you guys are certainly social / verbose today!!
Oh, well....my answers still stand!!
I hope this answers your questions / adds something to your discussion..
Fair winds...
John
s/v Annie Laurie