Inland and Coastal Navigation [str014]

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Inland and Coastal Navigation is an updated edition of a text that has been used in navigation courses for 25 years. It covers practical small-craft navigation (sail or power), starting from the basics and ending with all that is needed to navigate safely and efficiently on inland and coastal waters in all weather conditions. It is for beginners, starting from scratch, or for more seasoned mariners who wish to expand their skills. Topics include:

• Charts, Chart Reading, and Chart Plotting
  
• Instruments and Logbook Procedures
  
• Compass Use
  
• Piloting and Dead Reckoning
  
• Lights and Buoyage
  
• Tides and Currents
  
• Rules of the Road
  
• GPS and other Electronic Aids

The GPS tells us where we are and how fast we are moving in what direction, but it can never tell us the safest, fastest route to our destination. That fundamental task requires the basic navigation skills taught in this book.

And the first thing we learn is not to rely on any single source, not even the GPS itself. The skills taught in this book are what we need to check the GPS underway, and to be prepared to navigate without the GPS if it should fail.