In recent years, since the advent of the Global Positioning System [GPS], there has been a debate among ships about whether the compass [formerly the best navigation tool for sailors] is still useful or necessary to install on your ship. However, there is no debt among the boating and boating safety instructors. While GPS can be fast, simple [relative] and convenient, the compass is still an indispensable tool and should always be the first thing you install on board.
Let's take a look at each system in turn. With a history of nine centuries, the compass is one of the oldest navigation tools still in use today. The Ocean Compass began to function in Europe around 1300 and has been used for maritime navigation. By reading the Earth's magnetic field, the compass automatically tells you the direction of the magnetic field.
Since the compass always points in the same direction [called magnetic north], no matter where you are on the earth. It can always be used to find the direction of entry. This depends on the weather, the condition of your boat or whether you have battery power. In addition, due to its consistent direction finding capability, it can be used to find latitude and use time with the Ocean Observatory timer if used in conjunction with a sextant. The traditional compass also has only three parts: one needle, one needle and one compass, and only one, the needle is moving. In addition, it no longer requires internal or external components, unless it is discarded by a local magnetic field, it is always accurate.
On the other hand, GPS has too many moving parts, so it can destroy a lot of things. In addition, the GPS unit uses current to operate, so an external power source or some kind of battery is required to operate. The function of the GPS unit also depends on the availability of the signal, which may be reduced or lost in inclement weather. In addition, after all the necessary ways, although GPS can tell you the most direct way to get to the destination, the direct way may include all the paths from the island to the sandbar, and therefore, the ability to read the map and use the compass may still It is essential. Finally, if you have a compass installed on your ship, you can't discard it on land, but a portable GPS device can.
Although GPS devices are excellent navigation tools and can make route drawing faster, faster, and easier, they have drawbacks. In fact, they are more fragile and vulnerable, and are more difficult to fix if problems occur. Therefore, the compass should also remain on board. Understanding maps and how to use them is still indispensable.
Orignal From: Compass and GPS: Do I really need a compass on my boat?
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