Navigation and Seamanship

1.1.2.1 History of Navigation

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

            It was only after the chronometer was invented in the 18^th century and the correct time was known aboard ship that longitude could be determined. The celestial navigation used to determine the position of the observer by means of celestial bodies had to await not only the development of instruments for observation, but also the ability of astronomers to predict and publish future positions of the bodies observed, the development of mathematics, and the invention of a mean for keeping accurate time of a reference meridian before longitude could be determined. By then the necessary astronomical tables and almanac had become available.

             The application of electronics to navigation is of course, a much more modern development, being a product of the 20^th century. In the early 1960’s the first navigation satellites were put into orbit, which broadcast radio signals by which ship could navigate. Electronic navigation includes all forms of navigation by an electromagnetic wave (radio wave). The term electric navigation has been applied to all navigation system involving use of electronic components, including radio navigation system, sonar, satellite navigation systems.

            Navigation methods and techniques vary with the type of vessel, the conditions, and the navigator’s experience. Navigating a pleasure craft, for example, differs from navigating a container ship. Both differ from navigating a naval vessel. The navigator uses the methods and techniques best suited to the vessel and conditions at hand. Some important elements of successful navigation cannot be acquired from any book or instructor. The science of navigation can be taught, but the art of navigation must be developed from experience.