Senin, 21 September 2015

Handy Instruments That New Sailors Should Study

By Carey Bourdier


Learning how to sail or operate a boat takes time and there is a lot to learn before you are ready to head out to sea. Along with learning many new vocabulary words as well as how to actually maneuver a sea craft, you also will learn how to operate many different types of specialized instruments. Some of these are technologically advanced instruments, but some have been in use by sailors for many centuries.

Most sailors or boat captains will install electronic navigation equipment on their craft such as sonar and radar and perhaps even depth finders. A marine radio is another essential piece of equipment you will need to learn how to use. It takes some time to learn how to use these devices as well as learning about all of the common sailing terminology and how to navigate in general. Many seaside communities offer inexpensive classes that will teach you the basics as well as providing instruction in the water.

Of course, it's also very wise to have good navigational maps even if you are just doing short trips along your local coastline. If you plan on making longer journeys, it is good to have knowledge of many non-electronic optical instruments and navigational tools. Many of these tools have been used by sailors for hundreds of years and still come in quite handy today. The more you know about navigational tools, the safer you will be out in the water.

For instance, the alidade is a device that has been in use since ancient times. This is an optical instrument that helps someone observe an object in the distance and then to make measurements in reference to that object. Large navy ships or large shipping vessels might use a professional telescopic marine alidade. Alidades also are a component on a theodolite, as well as a sextant. The sextant is used to measure angles between two objects, and is used for celestial navigation. Learning how to use an alidade and sextant can be helpful navigation tools if you are out at sea without electronic equipment.

As you map out your course, you can use another device, known as a three-arm protractor, to help plot the way. If you aren't sure how to use the three-arm protractor or how to use navigational maps, be sure to get some training before heading out on your first journeys. A few other items to consider adding to your instrument list would be high-quality binoculars as well as a surveyor's compass. Obviously, electronic instruments can get you pretty far, but these types of instruments should be stocked in case of emergency.

Of course, there are other items that you need and some actually are required. For instance, you will need life jackets, and these must be Coast Guard approved. You need flotation devices that you can throw out to someone who ends up overboard. Electronic distress lights, distress flags and flares are other safety equipment that you need to stock on your boat. Fire extinguishers also are needed, and be sure to replace them when they pass their expiration date. The U.S. Coast Guard can provide you with a list of equipment that you must have as well as items that you should have in order to ensure safety.




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