Bejino Willienel G.

MT13-A5

Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS)

Are enhancements to the Global Positioning System (GPS) which provide improved
location accuracy, in the range of operations of each system, from the 15-meter nominal GPS
accuracy to about 10 cm in case of the best implementations.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Is a satellite-based navigation system made up of at least 24 satellites. GPS works in any
weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, with no subscription fees or setup
charges. The U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) originally put the satellites into orbit for
military use, but they were made available for civilian use in the 1980s.
Each satellite transmits a unique signal and orbital parameters that allow GPS devices to decode and
compute the precise location of the satellite. GPS receivers use this information and trilateration to
calculate a user's exact location.

Automatic Identification System

Is an automated tracking system that displays other vessels in the vicinity. It is a broadcast
transponder system which operates in the VHF mobile maritime band. Your own ship also shows
on the screens of other vessels in the vicinity, provided your vessel is fitted with AIS. If AIS is not
fitted or not switched on, there is no exchange of information on ships via AIS. The AIS onboard
must be switched on at all times unless the Master deems that it must be turned off for security
reasons or anything else. The working mode of AIS is continuous and autonomous.

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)

Displays the position of a ship and other vessels nearby. The radar displays the position of
the ships in the vicinity and selects the course for the vessel by avoiding any kind of collision.
Echo Sounder
This instrument is used to measure the depth of the water below the ship’s bottom using
sound waves.
Electronic Chart Display Information System
Is a development in the navigational chart system used in naval vessels and ships. With the
use of the electronic chart system, it has become easier for a ship’s navigating crew to pinpoint
locations, and attaining directions are easier than before.
Automatic Identification system
AIS is a system which helps to pinpoint the location and other navigational statistics of ships. AIS
uses VHF radio channels as transmitters and receivers to send and receive messages between ships
which endeavors to fulfill a lot of responsibilities.

Long Range Tracking and Identification (LRIT) System

LRIT is an international tracking and identification system incorporated by the IMO under its SOLAS
convention to ensure a thorough tracking system for ships across the world.

Rudder Angle Indicator

Rudder angle indicator, as the name indicates, provide the angle of the rudder. The display is provided
on bridge to control the rate of turn and rudder angle of the ship.

Voyage Data Recorder

A VDR or voyage data recorder is an instrument safely installed on a ship to continuously record vital
information related to the operation of a vessel. It contains a voice recording system for a period of
at least last 12 hours. This recording is recovered and made use of for investigation in events of
accidents

Rate of turn indicator

It indicates how fast the ship is turning at steady rate, normally shown as number of degree turned.

Navigational Lights
All boats – whether big or small are required to have night lights as a part of the navigation systems.
This system was introduced in the year 1838 by the United States and then was followed by the United
Kingdom in 1849. In the year 1889, the International Maritime Conference was established by the
United States to establish proper guidelines to prevent marine accidents. In the year 1897, these rules
were officially adopted internationally.

Ship Whistle
A ship’s horn is known as a whistle and it is generally provided in duplicate. One is driven by air and
the other is electrically operated.