Hey guys,
I have successfully navigated the Bahamas and much of the Caribbean for the past 30 years on vessels that average 6' of draft. On my first venture to the Bahamas (circa 1978), I used DMA
charts and the "Bahamas Cruising Guide" as my sources of nav data. My navigational instruments consisted of a
compass, time piece, sextant,
binoculars, and of course, pencil, dividers, and parallel ruler. My array of electronics consisted of an RDF,
VHF, and
SSB, and sounder. All of this was more than adequate for safe navigation through the Bahamas. Most important in addition to these tools was my skill and judgment as a professional licensed operator. For those not familiar with this technique of safe navigation, I used the seemingly forgotten method called "Dead Reckoning". (Any of you electronic sailors heard of this?)
I have seen the evolution of LORAN A, LORAN C, SATNAV, and the various versions of
GPS, DGPS, and GPS WAAS. Since the advent of electronic charts, I have used them extensively. (Garmin,
CMAP, MAPTECH, navionics)
Being the prudent mariner, I always have the paper charts and continue to use them and the core navigation tools, saving the electronic stuff to make things easier for those who don’t have a clue to the true aspects of navigation.
The most accurate electronic charts I have found thus far are the digitized NOAA paper charts. I have found that the vector charts are riddled with errors and inconsistencies (even the new ones), not to mention the inconsistencies for the same chart on different machines or different software.
It seems every one involved in this post has forgotten the one most important rule: Being a prudent Mariner includes using all available information to safely navigate.
In the original post, Bahamas E-Charts Get Better , the author states” While I'd make sure to carry as much paper information as possible to back up the electronic charting”. As Cruising World's electronics editor, this is a dangerous and irresponsible statement for Mr. Bessinger to make. The electronic charting should to be used to back up your basic navigational tools and skills, I.E. paper charts,
compass, etc.
NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!
It is a mindset like this that gets so many people into dangerous situations.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the conveniences of electronic charts and the machines that run them. Through years of experience, I know better than to put the safety of myself, vessel, and crew, primarily on electronics and the 12 volts that runs them. If you doubt what I say, ask any experienced professional.