文章基本信息

标题：Electronics overkill?
作者：Robert Arias
期刊名称：Boat/US Magazine
印刷版ISSN：1090-1272
出版年度：2004
卷号：Nov 2004
出版社：Boat Owners Association of the United States

Electronics overkill?

Robert Arias

I was dismayed by the article "Power Squadrons Chart New Course" in the September issue. Electronic navigation is an excellent supplement to compass and chart piloting, but can never be a substitute. GPS, radars, and chart plotters are computerized electronic devices are subject to periodic failures.

Electronic navigation is now the method for offshore navigation, at night, and under reduced visibility. However, I would estimate that 95% of the boating population navigates lakes, bays, and rivers, in daylight and good weather. The main goals are collision avoidance and keeping the keel out of the mud. Electronic navigation becomes overkill, and perhaps even hazardous.

Boating is not a video game. I've seen entirely too many near misses where the boater has his eyes glued to the chartplotter, radar, or the waypoint indicator, and not the waters around him. And navigating the ICW relying solely on "waypoints" which are shifting buoys or daymarks frequently surrounded by shoals is an invitation to grounding.

I trust the Power Squadrons will teach people to use their own eyes and brains, as well as their electronic versions.

Capt. Robert Arias

Crownsville, MD