This latest edition has been updated for the electronic era of navigation. As a result, this edition is the first to be ‘digital by design’ and assumes that the reader’s vessel will be navigated using an IMO type-approved ECDIS, the NI explained.
Nevertheless, the basic principles are the same as those of a century ago: ensuring the safe conduct of a ship across the oceans.
In his Foreword to the 11th edition, First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones, pointed out: “the fundamental skills of the professional navigator remain unchanged, no matter the medium on which a fix is plotted”.
The volume is encyclopaedic in its coverage, providing guidance on everything from map projections, geodesy, charts, and ocean and coastal navigation techniques to plane and spherical trigonometry.
Navigation aids such as radar, GPS and echo-sounders are explained, and the book emphasises the need for the OOW or Navigating Officer to use all available information when navigating. Traditional techniques, such as manual fixing and use of paper charts are not forgotten confidence in using them could be vital should satellite systems be unavailable, the NI stressed.
The author, Alastair Harris, is a third-generation submariner, and recently authored Volume 2 of ‘The Admiralty Manual of Navigation: Astro-Navigation’, the 11th edition of which was published by The NI last year.
Concluding his Foreword, Adm Jones summed up: “The ability to conduct your ship from one place to another, arriving at the time and space specified, safely, remains the principal task of the navigator, and safety at sea is everyone’s business.
“Yet all who live and work on the world’s oceans know this is rarely straightforward. To assist mariners across the world in this vitally important task, the Royal Navy is pleased to share our centuries of accumulated experience, captured in these pages and published jointly with The Nautical Institute. I commend this publication to you all,” he said.
To purchase a copy of ‘The Principles of Navigation’ visit http://www.nautinst.org/pubs;
Standard Price: £145; April Price: £87; ISBN: 978 1 906915 64 3