Author Description

American Practical Navigator An Epitome of Navigation Bowditch 2017 Edition Volume IAs much as it is a part of history, Bowditch is not a history book. In this edition, as in past editions, dated material was dropped and new methods, technologies and techniques added to keep pace with changes in the practice of navigation. The changes are intended to ensure Bowditch remains the premier reference work for modern, practical marine navigation. This 2017 edition replaces but does not cancel former editions, which may be retained and consulted as to historical navigation methods not discussed herein.Due to critical feedback from academia, the 2017 edition reconstitutes several deleted or abridged chapters removed from the previous two editions. The additional text warranted the return of a two-volume format, with the useful tables and glossary of marine navigation located in volume II.PART 1, FUNDAMENTALS, includes an overview of the topic of marine navigation and the organizations which develop, support and regulate it. These fundamentals include chapters relating to geodesy and chart datums; modern hydrography; the types, structure, use and limitations of nautical charts; electronic chart display and information systems; and finally, a concise explanation and summary ofthe various navigational publications necessary for prudent marine navigation.PART 2, PILOTING, mainly emphasizes the practical aspects of navigating a vessel in restricted waters, using both traditional and electronic methods. The closely related problem of finding the course & distance between one known point and another, and using The Sailings, is also discussed.PART 3, CELESTIAL NAVIGATION, reflects the renewed interest in the age old art and science of navigation by the stars, planets, moon and sun. The update recognizes the trend to over rely on GPS and electronic navigation by offering the tried and true alternative method in the event of electronicfailures. PART 4, INERTIAL NAVIGATION, is often r