BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 03 - Before Heading Out
Using a Marine GPS Device
Marine GPS (Global Positioning System) devices can be used to identify your location. Some of today’s systems are able to pinpoint your position to within several feet. Marine GPS devices are becoming a popular tool with boating enthusiasts.
Marine charts and nautical publications are now available in electronic format can be used in conjunction with Marine GPS to offer boaters an extremely high degree of navigation certainty. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your Marine GPS and practice using it before heading out on the water. Marine GPS can provide your location but you should always carry printed marine charts as a back-up in the event your Marine GPS fails.
Keep in mind that Marine GPS may only be accurate to within 30 m and automotive GPS will not provide the information you need on the water.
