eee Using Routes while performing PATON Verifications Use the “View Notes Page” command to review.

Periodically verify your GPS position using other methods. Use Aids to navigation as waypoints. Stay alert for GPS malfunctions. GPS Tips

Always validate satellite performance before using your GPS set for navigation.

A waypoint (WPT or WP) is a designated location with geographic coordinates – Latitude and Longitude.

Place waypoints on the exact location of an Aid to Navigation. The odds are that it won’t Actually be there due to its Watch circle. GPS Tips

*Use a minimum number of characters to number of characters to define a waypoint. define a waypoint. *Maintain an EXCEL list of *waypoints for reference. GPS Tips

Waypoints do not have to be located in the water.Waypoints do not have to be located in the water. Waypoints can be used to mark hazards to navigation--areas to avoid and areas to visit.Waypoints can be used to mark hazards to navigation--areas to avoid and areas to visit.

Waypoints are used extensively in GPS navigation or Routes: As boundaries between voyage segments, called LEGS.As boundaries between voyage segments, called LEGS. To mark turning points, destinations, and aids to navigation.To mark turning points, destinations, and aids to navigation. To mark hazards to navigation.To mark hazards to navigation.

Verifying your planned positions as a waypoint Use a simple numbering system. Do not finalize your waypoint position on top of the Aid. Risk of collision! Validate every waypoint before using it as a permanent waypoint in a route. WPT 1 WPT 2 WPT 3 WPT 4

Verifying your Waypoint Press the “Mark” button Brings up Waypoint Screen

Waypoint Use Mark the boundaries between legs. WPT 1 WPT 2 WPT 3 WPT 4 Marks the turns in a channel Rock Marks hazards to navigation or obstructions.

EXCEL provides a more extensive media for a waypoint list than your GPS set. Use a simple waypoint numbering system to identify waypoints and avoid clutter on your GPS screen. i.e. 001, 002, 003, 004, etc. A great tool to use when you validate your waypoints and create routes. Also use EXCEL to create a list of Waypoints for each route that your create.

Always pre-plot all waypoints on a nautical chart and measure the distance and bearing between waypoints. Verify on your chart that the trip legs are planned in safe water.Verify on your chart that the trip legs are planned in safe water. Record the data on a Trip Log.Record the data on a Trip Log.

Select waypoints that can be easily verified by other methods-- visual fixes, soundings, radar, etc. NEVER rely on one means of navigation.

GPS 76 & Meridian Map Screen Fields can be changed and re-sized. WPT and ATON icons can be resized. KISS – Keep it simple. You can make up your own screen layout.

DIRECTIONAL SCREEN Bearing to Waypoint Pointer to Waypoint Course over ground Destination Waypoint Distance to Waypoint Speed over ground User selectable field Poor selection of a Waypoint ID

GPS 76 & Meridian Screen Poor selection of a waypoint.

Highway Screen Bearing to Waypoint Course over ground Distance to Waypoint Speed over ground Destination Waypoint CDI scale User selectable field

GPS 76 & Meridian Highway Screen

GPS Position Page Time Direction bar at top of screen. Course and Speed Mileage and Altitude Position This is not a compass reading!

NAVIGATING WITH WAYPOINTS

Using GPS to Navigate Identify waypoint locations or the direction & distance between them.

Using GPS to Navigate Plan a series of waypoints.Plan a series of waypoints. Check for obstacles between them—shoals, rocks, islands.Check for obstacles between them—shoals, rocks, islands. Check 1/4 mile either side of your planned course for obstacles.Check 1/4 mile either side of your planned course for obstacles.

GOTO Navigation Used by any boat in open water to navigate to a single waypoint.Used by any boat in open water to navigate to a single waypoint. Useful functions:Useful functions: –Range and Bearing –Speed of Approach –Turn

Range and Bearing The distance and direction to a waypoint.The distance and direction to a waypoint. Probably the most useful of all navigation functions.Probably the most useful of all navigation functions. Know your units: true vs. magnetic, statute vs. nauticalKnow your units: true vs. magnetic, statute vs. nautical 3.2 NM, 030°

Course To Steer Course To Steer gets you back to the course line at a 45° intercept to try to keep you out of troubleCourse To Steer gets you back to the course line at a 45° intercept to try to keep you out of trouble Bearing CTS Desired Course Line Third Reef

TR 224 D 3.1 TR 225 D 2.4 ANIMATION WP 2 WP 1 WP 3 Establish a XTE safety zone Measure, plot, and label your course lines. Update your Trip Log. Determine the LAT/LON for each Waypoint and establish Waypoints in your GPS. On your nautical chart, stick small labels showing the Waypoint Number beside each WPT.

Plotting GPS Positions Check your location periodically so that you will have a last known position in the event of GPS receiver failure.Check your location periodically so that you will have a last known position in the event of GPS receiver failure. Always plot your trips on a nautical chart. I use MAPTECH.Always plot your trips on a nautical chart. I use MAPTECH. Always prepare a Trip Log.Always prepare a Trip Log.

GPS Tips NEVER rely on any one means of navigation.

GPS Tips Use hand-held GPS units as backups to ship-mounted units. Carry extra batteriesUse hand-held GPS units as backups to ship-mounted units. Carry extra batteries Always use conventional paper charts with your GPS.Always use conventional paper charts with your GPS.

GPS Tips Practice use of GPS during ideal conditions to ensure familiarity with controls and procedures.Practice use of GPS during ideal conditions to ensure familiarity with controls and procedures. Keep the GPS Operation Manual aboard and read it carefully to master the essential features of your GPS-- there may not be time to do this in an emergency.Keep the GPS Operation Manual aboard and read it carefully to master the essential features of your GPS-- there may not be time to do this in an emergency. Be patient but consistent.Be patient but consistent.

It is important to check your chart before establishing WPTs.It is important to check your chart before establishing WPTs. If the course crosses an island, the GPS receiver will direct you to navigate into this hazard.If the course crosses an island, the GPS receiver will direct you to navigate into this hazard. WPT 02 WPT 01

Why create a route? Routes are lists of sequential waypoints.Routes are lists of sequential waypoints. GPS can automatically advance you to the next waypoint.GPS can automatically advance you to the next waypoint. Routes can be reversed to retrace your original track.Routes can be reversed to retrace your original track. Routes keep you from wandering into danger and shorten distance traveledRoutes keep you from wandering into danger and shorten distance traveled WP 1 WP 4 WP 2 WP 3

Editing Routes GPS receivers should allow you to delete, move, or append waypoints.GPS receivers should allow you to delete, move, or append waypoints. In this case:In this case: WPT 2 has been deleted. WPT 3 has been moved. WPT 4 has been appended. WPT 2 WPT 3 WPT 1 WP 4 WPT 2 WPT 3

Used by boats under power when they have to stay in a channel or follow an exact course line Useful functions: –Cross Track Error (XTE) –Course To Steer (CRS) –Time To Go (TTG) –Automatic course change at next waypoint (WPT) –Total distance to end of route (DTG) –Total time to end of route. ROUTE Navigation WPT 1 WPT 2

Danger Bearings

BEARING with DANGER TO STARBOARD 120 Good place for a waypoint.

NLT or NMT 120??? BEARING with DANGER TO THE RIGHT 005

NLT or NMT 120??? BEARING FROM BOAT TO ATON IS LESS THAN DANGER BEARING - DANGER BEARING with DANGER TO THE RIGHT

NLT 120 BEARING FROM BOAT TO ATON IS MORE THAN DANGER BEARING - OK BEARING with DANGER TO STARBOARD

240 BEARING with DANGER TO PORT 007

NLT OR NMT 240??? BEARING with DANGER TO THE LEFT

NLT OR NMT 240??? BEARING FROM BOAT TO ATON IS MORE THAN DANGER BEARING - DANGER BEARING with DANGER TO THE LEFT

NMT 240 BEARING with DANGER TO THE LEFT BEARING FROM BOAT TO ATON IS NO MORE THAN DANGER BEARING - OK