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Gard Guidance Masters

2.10.5 NAVIGATIONAL AIDS AND EQUIPMENT – SEA CHARTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Attention should be paid to the navigational aids and equipment available on board. Although radar, echo sounders and communication equipment are usually switched off in port, the Master should nevertheless ensure that
  • all electronic navigation aids are in good working condition and properly maintained
  • recorders have sufficient paper supply
  • electronic navigation systems such as GPS and ECDIS show the correct geographical position
  • charts, list of lights, pilot books and other publications are updated to the last issue of Notice to Mariners or similar official publication
  • sextants and magnetic compasses have valid calibration and deviation tables.

    When familiarising himself/herself with the navigational instruments, the Master or his/her officers should not change the initial settings of the instruments, unless they discover that the settings do not accord with the manufacturer’s instructions. If any settings need to be adjusted, this should to be recorded in the vessel’s logbook.