Navigating a boat or ship on open water or on rivers. For some it is a piece of cake, others see it as 'rocket science'. However easy or difficult it is, it is an important aspect of learning to sail. Nowadays there are handy apps that take the hardest part off your hands, but in the past it was different. Curious about how boat navigation used to be done? Or do you want to buy a new boat and know how it works now? Read on quickly!
Navigation in the VOC era
In the 17th and 18th centuries, there was already a lot of sailing. In this period, there were two methods that sailors could use to navigate. One could determine one's position by dead reckoning or using measuring instruments. In addition, observing the surroundings was an important way to know where one was. When one saw land, saw the water change color or observed a change in the biodiversity of birds and fish, one could estimate where the ship was approximately located.
On dead reckoning
In order to determine the location by dead reckoning, a number of data were needed. The speed was determined using a log, a board with a calibrated log line, and an hourglass. The degree of drift was also an important piece of information. This was measured by throwing a buoy on a line overboard. The angle between the line and the ship was determined with a compass. The average distance that the ship covered per hour was needed and finally the course that was indicated by lines on the map.
This method of navigation was not always accurate. In some waters, the speed of the ocean currents was difficult to estimate. In 1762, this method of navigation became easier, thanks to the invention of the chronometer.
Determining position with measuring instruments
In the past, latitude and longitude measurements were made using measuring instruments, such as a celestial globe. This helped to locate the various stars that are located just above the horizon at certain places. For example, the Pole Star was often observed. At the North Pole, it is located directly above the sailors. The observation angle is 90 degrees. When one was around the equator, the Pole Star could be seen on the horizon at an observation angle of 0 degrees. In this way, in the northern hemisphere, one could determine the latitude when the stars were visible.
The longitude position was determined using compass variation and tables. This method was not used until the late 18th century. Before this time it was more difficult to determine the longitude accurately, because the earth rotates and one could not assume a fixed point. The depth of the waterway was determined with a depth plumb line. This plumb line was attached to a calibrated depth line.
Navigation in the here and now
The days of navigating by means of stars and log lines are over. Perhaps a pity in a way, but it was undoubtedly adventurous. Nowadays, however, navigation is much more precise. For example, the marine radio channel helps you navigate. Through this channel, you receive information about the area in which you are sailing and which rules you must adhere to. Telephone numbers of the bridge or lock are also passed on in this way. You can see your course and speed on the screen. You also use the marine radio in the event of an emergency or when you want to communicate with other sailors. It is useful to know all the nautical jargon, so that you can quickly understand what someone is talking about. For example, what is a candela? Which side is port or starboard? What is the difference between a yacht, ship and boat?
Instead of maps and a celestial globe, people nowadays mainly use apps on smartphones and tablets. These gadgets are easy to carry with you, so you don't have to navigate from a point. You are also always up to date with the latest map updates when you have internet.
There are also websites you can use. Here you can easily determine your coordinates. You can view current water levels, swimming locations and locations of marinas. You can also find useful information such as the operating times of bridges and locks.
