Navigating a boat or ship on open water or rivers. For some, it's a piece of cake, others see it as 'rocket science'. However easy or difficult it may be, it is an important aspect of learning to sail. Nowadays, there are handy apps that take the most difficult part out of your hands, but in the past, that was quite different. Curious how boat navigation was done in the past? Or do you want to buy a new boat and know how it works now? Read on!
Navigation in the VOC era
In the 17th and 18th centuries, there was already a lot of sailing. During this period, there were two methods that seafarers could use to navigate. One could determine their position by dead reckoning or by using measuring instruments. In addition, observing the surroundings was an important way to know where one was. When land was seen, the water changed color, or changes were observed in the biodiversity of birds and fish, one could estimate where the ship was approximately located.
By dead reckoning
To determine the location by dead reckoning, a number of data were needed. The speed was determined using a log, a plank with a calibrated log line, and an hourglass. The degree of drift was also important data. This was measured by throwing a buoy on a line overboard. A compass was used to determine the angle between the line and the ship. They needed the average distance the ship traveled per hour and finally the course indicated by lines on the chart.
This method of navigation was not always accurate. In some waters, the speed of ocean currents was difficult to estimate. In 1762, this method of navigation became simpler, thanks to the invention of the chronometer.
Determining position with measuring instruments
In the past, latitude and longitude measurements were performed using measuring instruments, such as a celestial globe. This helped to locate the various stars that are in certain places just above the horizon. For example, the North Star was often observed. At the North Pole, it is directly above the seafarers. The observation angle is 90 degrees. When one was around the equator, the North Star could be seen on the horizon at an observation angle of 0 degrees. In this way, one could determine the latitude in the northern hemisphere when the stars were visible.
The longitude position was determined using compass variation and tables. This method was only used late in the 18th century. Before this time, it was more difficult to accurately determine the longitude, because the earth rotates and one could not assume a fixed point. The depth of the fairway was determined with a sounding lead. This lead was attached to a calibrated lead line.
Navigation in the here and now
The time of navigating by stars and log lines is over. Perhaps a shame in some ways, it was undoubtedly adventurous. Nowadays, however, navigation is much more precise. For example, the VHF channel helps you navigate. Through this channel, you receive information about the area you are sailing in and the rules you must adhere to. Telephone numbers for bridges or locks are also transmitted this way. Your course and speed are displayed. You also use the VHF radio in case of an emergency or when you want to communicate with other sailors. It's useful to know all the nautical jargon so you 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 charts and a celestial globe, people nowadays mainly use apps on smartphones and tablets. These gadgets are easy to carry, so you don't have to navigate from a single point. You are also always aware of the latest map updates when you have internet access.
There are also websites you can use. Here you can easily determine your coordinates. You can view current water levels, swimming locations and marina locations. You will also find useful information such as the operating times of bridges and locks.
