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Captain Cal Callahan

Navigating with the Best: Bridge Equipment Essentials

Bridge Equipment

Let us have a look at some top tips on bridge equipment every skipper wishes they had on the bridge of their vessel. When you're out there on the open sea - whether it's the wild coasts of Tassie or the calm stretches of Moreton Bay - having the right bridge navigation equipment is the key to smooth sailing. Let's delve into some of the essential bits of kit that can help you stay on course and out of danger.


Bridge Equipment

Radar: Your Eyes in the Fog

Radar is a skipper’s best mate, especially when the weather turns or the fog rolls in. Whether you're cruising through Sydney Harbour or navigating the reefs up north, radar helps you spot what's coming - be it another boat, a storm, or a tricky bit of coastline.


GNSS: Always Know Where You Are

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) includes satellite systems from multiple countries, not just GPS, which is the U.S. system. It uses these satellites to pinpoint your location in real-time- pretty handy when you are sailing in and out of some of our trickier spots like the Great Barrier Reef in Qld. or the Kimberley’s in WA. With more satellites to choose from, GNSS offers improved accuracy and reliability for Aussie mariners.


ECDIS: Digital Navigation at Your Fingertips

Gone are the days of fiddling with paper charts. The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is the new wave of navigation. It’s like having the ultimate map right on your bridge, helping you plan routes and avoid hazards. Whether you’re navigating the Coral Sea or heading into Darwin, ECDIS makes it a breeze.


AIS: Seeing and Being Seen

With the Automatic Identification System (AIS), you'll know exactly who’s around you - and they’ll know you're there too. AIS sends out your vessel's info to other boats, which is especially handy in busy ports like Fremantle or Melbourne. It’s like having a digital handshake with every boat nearby, keeping you safe from surprise close calls.


AIS and Virtual Beacons

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) Can also be used to provide real-time data about nearby navigation hazards. One of the standout features of AIS is its ability to display virtual beacons - electronic markers that represent navigational aids, such as buoys or channel markers, that might not be physically present.


For example, in areas like Wide Bay Bar in Queensland, where shifting sands continually alter the deep-water channel, AIS can mark the current position of the channel on your chart display.


It’s an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of your vessel, especially in areas where natural changes or poorly marked channels pose a constant risk.


These are just a few of the key tools that keep things running smoothly on the bridge, but there’s plenty more to know about staying safe and efficient on the water. To dive deeper into the essential bridge equipment and get detailed advice on best practices, make sure you check out Chapter 12 in the Second Edition of the Small Vessels Manual, available now. It’s packed with everything you need to know to keep your vessel shipshape and ready for whatever Aussie waters throw at you!


Until next time, stay safe out there, and remember - the right gear on your bridge can make all the difference.


Capt. Cal

Sail your own course.

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