Glossary

Deutsch: Navigation / Español: Navegación / Português: Navegação / Français: Navigation / Italiano: Navigazione

In the maritime context, "navigation" refers to the science and art of safely and efficiently directing the course of a vessel through water. It involves determining the ship's position, course, and distance traveled, as well as planning and following a route from one location to another. Navigation is a critical function in the maritime industry, ensuring that ships avoid hazards, conserve fuel, and reach their destinations promptly.

Description

Maritime navigation encompasses a range of techniques and tools, from traditional methods like celestial navigation and dead reckoning to modern electronic systems including GPS (Global Positioning System), radar, and AIS (Automatic Identification System). Navigators use nautical charts, which depict maritime regions and their coastal areas, showing depths of water, heights of land, natural landmarks, and manmade features for route planning and hazard avoidance.

Application Areas

• Coastal Navigation: Navigating near coastlines using landmarks and depth soundings.
• Ocean Navigation: Using celestial navigation, inertial navigation, and satellite systems for long voyages across open water.
• Electronic Navigation: Utilizing electronic tools such as GPS, radar, and electronic charts to determine the ship’s position and navigate safely.
• Pilotage: Navigating through confined waters with the assistance of a local pilot knowledgeable about the local conditions.

Weblinks

• information-lexikon.de: 'Navigation' in the information-lexikon.de (German)
• top500.de: 'Navigation' in the glossary of the top500.de
• architektur-lexikon.de: 'Navigation' in the architektur-lexikon.de (German)
• psychology-lexicon.com: 'Navigation' in the psychology-lexicon.com

Articles with 'Navigation' in the title

• Shipping and Navigation: Shipping and Navigation in the maritime context refers to the processes and practices involved in the movement of vessels over water, ensuring safe and efficient transport of goods and passengers from one location to another
• Arctic Navigation: Arctic Navigation refers to the practice and challenges of navigating ships through the Arctic region, which includes the Arctic Ocean and the northernmost parts of surrounding seas
• Navigation and Communication: Navigation and Communication in the maritime context refer to the systems, technologies, and processes used to guide vessels safely through waterways and to maintain effective communication between ships, shore stations, and other . . .
• Navigational Hazards: Navigational Hazards: Navigational hazards in the maritime context refer to any obstacles, conditions, or features that pose risks to the safe passage of vessels at sea
• Navigation and Safety: Navigation and Safety: Navigation and safety in the maritime context refer to the processes, techniques, and systems used to ensure that ships travel efficiently and safely from one point to another while avoiding hazards, accidents, and . . .
• Ice Navigation: Ice Navigation: Ice navigation in the maritime context refers to the practice of safely operating ships in ice-covered waters, such as in polar regions or during winter in cold climates

Summary

"Navigation" in the maritime context is essential for the safe and efficient operation of ships on the world's oceans and waterways. It integrates skills in geography, oceanography, meteorology, and technology to guide vessels from port to port while avoiding hazards and minimizing costs. Effective navigation is vital for the global economy, supporting international trade and the transport of goods and people.

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