System proving invaluable

Press, 31 March 1981, Page 22

System proving invaluable

The science, or art, of.navigation has. over the last 20 years, undergone a profound change and this is clearly shown by the increasing number of ships entering the port wearing what resembles an inverted umbrella — a satellite navigation antenna. The average mariner, using sextant and almanac, can usually find out where he is (if weather permits) within a half-mile or so. But the satellite navigation system, which is being installed on an Increasing number of New Zealand registered vessels, is capable of considerably greater accuracy.. The accuracy is such' that many old hands regard it as too accurate, unduly so. But it does allow precise positioning within a few metres which is of value to vessels engaged in oil exploration, fishing, and conventional vessels which must adhere to precise timetables. The satellite navigation system works off six orbiting satellites and has- been in operation for about 21) years, having been first, developed to enable Polaris submarines 'to pinpoint their'ldeations. > arrivals; Union Lyttelton (8 a.m.) 4376, Wellington' (U.S.S.). Mys Silina (1.20 p.m.) 2327, sea (Scales). . ' Coastal Trader (1.45 p.m.) 2500, Auckland (S.C.N.Z."|. N’edlloyd 'Fremantle. (1.30 p.m.) 10,909, Dunedin (Guthreyj. DEPARTURES Erne ’(12.3? pint.) 13,728, Bluff (U.S.S.). ■ Coastal Trader (8 p.m.) 2500, Dunedin (S.C.N.Zj. ; Mys Silina til p.m.) 2327, sea (Scales). Strathmuir (7 p.m.) 7233, Sydney (P. and o.)'. .. -. EXPECTED ARRIVALS Coastal Trader, Dun, tomorrow. Armenia, sea. tomorrow. Forum New Zealand, Auck, tomorrow.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES Union Lyttelton, Wgtn. today. Juyo Maru. Red Sea, today. ACT 7, Tilbury, today; VESSELS IN PORT Nedllovd Fremantle, Cashin Quav No. L ACT 7. Cashin Quav No. 2. Juyo Maru. No. 3 West. Holmdale. No. 7 East. Union Lyttelton, Gladstone Pier.