There is a variety of navigational tools. To make life simple with advanced technologies, a ship officer should have these tools when on-board.

Gyro Compass:

Tokyo keiki gyro compass is a tool used to locate the right direction. Gyro compass is not blocked by any external magnetic field. It is also used to determine the correct North Position, which is also the rotational axis of the earth, to give a stable directional source. For emergency steering, its repeater system must be present in the steering platform.

Magnetic Compass:

This works with the magnetic field of the earth, and it is an essential means of indicating the direction. This is fitted at the center of the ship. For displaying the output on the bridge panel, a transmitting magnetic tape compass has been fixed.

Auto-Pilot:

The layout of Ship Bridge is filled with tools used for navigation. Autopilot is considered being the most effective navigational tool. It helps the human operator in controlling the ship by keeping the steering on autopilot. This will also allow them to focus on broad aspects of the operation.

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA):

ARPA is used to display the position of the ship and other ships near. The radar displays the positions of ships in the area and selects the course for the ships to avoid any kind of collision. This navigational tool continuously monitors the surroundings of the ship.

Radar:

S-band and X-band frequency radar systems are used by seagoing vessels for navigation. They can identify targets and display information on the screen such as the ship’s distance from land, any floating objects, other vessels, and obstacles to avoid colliding.

JRC marine radar magnetron shows objects with high precision using modern signal processing techniques. JRC’s successful marine radar series is used to power the enhanced radar operations.

Echo Sounder:

Many current ship navigation gadgets are present on board, and the echo sounder is also a tool. It is used to determine the depth of the water beneath the ship’s bottom using sound waves that function on the principle of sound wave transmission and an audio pulse bounces off a reflecting layer and returns as an echo to the source.

Automatic Identification System (AIS):

AIS navigation system helps in determining a ship’s location and other navigational statistics. AIS uses VHF radio channels as transmitters and receivers to send and receive messages between ships that handle a variety of tasks.

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT):

LRIT is a worldwide tracking and identifying system integrated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure a comprehensive tracking system for ships that are on international voyages around the world. This device improves maritime domain awareness.

Voyage Plan:

A voyage plan must be available on-board. It is one of the support to navigation carried on board ship, and it is a tool for the deck officer to assure the ship’s safety from both a commercial and legal standpoint.