January 2024 Beacon

speed. AIS is also likely one of the last few remaining things that your smartphone cannot do by itself … yet. Can you explain compass variaƟon and deviaƟon? VariaƟon is caused by the misalignment of the magneƟc lines of force with the meridians of longitude (those imaginary lines from North Pole to South Pole), while deviaƟon is caused by the effects of the magneƟc properƟes of the vessel. What this also means is due to deviaƟon, you might want to remove the wrench you leŌ in the storage drawer located just under the helm compass to ensure accurate funcƟoning. Modern Marine NavigaƟon has more. What is the length of a mile? When you’re seƫng up your GPS, it’s a big deal whether you choose statute miles or nauƟcal miles. A statute mile, at 5,280 feet, is about 12% shorter than a nauƟcal mile, or 6,706 feet. The BoatUS FoundaƟon’s How to Use GPS course shows how that whopping 796 feet of difference is more than enough room to get into trouble. You’re in your powerboat heading down the lake and another powerboat less than a half-mile ahead appears to be meeƟng or crossing with you and makes two short horn blasts. What does this mean? If you said that the boats intend to pass you starboard side to starboard side, congratulate yourself for this correct answer! You can learn all the signals you need to operate a boat safely by taking a free, state specific Basic BoaƟng Course.