Why Serious Mariners Continue to Carry Paper Charts to Complement Digital Navigational Tools
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Small Business.
Why Serious Mariners Still Rely on Paper Charts Alongside Digital Tools
Introduction
Despite the widespread use of GPS and other digital navigation systems, experienced mariners continue to rely on traditional paper charts. These charts provide essential backup in case of electronic failures or unforeseen complications.
The Role of Paper Charts
[OceanGrafix](http://www.oceangrafix.com) offers up-to-date, NOAA-approved nautical charts that are printed only upon order to ensure accuracy. With the vast U.S. waters encompassing 500,000 square nautical miles and 95,000 miles of coastline, these charts are indispensable to both commercial and recreational sailors.
The Need for Accuracy
With over 70 million recreational mariners and countless commercial vessels navigating these waters, mishaps are inevitable. According to NOAA, recreational boating accidents number around 6,400 annually, with collisions causing the bulk of these incidents. Accurate charts are crucial in avoiding dangers such as submerged objects and groundings.
Why Charts Change
NOAA maintains over 1,000 charts, constantly updating them to reflect sea changes due to natural phenomena. These updates are vital for safe navigation, with over 100 changes issued weekly in Notices to Mariners. Such updates include critical safety information about wrecks and obstructions.
The Essential Nature of Paper Charts
Experienced sailors understand the value of paper charts alongside electronic tools. A New York Times article advised, “Just because you have GPS doesn’t mean you should leave your compass and sextant on dry land.” Electronics can fail due to battery issues or human error, making paper charts a reliable fallback.
Advantages of Paper Charts
Daylight Readability:** Paper charts are easily readable in bright daylight, unlike some electronic screens.
Note-taking:** You can quickly jot down notes or highlights, which is more cumbersome on digital devices.
Independence from Power:** They don’t require electricity, except for lighting at night.
Future of Navigation
While technology plays a significant role in modern navigation, paper charts remain essential. The US Coast Guard advises mariners to always carry the appropriate charts, as technology alone is not foolproof. Mariners agree that relying solely on digital tools is risky.
Richard Sillcox emphasizes, “Even with electronics such as GPS, accurate charts are still paramount.” Serious mariners agree: never depend on only one means of navigation.
For more information, visit [OceanGrafix](http://www.oceangrafix.com).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Why Serious Mariners Continue to Carry Paper Charts to Complement Digital Navigational Tools.
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