5 Things to Know Before Buying marine navigational aids company

Becoming a boat owner should lead to fun and exciting adventures on the water. The key to keeping those adventures safe involves more than just being registered, insured, and well-stocked with supplies. It also requires learning all you can about boat safety and following the motto Know Before You Go.

With competitive pricing and timely delivery, HUAZHONG sincerely hopes to be your supplier and partner.

The U.S. Coast Guard offers a wealth of information covering everything a boater should know and have on board to ensure a safe and satisfying outing. There are boating safety courses that prepare operators for almost any situation. Among these, the topic of NAVIGATION is especially important, as this knowledge will serve as a lifelong asset.

When learning to navigate a boat, it’s crucial to understand what lies ahead—literally. The navigational tools you have on board will help ensure there are no surprises beneath the water's surface, which may not be visible to the naked eye, and to avoid unwelcome surprises above the surface, such as markers, buoys, and other boats.

According to the USCG, carrying paper nautical charts and maps on board is vital. Charts depict what the waterway looks like from above; they show buoys, beacons, bridges, landmarks, and below the surface, depth and land formations along with other important information. Maps, on the other hand, illustrate the land alongside the waterway. Nautical charts should be utilized when plotting a course.

The USCG continues to stress that every boater should have paper charts and maps—the tried-and-true versions that have guided sailors around the world. Gadgets can malfunction, but as long as boat owners ensure they have updated charts and maps on board, they should be able to stay on course. Charts and maps are readily available online.

Modern technology plays an ever-growing role in the boating world. Gadgets have become essential parts of any vessel's navigational tools, such as marine GPS systems. While a regular automobile GPS will function, models designed for boats offer specialized features like the following:

• The ability to know the water's depth
• Prediction of tides
• Warnings of obstacles in the vessel's path
• A 'You Are Here' feature that remembers your previous courses and provides guidance for future navigation
• Fish finder options
• Compass and charts stored to aid in plotting a course
• Accurate speed, distance/time to waypoint, and course information readouts
• Visibility of the course being taken, even in impaired conditions due to nightfall, fog, or bad weather
• A Man Overboard feature that allows the operator to quickly mark the location of a person in the water
• Depending on the price, some models can receive real-time photographs and radar of impending storms from many miles away

While exploring GPS options available to boaters, it may be wise to consider a two-way radio communication system, which is crucial for the navigational success of an outing. There are many instances where a cell phone may not receive service while out on the water, and in emergencies, communication for help is essential.

Regardless of whether boating during the day or at night, understanding the 'Rules of the Road' is essential for boat operators as defined by water authorities. If the USCG appears alongside or prepares to board your vessel, a question they may ask is whether you have a copy on board. Fortunately, these copies are available online and can be printed at home.

Learning the "Rules of the Road" means understanding the importance of being courteous while on the water, yielding to other vessels, and adhering to directions. One must recognize that they are not the only entity on or in the water. There are buoys, markers, and other boaters. Collisions are the most common type of accident on the water. These rules are designed to aid in steering and controlling a boat to prevent accidents with other vessels or objects.

The basic rules include:

1. Know the "Rules of the Road"—except where speed is restricted, maintain a safe speed based on the weather, visibility, the number of boats in the area, and how your boat handles. Always have a lookout to keep watch in every direction. Make every effort to avoid collisions. Understand which vessels are 'give way' and 'stand on,' and know what actions to take accordingly. If you see a red light on a vessel, you must act as the 'give way' vessel, while the 'stand on' vessel will maintain its course. If you see both a green and red light, you are facing an oncoming boat—prepare to pass on the port side, signaling your intent with a single horn blast.

2. Understand the Markers—buoys float at the surface, some equipped with lights, others without. Beacons are permanently anchored to the bottom of the water body. Lighted beacons are referred to as 'lights,' while those without lights are known as 'daybeacons.' Both provide navigational information based on their shape, color, lighting, and signaling.

3. Lateral and Non-Lateral Aids—used for channel navigation, these indicators inform boaters about the correct route to follow. Non-Lateral Aids serve as warning, regulatory, and informational signs on the water, akin to traffic signs on land and should be learned just as drivers familiarize themselves with road signs.

4. Boating at Night—what may be familiar waters can appear strange at night. Distinguishing shore lights from those on other boats can be challenging due to diminished visual depth perception. All vessels must have navigational lights activated from sundown to sunrise and in poor visibility. Operators must ensure their lights are functional and correctly positioned according to federal regulations. Reduce speed and noise to hear other vessels if necessary, and understand what the various light combinations indicate.

5. Variations to Aids to Navigation Rules—these depend on the waterway. Familiarize yourself with systems such as the 'Western Rivers Marking Systems' and 'The Intracoastal Waterways.' Conduct research to find more detailed information on these differences.

6. Special Situations—be aware of specific scenarios such as bridges, drawbridges, controlled access areas, locks, and low-head dams.

7. Always Wear Your Life Jacket—the leading cause of on-the-water fatalities is drowning, and the best way to prevent such tragedies is by wearing a life jacket.

It is the operator's responsibility to comprehend the navigational 'Rules of the Road' and to have the necessary navigational aids on board to ensure the safety of all passengers and nearby boats.

The USCG has made it as easy as possible for boaters to learn these rules and understand the aids available, providing vast resources. By adhering to these guidelines, operators can ensure the safety of their family, friends, and property, while keeping boat insurance companies satisfied.

If you own a boat (or are considering buying one) and have a smartphone, you likely want to explore the best boating apps. Among the many available, marine navigation apps are particularly useful.

Top-tier marine navigation apps can transform your phone or tablet into a fully functional chart plotter, serving as an invaluable backup to other electronics on your vessel, and allowing you to bring your tech even on smaller boats without electrical systems.

Read on as we discuss the features of each app that the boating community champions.

Navigating the Waters: Best Marine Navigation Apps for Every Boater

1. Aqua Map

Aqua Map is a reputable marine navigation app that utilizes survey data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Waterway Guide. With Aqua Map, users can access detailed charts, connect with fellow boaters, and make informed decisions while on the water.
 
Features include:

• Navigation: Offline charts, weather updates, tidal information, route planning, and track recording.
• Integration: Connects with boat instruments, AIS, and displays data on the app.
• Safety: Anchor alarm with remote monitoring and marine weather forecasts.
• Community: Live sharing, chat, and data exchange with other users.

If you seek an app for route planning, navigation, and community engagement, Aqua Map checks all these boxes.

Price: Free with in-app purchases and subscriptions available.

For more marine navigational aids company information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

2. Argo

Argo is an excellent marine navigation app designed for precise navigation and connecting with fellow boaters. It's popular as a navigational guide created by boaters for boaters, enabling deeper engagement with the nautical community.

Features include:

• Navigation: Reliable route planning, custom and manual routes, track recording, and captain's log.
• Local Knowledge: Report and view hazards, local advice, marine life information, and reviews.
• Social Platform: Connect and share experiences, real-time location sharing, and messaging capabilities.
• Premium Features: Offline charts, extended weather forecasts, customizable depth shading, and support for multiple vessels.

From charting courses to connecting socially with others, Argo provides all you need for an enjoyable day on the water.

Price: Free with in-app purchases.

3. C-Map 

C-Map has a rich history of creating digital charts and marine navigation apps, known for being user-friendly, straightforward, and easy to navigate. Users report it takes only about 30 seconds to learn essential navigational tasks, such as moving from point A to point B.

Features Include:

• Charting: Customizable charts, straightforward route planning, auto-routing, high-resolution bathymetry, and personalized depth shading.
• Planning: Comprehensive weather and environmental forecasts.
• Safety & Community: AIS integration for boat tracking.

Price: Free with in-app purchases and subscriptions available.

4. iNavX

iNavX is among the best marine navigation apps due to its intuitive interface and extensive features. Notably, it integrates seamlessly with various chart providers, which is especially useful for boaters.
 
Features Include:

• Chartplotter: Real-time GPS, chart control, and instrument display.
• Navigation: Waypoint creation, route planning, track log, and data import/export.
• Versatile Instrumentation: NMEA support, instrument connection, and MacENC compatibility.
• Essential Toolkit: Weather updates, tidal information, alarms, search capabilities, and more.

Sailors and fishermen appreciate iNavX for its reliable charts and advanced features that extend beyond basic navigation.

Price: Free with in-app purchases and subscriptions available.

5. KnowWake

Imagine KnowWake as Google Maps or Waze for boats! This marine navigation app covers over 350 rivers and lakes, both inland and coastal, using real-time user-generated data.

Features include:

• Real-time navigation app for coastal and inland waterways.
• User-generated content that provides points of interest, hazards, and marine life sightings.
• Wake Zone identifiers indicating safe boating speeds through color-coded zones.
• A community-driven platform for sharing information and experiences.

With KnowWake, users can easily navigate waters and discover local businesses, including restaurants, marinas, fuel stations, boat launches, dive spots, and snorkeling sites.

Price: Free.

6. Navionics

Navionics takes pride as one of the most popular boating apps, offering comprehensive navigational features and functions that some modern chart plotters cannot match!

Features Include:

• Charting and Navigation: Accurate nautical charts, high-definition bathymetric maps (Sonarchart'), dock-to-dock auto-routing, and customizable map displays.
• Community: Real-time updates from fellow boaters, data synchronization across devices, and app connectivity with compatible chart plotters.
• Environmental: Detailed weather forecasts and tide predictions.

Boaters and anglers favor the app's simplicity and its extensive nautical charts covering vast regions.

Price: A 15-day free trial, followed by a subscription model.

7. OpenCPN

OpenCPN (Chart-Plotter Navigation) is another top marine navigation app, leveraging GPS software for navigating open waters. Boat enthusiasts value it for being crafted by sailors who tested it during their adventures, resulting in a robust chart-plotter tool.

Features Include:

• Charts & Weather: Extensive worldwide charts and GRIB/GRIB2 weather data input and display.
• Navigation: Route planning with tidal support, weather routing plugins, waypoint navigation, and autopilot output support.
• Safety: AIS target tracking and collision alerts, Man Overboard alarm with tracking, and anchoring watch/alarm capabilities.

Whether used while underway or as a planning tool, OpenCPN remains a top contender for the best marine navigation apps.

Price: Free.

8. Ramp Assist

Ramp Assist simplifies the process of launching boats, making it straightforward for users at any experience level. Focused on safety and convenience, Ramp Assist streamlines the entire process, reducing stress and maximizing efficiency.

Key Features:

• Ramp Locator: Discover and bookmark the best ramps nationwide with satellite views and up-to-date information.
• Ramp Details: Access ratings for cleanliness, difficulty levels, and available amenities like parking and restrooms.
• Ramp Traffic: Monitor real-time traffic and occupancy levels at boat ramps using satellite data and AI.
• Weather & Tide Monitoring: Get alerts for current weather conditions and tide levels at your chosen ramp.
• Trailering Assist: Receive AI-driven guidance for safely loading your boat, with real-time feedback on distance, angle, and speed.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases available.

9. Wavve Boating

Wavve Boating emerged as a popular marine navigation app and quickly became a go-to option for many boaters and fishermen across the U.S. Like several other apps, it features a community aspect for users to share routes and experiences with friends.

Features Include:

• Charts: Custom depth data, an extensive chart library, real-time depth updates, and tide predictions.
• Weather: Multi-day forecasts with wave height reporting and warnings for adverse conditions.
• Navigation: Route planning, trip recording, and auto-routing with obstacle avoidance capabilities.
• Community: Connect with fellow boaters and discover popular boating locations.

Users particularly praise this marine navigation app for its ability to update depths based on tidal changes, along with its user-friendly interface.

Price: 14-day free trial followed by a subscription-based model.

Marine Navigation Apps: Upgrade Your Boat Day with Technology

When selecting a marine navigation app, ensure it offers charts for your area, is affordable, and provides all the necessary safety features for your trip. All the options listed above are our favorites, and new apps continue to emerge daily!
 
And for you anglers, hold on—don’t put that phone back into your pocket just yet, as it's useful for more than just navigation while fishing. Be sure to check out the Best Apps for Fishing to catch more fish during your next outing.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit mooring products.