Effective use of navigational ‘layers’ to support and enhance decision-making and ways of getting the best out of modern Integrated Navigational Systems combine to become the focus of the latest edition of The Navigator, the free magazine published by The Nautical Institute aimed at maritime navigators around the world, which rolls off the presses this month.

The issue contains an in-depth feature about using ECDIS and radar alone and as part of a wider Integrated Navigation System, as well as a close look at Parallel Indexing and Line of Positions as key position fixing techniques. The UK P&I Club contributes an article on the importance of synchronising layers of navigational information, while the Royal Institute of Navigation looks into the future of electronic intelligence, navigational layering and data display.

David Patraiko, Director of Projects for The Nautical Institute, said: “Traditionally, the navigator’s role has been to manually assimilate different sources of information, such as radar and ECDIS. However, with the advent of electronic integration and multi-function displays, these views can now be combined on screen. Managing ‘layers’ from systems like these can provide valuable confirmation of GNSS accuracy, gyro integrity and proximity to navigational hazards, both above and below the water.”

The Nautical Institute launched its ‘Navigator Distributor’ scheme in 2015, encouraging a wider, global distribution of the free, 12-page magazine to as many professional marine navigators as possible. Anyone interested in finding out how their organisation can take part in the scheme should visit www.nautinst.org/thenavigator, where there are also previous issues available to download.

The Navigator is produced by The Nautical Institute with support from the Royal Institute of Navigation. Sponsored by IFAN and Trinity House, it is available as a free pdf, digital magazine or App via The Nautical Institute website. Printed copies are distributed alongside The Nautical Institute’s membership magazine, Seaways, as well as through missions and maritime training establishments.