This interesting article has prompted me to write and concur that this is a most useful, and often disregarded, piece of equipment that will continue to function as long as it is provided with power. GPS, however, is very dependant on satellites and the whims of those that control them. It is not inconceivable that some clown could inadvertently shut the gps down which would no doubt leave 90% of merchant ships and yachts somewhat confused!I find the number of yachts putting to sea relying totally on electronic charts etc. to be absolutely incredible. Radar, of course, is not dependent on third party influence but is dependent on the skill and experience of the operator. I believe far more emphasis and encouragement should be given to the use of those aids that are not dependent on third party information and in particular to navigation that is not dependent on a power source either.
