Waterborne transport navigation used to mean a sextant and dead reckoning, but thanks to advances in maritime transport navigation and ocean navigation tools, navigation in waterborne transport now has a strong technological assist. Technologies like global positioning systems assist sailors and fleets with marine navigation.

Of course, when you need to decide on a system for navigation in ocean transport, you'll find what can be an overwhelming number of choices that result from those technological advances in maritime navigation. The best way to find ocean navigation tools for your specific business needs is to start broadly and narrow the focus as you learn about the different maritime transport navigation tools. Use the three questions below as a guide to finding the exact ocean navigation tools your business needs.

1. What combination of mechanical, electrical and paper ocean navigation tools exist?

2. Can I get any ocean navigation tools online?

3. Where can I find the best ocean navigation tools that I can't get online?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Discover the different tools for navigation in waterborne transport

Navigation in maritime transport can be as simple as a GPS ocean navigation system or as complex as an integrated system of ocean navigation tools. Which tools your company needs for waterborne transport navigation will depend on a combination of price, availability and your specific maritime navigation needs. A little time spent researching the various ocean navigation tools will help you narrow your focus and find the best ocean navigation tools for your business.

I recommend: Break ocean navigation tools down into three categories: charts, electronics and mechanicals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) creates charts; its website can guide you through the types of charts available to you as well as where to get those charts. You can see some examples of electronic ocean navigation tools (such as a GPS) at NauticExpo, a website that has products from many maritime navigation companies. Finally, you can research mechanicals, like plotters and sextants, at Landfall Navigation.

Make use of ocean navigation tools available online

While you must buy certain ocean navigation tools--like a GPS--ocean navigation notices, GIS systems and other intangible ocean navigation tools are often available free online. You can also purchase and download many nautical charts online.

I recommend: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers keeps marine navigation data on its website; you can find navigation notices by district as well as other maritime navigational data. NOAA offers GIS products to assist with ocean transport navigation as well as some downloadable charts.

Select ocean navigation tools

If you've asked yourself the above questions and worked through the two steps above, then you should feel confident in choosing the tools you need to navigate ocean, gulf and inland waters. Now all you have to do is find the best prices from companies you trust.

I recommend: Much Marine sells marine navigation tools from different manufacturers so you can compare features, companies and prices all in one place. West Marine sells the gamut of mechanical navigation tools and it, too, allows you to sort by brand and price as well as customer rating.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your captains and crews feel comfortable using the ocean navigation tools you select. A captain who started running ships 30 years ago may not be as comfortable using a GPS as a younger captain. To get the most out of your ocean transport navigation tools, make training available to all your seafaring employees.