Navigation General · Electronic Limitations
A sound general principle for electronic navigation systems (GPS, ECDIS, ARPA) is that the navigator should:
- ATrust the most expensive system absolutely
- BUse only one system to avoid confusion
- CUnderstand each system's limitations and cross-check it against independent sources✓ Correct
- DDisable all alarms to reduce distraction
Explanation
Every electronic aid has failure modes and limitations (datum errors, target swap, sensor faults, over-reliance). Prudent practice is to know those limits, keep alarms set sensibly, and continuously cross-check electronic outputs against visual, radar, and traditional fixes.
Authority: IMO guidance; 33 CFR 164; navigation practice
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