Navigation Publications
The following are a selection of excellent books that cover a wide range of navigation and general boating topics. Listing them here in no way implies any relationship between myself an the authors of these books. If you have any suggestions for other books to list here please let me know. If you do decide to purchase one of these books please consider ordering them through this web page. I get a (very small) commission that gives me more incentive to keep maintaining this site and NavRules for Windows.
Navigation Rules, International - Inland
Author/Publisher: United States Coast Guard
COMDTINST M16672.2C
ISBN: 0934114854
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This is the "bible" that no boat should be without. It covers all the navigation rules that mariners are required to know, and is the basis for the NavRules for Windows program. The text of this book is included in an on-line help file with NavRules for Windows, and all the lights, dayshapes, and sound signals covered in the book are included in the NavRules program.
Unfortunately this book, published by the US Coast Guard, is currently out of stock. However orders can be placed through the Government Printing Office. See the US Coast Guard Navigation Rules web site for ordering information. An Adobe Acrobat version of the rules can also be obtained from the USCG site. If you order this book elsewhere make sure you request revision C (M16672.2C, not .2B or earlier).
Note: Neither the Navigation Rules help file provided with NavRules for Windows nor the Adobe Acrobat version available from the the USCG site satisfy the legal requirements for having a copy of this book on board a vessel. If you are legally required to have a copy of this book on your vessel then you must have a physical copy of the book, not an electronic copy on a computer. A printout of the Adobe Acrobat version MIGHT be considered to be legal, but as I am not a lawyer I can not say for certain. Consult a lawyer specializing in admiralty law if you want to know for certain.
Navigation Rules Quick Reference Card
Author/Publisher: Davis Instruments
ISBN: 1892524007
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This 8 1/2" x 11" weatherproof heavy duty plastic card is a perfect quick reference for any boater. The inland and international rules (COLREGS) including right-of way, lights, and sound signals, and the U.S. Buoyage system are all included in a concise, accurate and graphically pleasing format which is easy to understand and use.
International Navigation Rules Quick Reference Card
Author/Publisher: Davis Instruments
ISBN: 1892524023
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This 8 1/2" x 11" weatherproof heavy duty plastic card is an excellent quick reference of the international rules. This card contains the latest information covering the busy oceans and waterways of the world, and is a comprehensive guide incorporating the International Maritime Buoyage System and COLREGS. It clarifies the differences between Cardinal and Lateral Buoyage Systems, key to reducing confusion and danger when entering unfamiliar waters or busy ports. Complete details are included on right-of-way, sound signals, entering and clearing a foreign port, lights and day shapes, collision preventions procedures and signal flags.
Basic Coastal Navigation
Author: Frank Larkin, Sheridan Press
ISBN: 0924486392
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Basic Coastal Navigation is a clearly written, easy-to-understand introduction to coastal navigation, outlining most of the techniques of piloting that are still fundamental to safe navigation even with today's electronic aids. Step by step, the reader is guided from simple to more complex piloting solutions and eventually learns to plot a complete day trip. In addition to dead-reckoning techniques, the author covers tides and currents; he also introduces the major features of Loran and GPS. This comprehensive course can be used for self-study or in a course setting, and it also provides a valuable reference for the more experienced sailor who wants to freshen up his skills.
Duttons Navigation And Piloting
Author: Elbert S. Maloney, Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 0870211579
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This classic navigation reference explains recent developments in satellite and electronic navigation and in the use of navigational computers and calculators. The most recent edition of Chart No.1 prepared by the National Ocean Service is also included. For a firm foundation in piloting, dead reckoning, celestial navigation, and radionavigation, and fast access to specific information, it is the reference to use.
Problems and Answers in Navigation And Piloting
Author: Elbert S. Maloney, Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 0870211501
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Suitable for both classroom use and self-study, this workbook provides over 200 navigational problems and answers dealing with dead reckoning, piloting, and celestial navigation. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with any standard navigation text, and is an excellent companion to Duttons Navigation and Piloting, above.
Chapman Piloting
Author: Elbert S. Maloney, St. Remy Press
ISBN: 0688148921
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As the standard textbook relied on by private boating schools around the country, Chapman's Piloting is also recommended by the United States Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. In this revised, full-color edition, every page reflects the most recent advances in boating, including more than 1,000 photos, maps, and illustrations, and current and laws and regulations governing the nation's waterways.
Marine Navigation: Piloting and Celestial and Electronic Navigation, Fourth Edition
Author: Richard Hobbs, Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1557503818
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The standard navigation textbook at the U.S. Naval Academy and NROTC college programs for twenty-five years, this highly regarded reference has trained more than two generations of students on the practice of marine navigation in the U.S. Navy. All aspects of the duties, practices, and responsibilities of the Navy surface navigator at sea are covered. Long praised for its clarity and thoroughness, the text has now been revised and updated to reflect the latest changes in marine navigation technology and government publications.
Marine Navigation Workbook: Piloting and Celestial and Electronic Navigation
Author: Richard Hobbs, Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1557503850
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This is a companion workbook to the above Marine Woorkbook by the same author. The workbook contains achapter-by-chapter compendium of supplemental queries and problems designed to assist the student to master the material presented in the textbook--complete with a handy three-ring binder. An appendix provides complete answers and solutions to all odd-numbered problems along with plotting sheets and forms. A new Instructor's Answer Key is available to bona fide instructors.
