The days when a ship navigation officer had to take help of unconventional ways to plan and navigate a voyage at sea are long gone. Today, a ship officer has an array of marine navigation equipment which makes his life a lot simpler, thanks to the advancement in technology.  Besides, present-day seafarers are trained so as to know the functioning and operation of all modern day navigational equipment that has made the journey at sea smoother and safer.

With modern day facilities and automation, a ship today has several advanced navigation equipment systems which give accurate data for the voyage.

Below, we have compiled a list of 16 types of ship navigational equipment, all of which are purchased by Van der Leun as part of our navigation desk designs: 

1. Gyro Compass

It is used for finding the right direction. Unlike a magnetic compass, a gyro compass is not vulnerable to an external magnetic field.  It is used to find the correct North Position, which is also the earth’s rotational axis to provide a stable directional source. Its repeater system must be present in the steering platform for emergency steering.

2. Radar

Maritime vessels depend on S-band and X-band frequency radar system for navigation as it can uncover targets and show the information on the screen such as the distance of the ship from land, any floating objects (an island, rocks, iceberg etc.), other vessels, and obstacles to avoid a collision. It is a rotating antenna which discovers the surrounding area of the ship.

3. Magnetic Compass

The magnetic compass works in conjunction with the magnetic field of the earth and is the essential means of the direction indicating device. It is used to get a planned course for the voyage. This ship navigation device is usually fitted at the centre line of the ship on the monkey island.  A transmitting magnetic type compass is fitted so that the output can be displayed in the bridge panel.

4. Auto Pilot

The ship bridge layout is full with equipment and tools used for navigation. The autopilot is considered to be one of the most effective bridge navigational equipment as it assists the human operator in controlling the ship by keeping the steering in autopilot, which allows them to concentrate on multiple aspects of the operation.

5. Speed & Distance Log Device

This bridge equipment on a ship is used to measure the speed and the distance travelled by a ship from a fixed point. By calculating the same, ETA of the ship is amended or given to the port authority and agent.

6. Echo Sounder

There are many modern ship navigation tools present on a ship and an echo sounder is one of the instruments which has been in the play from almost a century. It is used to measure the depth of the water below the ship’s rear using sound waves which work on the principle of transmission of sound waves and an audio pulse which will bounce off a reflecting layer, returning as an echo to the source.

7. Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS)

An ECDIS is a development in the navigational chart system used in naval vessels and ships. With the use of the electronic navigation equipment, it has become easier for a ship’s navigating crew to pinpoint locations, and attaining directions are easier than before.

8. Automatic Identification system

AIS is also among the types of a navigation system which helps to pinpoint the location and other navigational statistics of ships. AIS uses VHF radio channels as transmitters and receivers to send and receive messages between ships which endeavours to fulfil a lot of responsibilities.

As per the regulation enforced by The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), all passengers’ vessels and commercial ships over 299 Gross Tonnage (GT)  sailing in the international to carry a Class A AIS transponder.

9. Long Range Tracking and Identification (LRIT) System

LRIT is an international tracking and identification system incorporated by the IMO under its SOLAS convention to ensure a thorough tracking system for vessels of 300 gross tons and above which are on international voyages across the world. This maritime equipment is fitted to improve the maritime domain awareness.

10. Rudder Angle Indicator

Rudder angle indicator, as the name indicates, provides the angle of the rudder. The display is provided on the navigation bridge equipment console so that the ship navigation officer can control the rate of turn and rudder angle of the ship. The indication is also provided in the bridge wing and engine control room.

11. Voyage Data Recorder

A VDR or voyage data recorder is a crucial instrument among the ship navigation equipment list which is installed on a ship to continuously record vital information related to the operation of a vessel. It contains a voice recording system for a period of at least the last 12 hours. This recording is recovered and made use of for investigation in events of accidents. The importance of VDR is similar to a “black box” installed on an airplane.

12. GPS Receiver

A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is a display system used to show the ship’s location with the help of Global positioning satellite in the earth’s orbit.

With the record of the ship’s positions, the speed, course, and the time is taken to cover the distance between “two marked positions” can be calculated.

13. Sound Reception System

This acoustic system is required for a ship with a fully enclosed type bridge. It enables the navigating officer inside the cabin to listen to the sound signals (such as fog or ship’s horn) from other ships in the vicinity. This is fitted in ships bridge equipment console and helps the navigating officer to conduct the look-out duty as per the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

14. Navigational Lights

All boats – whether big or small are required to have night lights as a part of the navigation systems. This system was introduced in the year 1838 by the United States and then was followed by the United Kingdom in 1849. In the year 1889, the International Maritime Conference was established by the United States to establish proper guidelines to prevent marine accidents. In the year 1897, these rules were officially adopted internationally. The navigation lights are one of the most critical navigation equipment needed for sailing in high seas as it enables vessels to be clearly visible to other ships in the vicinity.

15. Ship Whistle

A ship’s horn is known as a whistle and it is generally provided in duplicate. One is driven by air and the other is electrically operated. The whistle should be both manually and electrically operational from the bridge.

Among different instruments used in difficult navigation such as bad weather, fog, poor visibility, high traffic etc., the ship’s whistle or horn helps in alerting the nearby vessels. During an emergency, the horn is used to notify and alert the ship’s crew and other vessels nearby.

16. Daylight Signalling Lamp

They are light-signalling devices used for emergency signalling in the day time (and can also be used during the night). Like other emergency ship instruments, the energy source for the lamp is not solely dependent on the ship’s main power supply. Also, the lamp enclosure should be weather and seawater- proof material.

Van Der Leun Ship Navigation Equipment

We integrate all separate components into our navigation console. See example below, the housing, layout, internal connections, etc. all designed by Van der Leun. 

For more information about what we can do for your ship navigation project, please send us a message via our contact form with your requirements.