WAYPOINTS Use the “View Notes Page” to review this presentation.

Periodically verify your GPS location by using other methods. Use Aids to navigation as waypoints. Stay alert for GPS malfunctions. GPS Tips

Waypoint Screen Waypoint name Reference waypoint Bearing from reference waypoint Position coordinates Waypoint comment Distance from reference waypoint

1. Learn how to input input waypoints. 2. Learn how to use use waypoints.

A “WAYPOINT” (WPT or WP) is a designated location with geographic coordinates defined by latitude and longitude.

longitude latitude Source of Waypoints INPUT TO YOUR GPS: Deg. Min. Sec N W

Latitude: 41º 15.5’ N Longitude: 71º 34.5’ W What is the fixed location of lighted buoy G “1B1” Fl G 4 sec BELL, located just north of Sandy Point on Block Island? ANIMATION INPUT TO YOUR GPS: Deg. Min. Sec N W

Don’t be afraid to place Waypoints on the charted location of an Aid to Navigation. The odds are that it won’t actually be there due to its Watch circle and natural influences. GPS Tips

*Use a minimum number of characters to number of characters to define a waypoint. define a waypoint. *Maintain an EXCEL list of waypoints for reference. waypoints for reference. GPS Tips

N N W Light List

EXCEL provides a more extensive media for a waypoint list than your GPS set. Use a simple waypoint numbering system to identify waypoints and avoid clutter on your GPS screen. i.e. 001, 002, 003, 004, etc. A great tool to use when you validate your waypoints. Your EXCEL Waypoint listing can serve as a backup system when your GPS fails.

You need to learn how to: Store present positions.Store present positions. Enter a position.Enter a position. Rename, edit, andRename, edit, and copy waypoints. Create and edit routes.Create and edit routes. Delete waypoints and routes.Delete waypoints and routes.

Entering Waypoints Waypoint name Reference waypoint Bearing from reference waypoint Position coordinates Waypoint comment Distance from reference waypoint

Entering Waypoints Enter in name/icon. Enter LAT/LON. Enter message (not recommended) Waypoint number. (Keep it simple) Menu of waypoint options at bottom. Bearing and Distance 0001

Always pre-plot all waypoints on a nautical chart and measure the distance and bearing between waypoints. Verify on your chart that the trip legs are planned in safe water.Verify on your chart that the trip legs are planned in safe water. Record the data on a Trip Log.Record the data on a Trip Log.

Waypoints do not have to be located in the water--e.g., locate a waypoint at a lighthouse to enable you to know where and when to look for itWaypoints do not have to be located in the water--e.g., locate a waypoint at a lighthouse to enable you to know where and when to look for it Waypoints can be used to mark hazards to navigation--areas to avoid as well as areas to visit safely.Waypoints can be used to mark hazards to navigation--areas to avoid as well as areas to visit safely.

Select waypoints that can be easily verified by other methods-- visual fixes, soundings, radar, etc. NEVER rely on one means of navigation.

A simple waypoint entry screen Inserts WPT here

Scrolling on the Map Page Use the cursor key Scroll to specific coordinates or To a course & distance or Scroll to object on screen (if any) Tip of arrow shows scroll position Current position

The Waypoint Screen Press “Mark” (enter key twice) Bring up waypoint screen Change name if desired Date & time shown Coordinates shown Scroll to “OK” & press “Enter” to store waypoint

GPS Tips Waypoints do not have to be located in the water.Waypoints do not have to be located in the water. Waypoints can be used to mark hazards to navigation--areas to avoid and areas to visit.Waypoints can be used to mark hazards to navigation--areas to avoid and areas to visit.

Waypoints are used extensively in GPS navigation: As boundaries between voyage segments – LEGS.As boundaries between voyage segments – LEGS. To mark turning points, destinations, and aids to navigation.To mark turning points, destinations, and aids to navigation. To mark hazards to navigation.To mark hazards to navigation.

Verifying your planned positions as a waypoint Use a simple numbering system. Validate every waypoint before using it as a permanent waypoint in a route. WPT 1 WPT 2 WPT 3 WPT 4

Verifying your Waypoint Press the “Mark” button Brings up Waypoint Screen

Waypoint Use Mark the boundaries between legs. WPT 1 WPT 2 WPT 3 WPT 4 Marks the turns in a channel Rock Marks hazards to navigation or obstructions.

NAVIGATING WITH WAYPOINTS

Using GPS to Navigate Identify waypoint locations or the direction & distance between them.

Using GPS to Navigate Plan a series of waypoints.Plan a series of waypoints. Check for obstacles between them—shoals, rocks, islands.Check for obstacles between them—shoals, rocks, islands. Check 1/4 mile either side of your planned course for obstacles.Check 1/4 mile either side of your planned course for obstacles.

GOTO Navigation Used by any boat in open water to navigate to a single waypoint.Used by any boat in open water to navigate to a single waypoint. Useful functions:Useful functions: –Range and Bearing –Speed of Approach –Turn

Range and Bearing The distance and direction to a waypoint.The distance and direction to a waypoint. Probably the most useful of all navigation functions.Probably the most useful of all navigation functions. Know your units: true vs. magnetic, statute vs. nauticalKnow your units: true vs. magnetic, statute vs. nautical 3.2 NM, 030°

Course To Steer Course To Steer gets you back to the course line at a 45° intercept to try to keep you out of troubleCourse To Steer gets you back to the course line at a 45° intercept to try to keep you out of trouble Bearing CTS Desired Course Line Third Reef

TR 224 D 3.1 TR 225 D 2.4 ANIMATION WP 2 WP 1 WP 3 Establish a XTE safety zone Measure, plot, and label your course lines. Update your Trip Log. Determine the LAT/LON for each Waypoint and establish Waypoints in your GPS. On your nautical chart, stick small labels showing the Waypoint Number beside each WPT.

Plotting GPS Positions Check positions periodically so that you will have a last known position in the event of GPS receiver failure.Check positions periodically so that you will have a last known position in the event of GPS receiver failure. Always plot your trips on a nautical chart.Always plot your trips on a nautical chart. Always use a Trip Log.Always use a Trip Log.

GPS Tips NEVER rely on any one means of navigation.

GPS Tips Use hand-held GPS units as backups to ship-mounted units. Carry extra batteriesUse hand-held GPS units as backups to ship-mounted units. Carry extra batteries Always use conventional paper charts with your GPS.Always use conventional paper charts with your GPS.

It is important to check your chart before establishing WPTs.It is important to check your chart before establishing WPTs. If the course crosses an island, the GPS receiver will direct you to navigate into this hazard.If the course crosses an island, the GPS receiver will direct you to navigate into this hazard. WPT 02 WPT 01

GPS Tips Remember that the greatest hazard to navigation may be a bored navigator.