Finding Your Way Essay, Research Paper
FINDING YOUR WAY. Andrew Smith I couldn’t agree more with Kenneth Grahame’s Water Rat in “Wind in the Willows” : “There is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of ‘em, it doesn’t matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don’t; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you’re always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you’d much better not.” (7) Whether it’s spent fishing, sailing, or simply cruising, a day out on the ocean is a lot of fun. That day of fun can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t know exactly where you are, there are all kinds of hazards that need to be avoided. Many people taking to the water rely solely on electronic methods of navigation such as radar or the Global Positioning System to find their way around. People going to sea must learn how to navigate manually without electronic aids. The most popular means of electronic navigation, the Global Positioning System is not always guaranteed to be in operation. People can and do make serious errors when interpreting electronic navigation information without verifying their position by other means. Mishaps such as lightning strikes and engine failures can render a boat without electricity disabling electronic navigation systems. GLOBAL POSTIONING SYSTEM. There is no guarantee that the Global Positioning System (GPS) will always be in operation. GPS is a satellite-based radio-navigation system developed and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. While in operation, it permits land, sea, and airborne users to determine their three-dimensional position, velocity, and time twenty four hours a day, in all weather, anywhere in the world with a precision and accuracy far better than other radionavigation systems available today or in the foreseeable future (”GPS frequently”). However, there are some issues that need to be considered. One of these is the year two thousand computer problem. It stems from the fact that many computer programs are using a two-digit date field and assume the year is nineteen hundred and something. When the year two thousand arrives, a two-digit date becomes ‘zero zero’ and could be interpreted as an invalid date. All generations of GPS satellites are unaffected by the year two thousand computer problem. However, it is vital that GPS users verify that their receivers and applications will work properly through these events. (”GPS Year Y2K”). What this basically means is that not all manufacturers of GPS receivers were aware of this issue. Anyone at sea on that day had better have some other means of navigation to fall back on as their receiver could stop functioning. There is another problem that is not as well known as the year two thousand problem and that is the End of Week Rollover problem. The End of Week Rollover problem is a problem that occurs every twenty years in the GPS system. GPS system time, which counts weeks, started counting on midnight of the fifth of January nineteen eighty. It uses a system that counts up to one thousand and twenty four weeks and then goes back to zero. At midnight on the 21st and 22nd of August 1999, the GPS week will rollover from week one thousand and twenty three back to zero. This could be interpreted as an invalid date by affected GPS receivers rendering them inoperable.Imagine if you were sailing overnight on August 21st and you were not aware of the End of Week Rollover issue. Suddenly you find yourself at sea at night with no means of navigation. If you do not have coastal navigation skills you will find yourself in serious trouble. These are only the problems that we are currently aware of, who knows what is waiting around the corner? Whether its problems with the GPS system itself, or with your receiver, it should not be taken for granted that GPS will always be operable. HUMAN ERROR People can and do make mistakes. Eighty five percent of all accidents in the marine industry occur through human error. (”Safety: we are”) One area of navigation where mistakes are easily made is with operating radar, a favorite electronic navigation aid in fog. The Boat Owners Association of the United States has documented this fact with incidents claimed on their insurance pollicies. Consider the Member and his wife who were coping with a thick fog by following a commercial fishing vessel down a river in Maine. They continued past the mouth of the river , to a navigational buoy about a mile offshore. They then headed their cruiser toward another marker on the chart, but never found it. Setting a course from his estimated position, the boat owner adjusted the radar to show his destination, directly ahead. Proceeding in very limited visibility at approximately five knots, the vessel shortly went hard aground on an underwater ledge. Trapped by a dropping tide, the cruiser had to be abandoned; it later went ashore and broke up – a total loss (Claim #902517) (”Coping with”).There are several lessons here; one of them being that using radar to locate navigational aids in the fog takes practice. Then, too, the radar may not be aligned to the boat’s heading, which means the target on the screen will be skewed. If you find yourself in thick fog and decide to proceed (at slow speed, of course), safe navigational practice is to manually plot your compass course and speed with your lowly compass, paper charts, pencil and ruler. The more obvious lesson is that no radar, regardless of its quality, will identify underwater hazards like rock ledges or sandbars. In a situation like this it is wise to frequently check your depth either manually, with a weight attached to a line or by depth sounder. Another incident documented by the U.S. Coastguard where a Baltic passenger ferry carrying over a thousand passengers on board was severely damaged and nearly sank in a grounding incident off of the coast of Helsinki due to the crew’s lack of familiarity with a new radar mapping system. The vessel owners put a new radar mapping system on the ferry without adequately training the crew in the use of the radar mapping system (”Lessons). If the officer of the watch had been confirming his position manually, there would have been less chance of such an accident. These two incidents alone clearly illustrate how people can make mistakes when they do not verify information from electronic navigation systems.
MISHAPS. An aluminum mast on a sailboat presents a very tempting target for a bolt of lightning. Sailboat masts are generally bristling with antennas sending all of that much needed information back to various receivers, GPS and radar to name a couple. It can happen anywhere at anytime. One such documented case from Freshwater Seas magazine actually sank a boat: – On September 19, 1997, at about four o’clock in the afternoon, Bill and Lynn Damson of Kalamazoo got one of those phone calls you hope never to get. “Your boat’s been struck by lightning.” It takes about fifty five minutes to get from the Damson’s home in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the marina in South Haven where they keep their 1984 Catalina 27, Sea Tryst. It only took forty minutes for Sea Tryst to sink in her slip from the damage caused by a tremendous lightning blast. When Bill Damson arrived, his boat was already resting on her keel. Not the way anyone wants to find out how deep their slip really is. “The strangest thing,” Damson says, “is that we have the shortest mast in the area. Our mast height is 27 feet, and we’re near several other boats with 30 and 32 foot masts.” Those who witnessed the strike say that the top of Sea Tryst’s mast sprayed electricity like a sparkler, then glowed like a fireball. “It really makes you wonder, ” Damson mused. “What if we had been out on the lake instead of at the marina? We could have been injured. All of our electronics were destroyed, we would have had no radio, no way to call for help. Unless we could have somehow found the hole and plugged it, the boat would have sunk under us in such a short time ( Bethene, 1). Most people with a will to survive would have plugged the hole and kept the boat afloat. But if this kind of thing happens and you don’t posses the skills to navigate the boat manually you may find yourself plugging a bigger hole, when you have lost your way and ran aground. Keeping any boat in good working order whether it is large or small requires a lot of dedication and hard work. I can say this from personal experience having spent twenty years at sea as a Marine Engineer. One common cause of total electrical failure at sea is dirty fuel filters. Once the filters get clogged, the engine stops. The less experienced operator will not recognize the symptoms and repeatedly start the engine deadening the battery. The U.S. Coastguard in Hawaii analyzed all of their data over a period of three years (Mahony, Coulson). They found that of the casualties to diesel engines, forty one per cent could have been prevented if hoses and filters had been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Because the engine charges the battery and maintains the boat’s electricity supply, This would render the boat without electronic navigation systems. There are a whole host of other mishaps waiting to happen; water in the fuel, leaking pipes and mechanical failures to name a few. All of these things will leave you literally powerless to navigate electronically. CONCLUSION. GPS is a wonderful thing, its accuracy is unsurpassed by any other form of electronic navigation but it cannot be blindly relied upon to be in constant operation. People do make mistakes and they are more easily made when relying solely on electronic means of navigation. You never know when you are going to have that mishap on the water that leads to a power failure, especially in the case of a lightning strike. Anyone taking a boat to sea that values their life should definitely learn how to navigate manually without electronic aids.
. Bethene, Robert “Sunk By Lightning” September 1998, Freshwaterseas23 May 1999. freshwaterseas/V01N11Nov98/Story2.asp> “Coping with Sudden Fog” 17 October 1997, Boat Owners Association of The United States Home Page, 21 May, 1999.boatus/news/swfog.htm> Grahame, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows Oxford: Simon and Schuster 1989. “GPS Frequently Asked Questions” 10 Feb 1999, United States Coast Guard Navigation Center. 22 May 1999.navcen.uscg.mil/faq/gpsfaq1.htm#What> “GPS Year Y2K” 10 Feb 1999, United States Coast Guard Navigation Center. 22 May 1999.navcen.uscg.mil/gps/geninfo/y2k/default.htm> “Lessons Learned” 3 June 1996, United States Coast Guard , Office Of Investigations and Analysis. 24 May 1999.uscg.mil/hq/g%2Dm/moa/docs/ll0196.htm> Mahony, Jon Coulson, Sandy “Passenger Vessel Casualty Statistics” 15 October 1997, United States Coast Guard Hawaii Home Page. 23 May 1999.aloha/ msohono/passenger/pax.htm#_Toc408405216> “Safety: we are the enemy” 3 June 1996, United States Coast Guard Home Page. 23 May 1999.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/moa/docs/sa0998.htm> “Lessons Learned” 3 June 1996, United States Coast Guard , Office Of Investigations and Analysis. 24 May 1999.uscg.mil/hq/g%2Dm/moa/docs/ll0196.htm> Mahony, Jon Coulson, Sandy “Passenger Vessel Casualty Statistics” 15 October 1997, United States Coast Guard Hawaii Home Page. 23 May 1999.aloha/ msohono/passenger/pax.htm#_Toc408405216>
Другие работы по теме:
Briar Rose Essay Research Paper In a
Briar Rose Essay, Research Paper In a nutshell: Briar Rose is the story of the Holocaust intertwined with the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. The story begins with the death of the “Gemma,” the grandmother of Becca. Through out Becca?s life
A Long Hard Road Of Adolescenc Essay
, Research Paper A Long Hard Road of Adolescence Reading through the novel, Go Ask Alice, finding out all of the unbelievable, yet true, experiences and feelings of Alice is quite shocking. No matter how shocking they may seem, you can very easily relate those experiences and feelings to those of a typical day-in and day-out teenager.
Theme In A Pair Of Tickets Essay
, Research Paper Amy Tan s A Pair of Tickets is the account of Jing-mei, an American woman on a pilgrimage to China to meet her half-sisters, abandoned by her mother in China during World War II. Jing-mei s mother always hoped of reuniting with her daughters she left behind long ago, but she died of an aneurysm before the opportunity arose.
Finding Our Past Essay Research Paper Reading
Finding Our Past Essay, Research Paper Reading Ruth In Finding Our Past, Rebecca Alpert suggests that Ruth married Boaz for financial stability in her lesbian relationship. This is an indication of society back when the book of Ruth was written, since women were dependent on men for financial support. In today?s society, lesbian couples are still not entirely accepted, but two women in a relationship would be able to support themselves financially.
The Computer Age Essay Research Paper Ben
The Computer Age Essay, Research Paper Ben Purdue 8/24/01 It is my prediction that the biggest issue we will face in the coming century not only as a nation but also as a planet is finding a blind between security of protected information and freedom of information. I say this because as a computer security consultant I understand the need for security of important information, however I as a programmer I understand such issues as the battle for open source code and freedom of information as a hole.
Who Is The Hero In Dracula Essay
, Research Paper In Dracula by Bram Stoker there are many characters that could be called a hero. Some of these heroes could be John Harker for identifying The Count and helping to kill him. Quicy for helping to kill The Count and Sacrificing himself in the end, or even Van Helsing for finding the facts about Dracula and how he must die.
Hamlet Essay Research Paper Act IV Scene
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Act IV, Scene vii: Claudius convinces Laertes that he is innocent in Laertes’ father’s death and that Hamlet is to blame. A messenger enters with Hamlet’s letter and Claudius is amazed to find that
Computer Essay Research Paper Computer is useful
Computer Essay, Research Paper Computer is useful for finding the information. As long as the Internet is installed in the computer, the people can be able to what they want to find. Of course, they have to waste the time for doing. Acquiring the information, they feel that it is valuable. Renctly years, the number of people is increased by using computer.
What Is Calculus Essay Research Paper What
What Is Calculus Essay, Research Paper What is Calculus? A definition found of calculus in a dictionary was this; a method of computation or calculation in a special notation (as of logic or symbolic logic). The historical perspective of calculus is that people had a problem in finding areas and finding tangent lines.
Rip Van Winkle Essay Research Paper Rip
Rip Van Winkle Essay, Research Paper Rip Van Winkle is an interesting folk tale that tells the story of a lazy man who minded his own business. Many have heard the tale before, but few have actually read it. In
A Wonderful Lifemaybe Essay Research Paper A
A Wonderful Life(maybe) Essay, Research Paper A Wonderful Life (maybe) Remember when life was grand? You could go outside, smell the ?fresh? air, walk barefoot without worring about something diseased finding it?s way into your foot.
Poem Belong Essay Research Paper Where I
Poem: Belong Essay, Research Paper Where I belong I am weak, I am strong I will fit where I belong don’t know where it is for now but it will come, if I allow tomorrow, I start a brand new day
Chinese Poetry Essay Research Paper Although the
Chinese Poetry Essay, Research Paper Although the Chinese poetry I encountered was relatively short, their significant was not at all compromised. It did not matter that these poems were written hundreds of years ago they felt relevant to me. They reminded me of what should be a priority of life, finding inner peace.
The Internet Vs The Library Essay Research
Paper The Internet vs. the Library Overall, when one compares the Internet vs. the Library, the Library is superior. This is because, though it takes a bit longer to use, the Library has a standard information research tool; the Dewey decimal system. This organized system makes finding books simple, and with the added assistance of a librarian, finding information can be easy.
Breaking Up Essay Research Paper Cause and
Breaking Up Essay, Research Paper Cause and Effect In keeping with my research topic I chose to Wright my cause and effect paper over breaking up. There are many causes why people break up. In everyone life there comes a point and time when they finds one person whom they fall madly in love with. Real life relationships are different what we see in the movies where two people fall in love and go on to live happily ever after.
Murder Rape And DNA Essay Research Paper
Murder, Rape, and DNA Jonathan Dewees February 16, 1997 DNA is the information needed by a cell in order to reproduce an identical offspring. In some crimes detectives have no evidence or fingerprints
My Reasons To Go To College Essay
, Research Paper It’s unbelievable how each year, since the beginning of high school, my perfectly laid plans for myself have unavoidably deteriorated. When I entered my freshman year, I had aspirations of being a doctor (something I had wanted to be since I was a child); I was even taking Latin to help with the medical jargon.
Success Essay Research Paper SuccessWhen we define
Success Essay, Research Paper Success When we define at the word success, there are many meaning to it depending on how you look at it. But when we narrow it down, we can defined it as accomplishing a certain goal.
Pythagoras Essay Research Paper In 580 BC
Pythagoras Essay, Research Paper In 580 B.C. there lived a man who is know for creating one the best known theorems ever. His name was Pythagoras and the theorem, the Pythagorean Theorem. This Theorem states that the sum of the squares of the two legs of a right triangle equals the hypotenuse squared. This theorem as you can see can be very useful for finding the lengths of a right triangle.
Ralph Ellison Essay Research Paper Ralph EllisonThe
Ralph Ellison Essay, Research Paper Ralph Ellison The Invisible Man Ralph Ellison manages to develop a strong philosophy through characterization in the Invisible Man. Ellison portrays the lonely narrator?s quest in struggling to search for his identity and an understanding of his times. The well development of the character lays out the foundation on the philosophy of finding and understanding himself.
Tragic Heros Essay Research Paper Romeo and
Tragic Heros Essay, Research Paper Romeo and Juliet Essay: Tragic Heroes Romeo is a tragic hero because he fought and did everything he did to be with Juliet but it still didn?t work out and he ended up killing himself to be with Juliet, then finding she wasn?t dead just as he had drunken the poison. Then Juliet saw her dead Romeo and killed herself with a dagger.
Parents Attachment Style Essay Research Paper In
Parents Attachment Style Essay, Research Paper In this paper, I will summarize the article I read, The Association Between Parental Reports of Attachment Style and Family Dynamics, and Offspring’s Reports of Adult Attachment Style. In the summary, section I will include the purpose of this study, the descriptions of the subjects involved, study design, and my key findings.
Picture Perfect Essay Research Paper I have
Picture Perfect Essay, Research Paper I have always found my good friend, Dustin, to be very attractive, but once I fell in love with him, his presence turned to perfection. I have tried, yet I cannot seem to find one single flaw. I know he is only human, but in my mind he will always be above any other. Love is not finding the perfect person, but seeing an imperfect person perfectly.
Chemist Essay Research Paper Becoming a chemist
Chemist Essay, Research Paper Becoming a chemist takes a lot of hard work and discipline. One very importan aspect of being a chemist is English, Comunication is of the utter most importance
Trip To Hospital Essay Research Paper Trip
Trip To Hospital Essay, Research Paper Trip to the hospital My trip to the hospital was ok it was required but I still went and I found out that when you go to the hospital. It isn?t just some place that when you go ijn you sign papers it a place that saves live.
Sasa Essay Research Paper The theme of
Sasa Essay, Research Paper The theme of a book is very important as to understanding what a novel is about as well as teaching a lesson in life. Authors sometimes write books with no theme in mind, but as the words flow from their pen, themes will emerge unknowingly. The themes are vital as to understanding what is happening within the story, and finding out the meaning.
Blah Essay Research Paper HJKLDfliahHJALHFFFFFFFFALIEWHIHCJHXZJFDHoueaAfter finding her
Blah Essay, Research Paper HJKLDfliahHJALHFFFFFFFFA:LIEWHIHCJHXZJFDHoueaAfter finding her sister’s letters, Celie decides to leave home with Shug. She tells Mr. ______ she is leaving and jams his hand with a fork when he tries to hit her. Before she leaves, she curses him for the way he has treated her and tells him he is cursedAfter finding her sister’s letters, Celie decides to leave home with Shug.
Soil Analysis Report Essay Research Paper Soil
Soil Analysis Report Essay, Research Paper Soil Analysis Within the next few paragraphs, I will tell you all about the soil sample I collected and did tests on. I got some soil from out of one of my mom’s gardens. This one had a lot of flowers from Florida. This is a summary of what all I did to work on finding everything about my soil.
Poem Thin Ice Essay Research Paper Thin
Poem: Thin Ice Essay, Research Paper Thin Ice drifting why can’t i get back towering fools childs play it burns aside convenient pains it rains outside the room comes to life
Study On Judges Essay Research Paper Study
Study On Judges Essay, Research Paper Study on Judges: 1. What are the major findings with regards to the impact of race in each area of study? Finding on this studies have been a major impact on Judges due to minority judges have been well looked at through the eyes of the world. Progress has been made in appointing minorities to the federal bench and nearly three out of four minorities are confirmed.
Finding A Job Essay Research Paper Finding
Finding A Job Essay, Research Paper Finding a job in ones field may be hard. One should have lots of ambition and patience in looking for that one job. One should look threw different kinds of newspapers, ask friends and families, and call to set up interviews. Looking for a job does not have to be hard. One should take their time and decide on a job that makes them happy.
Finding Forrester Essay Research Paper Finding ForresterWonderful
Finding Forrester Essay, Research Paper Finding Forrester Wonderful. That was my first though after watching Finding Forrester. The story was great and they did a flawless job on casting the actors. The fact that Jamal missed the two free throws to and caused his team to lose the championship basketball game was important to illustrate an example.