Archive for the ‘ Boating ’ Category

by John Payne

The development of electronic devices to work in a marine environment is referred to as marine electronics. Modern sailing is all about marine electronics on yachts. The developments in the field of marine electronics have changed the scene of sailing. Sailors can sail across the sea without worries by using electronic equipments.

Marine electronics has made yachting very easy. One can enjoy music by installing a radio or other entertainment equipment on their boat. You will have comfortable sailing with negligible risks. You will be aware of the upcoming weather conditions and other problems. Where ever you are, you will be connected through a communication system with your loved ones.

One can find a large number of marine electronic devices in the market. You do not need to install all of them and can choose the required one for yourself. You can search more about the companies that make the particular device which you need. Check out the various features and reviews about the equipment before making your mind to buy and install it. There might be some better equipment available for your requirement. Give preference to the devices that have been approved by research organization companies.

Weather is not a big problem anymore, to find a location, if you have a global positioning system. It is a space based global navigation satellite system. In the marine environment, this technology is integrated with other marine electronics for navigational purpose. One can access this service anywhere if they have a GPS receiver. This system will serve you with reliable location information, regardless of weather conditions.

You can use a chart plotter for several purposes. It works in collaboration with a global positioning system to provide the required data which can be further plotted on electronic navigation charts. These charts show the speed, direction and location of the ship. One can integrate the device with other sensors to get more information.

You can relax in your yacht by putting it on auto pilot. An automatic pilot system will run your ship without manual support. One can work better when they are relaxed so this system will be very helpful for you. One can sail for a longer time, with negligible efforts for handling the vehicle.

Automatic identification system has also become very popular for navigation purpose. This system translates the information about your boat and its position to other boats. You can also get information about other boats that are sailing in the region. If you need help then a help team can locate you with ease and can save you from big troubles.

One can get all the weather information through a satellite weather system. These systems receive information about weather directly from the satellite. You will not face weather troubles as you will have all the information about the weather in a particular region.

The fish finder is a widely used application that helps in detecting the fishes. It uses the active sonar system and the retrieved information is displayed on graphical display units like LCD or CRT. With the correct information about the fish density, you can catch more fish.

There are also several other marine electronic inventions which one can use to make the sailing experience unforgettable. Some of the commonly used devices are marine fuel management, satellite television, VHF radio, radar, electronic compass etc.

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by Adriana Noton

For many Canadians, driving motor powered watercrafts is a popular recreational activity. Powered watercraft means any personal watercraft, recreational boat, sailing watercraft, motor boat, or any other watercraft that is equipped with a motor. In Canada, all operators of powered watercrafts that are used for recreational purposes are mandated to have a Pboating license.

Often referred to as a boating license, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is essentially a ‘Competency Card.’ It is proof that a motor boat owner is competent to operate the boat safely. There are no exemptions with acquiring the Pleasure Craft Operator Card regarding age, engine size, or the size of boat. Motor boat operators are required by law to keep their proof of age and their boating license with them when they are on the boat. The penalty for driving a powered watercraft without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is $250.00 plus provincial administrative charges. Enforcement of this law is the responsibility of peace officers such as the RCMP and Conservation Officers.

People can get their Pleasure Craft Operator Card by taking and successfully passing a 36 multiple choice exam. There are private organizations that provide classes to help people prepare for the exam as well as administer the exam. To pass the test, applicants must get a score of at least 75%. Once they pass the test, they will receive their own nontransferable Pleasure Craft Operator Card which is good for life. Non-Canadian residents must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if they operate a motor boat for more than 45 consecutive days. As well, their state or country boating license equivalent may be considered as proof of competency.

There are a number of ways to prepare for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam. They include: obtaining Home Study Guide, Home Study Guide CD-ROM, taking an Online Safe Boating Course, or taking a Classroom Course. Each method is recognized and approved by Transport Canada. The courses include: rules and regulations regarding boating in Canada, equipping a watercraft properly, safe boat operation including passenger safety, understanding navigational equipment, maintaining the watercraft and its equipment properly and safely, how to respond properly in a boating emergency, and responding to distress calls.

To take the Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam, people will have to pay a fee of $49.95 plus GST The cost includes a Temporary Operator Card Slip given immediately upon passing the exam. The permanent non transferable card will be sent to the recipient’s home a few weeks after passing the exam. You can take the official Transport Canada accredited exam on the private organization’s website. There are also exams held at certified affiliate locations across Canada.

Boating is an activity enjoyed by many Canadians. It is a great way to bond with family and friends and it is an excellent way to reduce stress. With so many boating opportunities available across the country, it just makes sense to participate in this fun activity. Getting a boating license BC is essential to starting your boating adventure.

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