ocean navigation
Steering across seas
Ocean navigation is the art and science of directing a vessel's course across open water.
It encompasses methods from ancient celestial observation—using stars, sun, and moon to determine position—to modern GPS and electronic charting.
The term distinguishes blue-water voyaging from coastal or inland navigation, where landmarks and depth soundings suffice.
Ocean navigation requires understanding currents, winds, and weather patterns.
- magnetic variationCompass-to-true north angle
- magnetic northCompass-indicated pole direction
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- dead reckoningPosition-tracking via estimated motion
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
astrolabe · GPS receiver · piloting · crow's nest · north star · star charts · chronometer · great circle · sail · open water · nautical charts · tides · weather systems · trade winds · echo sounder · compass reading · wind patterns · helm
- naval trainingofficer training, naval training, naval academy, seamanship, cadet training
- Pacific seafaringcanoes, outrigger canoes, wayfinding, voyaging, seafaring
- Sea Nomadshouseboats, nomadic lifestyle, stilt houses, floating villages, free diving
ocean navigationground transportation
Non-flying travel methods
air navigation · aerial navigation · flight navigation · aviation · rail travel
ocean navigationcoastal navigation
Steering ships near land
staying put · docking · mooring · landfall