The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has published marine notices on navigational practices and electronic systems.

Safety issues associated with groundings and collisions are sometimes inadequate training, poor navigational practices, and a lack of supporting safety systems. AMSA’s marine notice on responsible navigational practices addresses these by outlining principles that the person in charge of navigation should follow.

The marine notice from AMSA on electronic systems focuses on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems and offers guidance on the importance on Electronic Navigational Charts and the critical functions that person in charge of navigation should be competent with such as performing chart updates and alternative methods of position fixing.

Each of these are recommended reading for any yacht’s navigator regardless of the electronic charts and supporting navigation system used on board.

Marine notice for 2021/07 Responsible Navigational Practices can be viewed here https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigation-systems/marine-notice-072021-responsible-navigational-practices
Marine notice for 2021/08 Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems can be viewed here https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigation-systems/marine-notice-082021-electronic-chart-display-and-information
Australian Sailing’s Safety Information Notice on Electronic Charts can be viewed here https://www.sailingresources.org.au/safety/safety-notices/

By Glen Stanaway https://www.sailing.org.au/about/ourstaff/