Introduction: Important Navigational Equipment

Gyro Compass:
A gyrocompass is a type of non-magnetic compass which is based on a fast-spinning disc and the rotation of the Earth to find geographical direction automatically.

Radar:
A radar system can detect targets and display the information on the screen such as the distance of the ship from land, any floating objects (an island, rocks, iceberg, etc.), other vessels, and obstacles to avoid a collision. 

Magnetic Compass:
An instrument for determining direction on the surface of Earth by means of a magnetic pointer that aligns itself with Earth’s magnetic field.

Note: Gyro is preferred over magnetic compass as it does not depend on the magnetic fields in the region and hence more accurate. 

Voyage Data Recorder:
A VDR or voyage data recorder continuously records vital information related to the operation of a vessel. It contains a voice recording system for a period of at least the last 12 hours.

This recording is useful for investigation in events of accidents. The importance of VDR is similar to a “black box” installed on an airplane. 

Navigational Lights:
All ships and boats- whether big or small are required to have night lights as a part of the navigation system in order to make navigation at night safe and convenient as it enables ships to be clearly visible to other ships in the vicinity.

Ship Flags:
International maritime signal flags are various flags used to communicate with ships.

Daytime Shapes:
Day shapes are mast head signals visually indicating the status of a vessel to other vessels on navigable waters during daylight hours whether making-way, anchored, or aground.

These signals consist of a set of simple geometric shapes—ball, cylinder, cone, and diamond.

Forecastle Bell:
It is used to mark the presence of the ship in fog or bad weather and sound the alarm in case of an emergency, along with the ship’s main horn or whistle. 

Ship Whistle:
A whistle is of utmost help in times of bad weather conditions and poor visibility when alerting the nearby ship becomes imperative. Also, important equipment in times of emergency situations.