Introduction
Mariners have a useful tool with GPS if signaling for help. A GPS receiver connected to their Digital Selective Calling VHF radio allows a distress call that includes your position and is continuously broadcast when activated. You need to register with Boat Owners Association of the U.S. for this service. For more information see: MMSI info/registration page
Another great safety use of a GPS while boating is the MOB or COB (man or crew overboard) function. One press of the button & the GPS will direct you back to the spot, hopefully where the overboard person still is. In heavy weather this can be a life saver.
In the ocean resistance to corrosive salt spray and a remote antenna on deck while your electronic gear is below during foul weather is important. Protect delicate electronics from the elements. On open boats some people have had good luck by simply putting a zip lock bag over the Electronics (a rubber band at the bottom helps). I've personally used a Garmin unit on a 17ft whaler for years without any protection and never had a problem... but I do carry a backup in a sealed pelican case. I'd rather be able to see the main unit very well when in use and take the chance that it will perish in very adverse conditions. It is usually possible, even on open boats, to mount the unit in such a way that it is out of the direct spray.
Bluechart
All I can say on this subject is that I keep an old PC around almost for the sole purpose of moving data to and from my Garmin, mostly Bluechart Data. If you dislike this operating system as much as I do, I suggest you get the largest data card you can afford. This way you can load it with all the data you might possibly ever need, and have as little to do with the PC as possible. The Bluechart Data is excellent, I use it mostly for diving, and we have been able to find small pinnacles off Carmel, California, that were so far unknown and undived.
Garmin has numerous mapping self contained GPS units which can be loaded with their Bluechart data. Currently it may be difficult to load the data from most Macs but Garmin promises to have Mac support by the end of 2006. Make sure the Garmin model you use supports NMEA output such as their marine models.
NOAA
Free Marine Charts ready to download and use with marine navigation software such as MacENC
Mac/GPS/Navigation Software
This is a list of Mac happy GPS boating navigation applications. In alphabetical order:
Most will open NOAA BSB charts. MacGPS Pro and GPSyPro both allow manual calibration of raster images and aerial photographs, a plus. PassagePlus opens ARCS and NZMariner charts.
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