The Portland Course Plotter Kit, a vital tool for any navigator, plays a critical role in manual chart plotting at sea. While many mariners rely on electronic navigation, the plotter kit remains an essential backup in the event of system failures or when traditional methods are preferred. It allows navigators to plot courses and bearings on nautical charts with precision, ensuring safe voyages through both coastal and open waters.
What Makes the Portland Course Plotter Kit Unique
One of the key functions of the kit is helping to establish a vessel’s true heading – the direction relative to true north, rather than magnetic north. This distinction is important because magnetic variation can cause significant compass errors, especially in certain regions. The Portland Course Plotter Kit enables mariners to adjust for these variations, keeping their plotted course accurate.
Crafted with care, the plotter kit features:
- A hand-printed design for quality assurance.
- A moulded base with domed feet, making it easy to glide over charts.
- A compass disc with raised fins, designed for effortless turning even when wearing gloves or dealing with cold conditions.
- A brass pivot lubricated with silicone grease to ensure smooth operation.
- Each kit is thoroughly tested for accuracy before leaving the workshop.
Practical Application of the Plotter Kit
Using the plotter is simple but highly effective. To plot a course, align the straight edge of the tool with the intended direction on the chart. The next step involves referencing the compass rose, a common feature on nautical charts, to read the angle or direction in degrees. This angle reveals the precise course that the vessel must follow. Beyond this, the Portland Course Plotter Kit is versatile enough to measure bearings, distances between locations, and positions relative to landmarks or navigational aids.
Why Choose a Portland Course Plotter Kit?
Even in today’s world of advanced navigation technology, the Portland Course Plotter Kit remains invaluable. It provides a manual backup for moments when electronics fail or when sailors prefer the hands-on approach of traditional navigation. Mariners can depend on this kit to ensure their routes are plotted accurately and safely.
Step-by-Step Guide
For those unfamiliar with how to use the Portland Course Plotter Kit, a comprehensive guide is available. This guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions to help you get the most out of your plotter kit. You can access the detailed guide here: How to use a Portland Plotter – A Step-by-Step Guide.
