Proper navigation tools, along with a bit of know-how, can mean the difference between life and death out on the water. If disaster ever strikes, it pays to be prepared. But even on the most clear and relaxing day on the yacht, you’ll rely on certain essential navigation tools.

In this article, we’re highlighting a bunch of useful marine navigation tools to consider bringing on board:

VHF Radio

Having a VHF radio on board, which stands for very high frequency, is one of the mandatory navigation tools you’ll need to have. This radio allows for two-way radio communication between you and other vessels out on the way and shore stations. You’ll need this radio to communicate with marinas, bridges, and the Coast Guard, plus it could be used to ask other boaters out there to save your bacon in an emergency.

Channel 16 is the international designated channel for safety, which is monitored by the authorities and other boaters. This radio is also useful for hearing weather forecasts and other weather-related information.

GPS

Having a global positioning system (GPS) is another essential item to have on board for navigation. Using a process called triangulation, it works by talking to satellite-based systems orbiting Earth, which are able to relay info about location, distance, and speed.

GPS is frequently used in digital navigation tools like a chart plotter. These tools will have GPS built in, which then feed you important info about your boat and its surroundings. This makes GPS essential for accurate positioning, emergency response, and route planning.

Depth Sounder

Also known as an echo sounder or depth finder, the depth sounder is crucial for knowing what’s going on below the waterline. This marine navigation tool relies on sonar, or Sound Navigation and Ranging, a technique that employs sound waves to identify objects and distance underwater.

The depth sounder will help you spot major obstructions like rocks and areas with minimal depth to avoid. Some depth sounders will even identify fish!

Binoculars

Binoculars are what will allow you to see what’s going on in the distance. This handheld tool works using two refracting telescopes mounted side-by-side and perfectly aligned to point in the same direction, allowing boaters to view distant objects like ships, islands, and infrastructure.

Binoculars are tried and true technology that’s been relied upon for literally hundreds of years. There were several developments over the years, but by World War 1, they were completely practical and essential. You can buy specific binoculars built for the marine world, but really any pair will do.

Electronic Navigation Chart

The electronic navigational chart (ENC) is a digital, vector-based database that appears on some kind of display on board. The display will show a detailed digital representation of a specific geographical area along with important data like ship positioning and collision/grounding avoidance.

Having an ENC makes navigation a breeze, because your position and surroundings are updated in real-time. This tool should be your primary method of navigation.

Flares

Flares are pyrotechnic distress signals used to attract attention with visual signals during times of emergency. Flares work thanks to a chemical mixture that produces either an extremely bright light, smoke, or both.

Portable, hand-held flares can be purchased that can be ignited quickly and easily, which are perfect for the boat. In fact, it’s mandatory to carry flares on board in certain regions of Canada. Make sure to store them in a cool, dark place, and mind the fact that they typically expire a few years after manufacturing.

Waterproof Flashlight

In the event of an emergency and the lights on your boat aren’t working, having a waterproof flashlight is essential. Plus, they’ll come in handy below deck, on the dinghy, or on shore.

For a relatively low price, you can purchase a waterproof flashlight from a number of places. When you do, be sure to check the IPX rating, which indicates how well the flashlight is protected against water penetration.

Paper Charts

We hope you never have to use them, but paper charts could be your only option to steer your boat to safety in the event of an emergency. Without GPS or Electronic Navigation chart, the paper charts could be all you’ve got.

These charts will give you accurate readings for water depths, plus key navigation aids like physical hazards. Seabed type, shoreline characteristics, anchorages, and landmarks could all be included in paper charts.

Dividers

Going hand-in-hand with your paper charts, dividers are a manual tool made with sharp, adjustable legs that are hinged together at the top. This is the tool you’ll use to measure, transfer, and mark off key distances.

Using a scale to get measurements, your dividers can be used on charts to map distances between two points, which becomes essential when GPS or electronic charts are down for whatever reason.

Radar

Radio Detection and Ranging, also known as Radar, is a navigational system that uses radio waves to give you readings on distances, directions, and speed. Even important objects like buoys, rocks, and other vessels will be picked up by radar. As you can imagine, this navigational tool becomes extremely important in conditions with limited visibility.

Whether in the dark or under harsh conditions of fog, rain or snow, your marine radar will show little blips or dots along with distances measured in nautical miles. This will be your primary tool for avoiding a collision in trying times.

Magnetic Compass

The compass is another old-school navigational tool that works without power and in any weather conditions, making it vital to have one on hand. In times of need, the compass can quickly tell you in the direction you’re headed.

The compass works by using magnetization in the needle, allowing it to align itself with the Earth’s magnetic field. The free-to-rotate needle will always point towards the magnetic north.

The navigational tools mentioned in this article should live on every boat, whether you’re completely new to boating or a seasoned veteran of the waters. Either way, you can always rely on the team at Van Isle Marina for guidance. Plus, we’ve got a fuel dock store where you can stock up on essentials like charts, tide books, and other supplies.

Extra preparation and precaution needs to be accounted for, because everything becomes a bit more dangerous in the cold. In this article, we’re sharing some of our best tips for cool weather cruising.

In this article, we’ll break down the complete winterization process for boat owners – everything from why it’s mandatory to procedures, products, tools and maintenance services you’ll need.

Dear Valued Marina Customers,

We are excited to announce several significant projects designed to enhance the quality and functionality of the marina. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to providing you with the best possible marina experience.

 

Dock Refurbishment Projects

Starting in early September, we will commence a comprehensive refurbishment of the docks. This project will begin with A Dock, followed by B Dock, C Dock, and conclude with the wood-decked section of D Dock. Each dock will undergo a construction period of 3-4 weeks.

We will install new encapsulated Styrofoam floatation on the main docks, expanding on last year’s upgrades to the finger piers. These improvements will enhance stability and protect the environment. Additionally, the main docks will receive state-of-the-art fiberglass decking panels, selected for their durability, enhanced grip, and ability to allow sunlight to penetrate, benefiting marine life beneath the docks.

We will also upgrade all seven shore gangway ramps, replacing the perforated aluminum with the new fiberglass decking panels for a smoother surface and improved traction.

New pedestals will be installed on all docks, featuring dock lights, electrical outlets and water taps. These pedestals will be equipped with powder-coated aluminum enclosures for durability, LED lighting directed downward to minimize glare and enhance nighttime visibility, and a central digital metering system. The enclosed, angled design will shield electrical receptacles from weather and damage, providing a secure connection and ensuring long term reliability. The water taps will also be upgraded to easy-to-use stainless steel gate valves, mounted on the side of every new pedestal for improved access and functionality.

 

Additional Winter Projects

In addition to the dock upgrades, we are undertaking major improvements to the boat ramp and shoreline. We will overlay five new concrete precast panels to the boat ramp reducing the slope and ensuring a smooth, seamless transition for the self-propelled SeaLift. This enhancement will significantly improve our capacity to safely haul out larger power boats, up to 70 feet. Steel guide rails will be added to both sides of the ramp, and one cast-in-place panel will complete the transition between the existing ramp and the new panels.

Additionally, we will reinforce the shoreline along F Dock with riprap boulders to reduce erosion along the driveway. This work will take place during the fall, in conjunction with favorable tides to minimize siltation.

 

Our Commitment to Excellence

This significant investment in the marina infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to offering a first-class boating environment. We are confident that the new floatation systems, decking, electrical pedestals, and improvements to the boat ramp and shoreline will not only enhance safety and functionality but also contribute to a more enjoyable and sustainable marina experience.

While we are excited about the benefits these upgrades will provide, we acknowledge that there will be some temporary inconveniences. During the construction on your section of the dock, water services will be temporarily unavailable. However, other areas of the marina will remain accessible for filling water tanks or washing boats. Please note that the boat ramp will be closed during December and January for the ramp repairs.

Every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work diligently to complete these upgrades.

We look forward to sharing the enhanced facilities with you.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our marina office.

 

Warm regards,

Greg Dickinson, BCom
President
VAN ISLE MARINA

If you’re planning a boat excursion to Vancouver Island in search of excellent hiking, beaches, and outdoor adventure, you’ve come to the right place. There is excellent hiking in every direction on southern Vancouver Island, it just depends on what you’re looking for and which part of the island you’d like to explore.