This time, I want to talk about how autopilot is not only convenient but also significantly contributes to safety.
This page is primarily aimed at middle-aged and elderly paper captains who have ambitious plans to purchase a boat of about 30 feet as their first ship, similar to the recent Rikutrsu-Kone-Taro.
Now, when it comes to autopilot, in the case of Rikutsu-Kone-Taro’s boat, you can press the engage button while facing the desired direction while looking at the GPS screen during the journey. After that, the autopilot will maintain that direction.
The captain is freed from the hassle of steering, at least to a considerable extent (probably not ‘entirely’).
In this autopilot system, the boat may deviate from the desired course due to wind or tide, but this can be noticed through changes in the surrounding scenery and the GPS screen. What’s more, the joy comes from the physical ease that this device provides, allowing the captain to focus more thoroughly on watchkeeping.
Tokyo Bay, my home, is a very busy sea. It is a sea used by large ships passing through the Uraga Suido route, recreational fishing boats, operating boats, yachts, and various other boats, both registered and unregistered.
Anyway, a vast number of diverse boats carry various people and things.
Considering all this, I want to be the safest captain. Anyway, I want to return to port without causing harm to others.
For that, I want to look around more.
I want to confirm the surroundings with my own eyes by going outside, rather than through glass covered with water droplets, salt, and reflecting light. Autopilot fulfills this wish. Autopilot, which frees humans from the task of steering and allows them to focus on watchkeeping, undoubtedly contributes significantly to safety.
To convey this feeling, I took several photos. Of course, after thorough safety checks,
The first two photos (Photo 1 and Photo 2) show the view from the helm. In addition to the interference of the glass, the difference in brightness between inside and outside is quite significant. The eyes and brain get confused with each change of perspective.
With the help of autopilot, going outside significantly improves visibility. The following photos (Photo 3-6) capture that feeling. How about it? Can you see much better?
To ensure safety, it is essential to improve skills and physical abilities, but it is also crucial to skillfully use electronic devices. Especially for beginner captains like ‘Rikutsu-Kone-Taro,’ electronic devices should be utilized without hesitation, I think.
I want to use any available tools to maximize safety. Of course, use your own body, wisdom, and ingenuity as well.
By the way, this time, I was able to take photos because there was a reflection of sunlight on the sea surface behind. However, when there is a reflection in the direction of travel, extra attention is required. Small 2-horsepower boats are also challenging to detect on radar. Visual inspection is almost the only confirmation method.
In the case of the photo (Photo 7), it looks like this.
Isn’t it scary?
With two backlight situations, the sun and sea surface reflection, even a small boat on the sea is difficult to see visually from outside. It is even more challenging from inside. So, I refrained from taking photos from inside.
That’s all for this time.
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