Marine NavigationAustralia · 2026

Reference

Definitions, quick answers and the acronyms nobody explains on the spec sheet.

A nautical compass rose drawn between two depth contour lines. N
Magnetic north, and the ring of thirty-two points that let a bearing be read off a chart without a battery.
A nautical compass rose drawn between two depth contour lines. N

glossary

Marine navigation glossary

Every acronym on the spec sheet, defined once and cross-linked to the guide that explains the engineering behind it.

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A cruising yacht receiving satellite positioning, sweeping radar toward a distant vessel transmitting AIS, radiating VHF to the horizon and sounding the seabed with sonar. 14222631 GNSS · RADAR · AIS · SONAR

FAQ

Common questions, answered

The questions that come up most often, answered directly, each linked to the guide that covers it in depth.

Reference8 min read

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A nautical compass rose drawn between two depth contour lines. N

about

About this site

An independent reference on marine navigation systems for Australian waters. What it is, who it is for, and what it deliberately does not claim to be.

Reference4 min read

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A nautical compass rose drawn between two depth contour lines. N

editorial

Editorial standards

The method behind the guides: how facts are sourced, how regulation is handled, how brand scores are derived, and what this site deliberately does not assert.

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An electronic chart extract showing shallow water shaded blue grading to white in deeper water, depth contours, printed soundings, a drying reef, an isolated danger symbol and a Zone of Confidence category diamond. 3₂5₈11141721263329 B AusENC · ZOC

sources

Sources and references

Every authority this site relies on, what each one is authoritative for, and which of our guides depends on it.

Reference3 min read

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Other topics

The library is organised so each shelf answers a different kind of question.