Designed for those who make their living on the sea or who navigate offshore for recreation, this comprehensive textbook introduces the mariner to each navigation and communication system and outlines its use and limitations in practical application. An introduction to the basic theory of radio waves and how they impact system use is followed by descriptions of the various types of equipment and how they function. Especially useful for the navigator are discussions of radio direction finding systems, including radar beacons (RACONS); hyperbolic radio navigation systems; satellite navigation systems, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS); hydrosonic systems; radar; and ARPA. The sections on communications cover all systems currently in application in the marine field, including the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS). Finally, there are discussions of shipboard control systems, including compasses and steering systems as well as integrated bridge systems. This book also provides excellent preparation for those studying for a license examination or serving aboard ships in the military.