Emergency Navigation: Pathfinding Techniques for the Inquisitive and Prudent Mariner

As a life-long mariner with a keen interest in navigation, I can say that the material coverage in the book is legitimate and, as a novice, I would need to read about it. I purchased the book for a retired Navy Captain who is an expert in nuclear technology but has not used his Navy skills in navigating. His recent purchase and overhaul of an ocean-going sail boat had me worried. So I am introducing him to survival books, of which this one might be most valuable. I also gave him Chapman's Against The Sea to learn about how things can go wrong very quickly and if you are not prepared in mental and material ways you can perish.

I always knew this type of information was out there somewhere... The surface of the earth is over 2 million square miles. Using only a pocket watch, and observing the sun and stars, you can determine where you are on the planet to within about 50 miles. If you don't find that fact astounding, you probably won't be interested in reading Burch's book. I'm no sailor, but have a great interest in naked eye or minimalist navigation. Some of the techniques require little more than the naked eye, your watch, and a piece of string. These techniques can easily be used on dry land. The book contains a tome of information-as much a reference book as a straight read: several books could have been written from the information contained-for that matter, the two chapters on navigating by the sun and the stars are well worth the price of the book. The last time I checked the book was out of print. I downloaded it online from elibra books for less than $20. Get it while you still can.

I honestly doubt I will ever be in a situation such as described in this book. For me that is not the real value of it. Rather it presents a number of navigational concepts that are important to understand if you care to do more than rely on electronic navigation. If you are interested in celestial navigation or polynesian navigation or any other "ancient and obsolete" techniques you should read this book. If you want an overview that will help you get a seat of the pants feel for where you are this is it.

This is a highly readable treatise on marine navigation with applicability to all voyages. The topics covered provide real motivation to become a navigator. The techniques developed scream out to be tried as exercises, if only to stay mentally on edge during an otherwise boring watch. Loran, (D)gps, ... even your compass can be zapped by a bolt of lightening. Get mentally prepared. Deep Six the Sunday Times crossword puzzle. Calculate your position with just your ten dollar watch and the Nautical Almanach!

This book covers simple and indepth information of all aspects of emergency navigation. The material includes use of celestial observation tools that are hand made, navigation with and without a time piece and use of surrounding weather conditions. This book is very user friendly and a must have for the serious mariners and student of traditional navigation. It must be remembered that batteries will only last so long in the GPS.