From dead reckoning to distraction
The ferry came by today. In both directions. Despite a heavy snowfall, which precluded my actually seeing the transit. So, how did I know this? Was it by the sound? Or the schedule, which is somewhat erratic at this time of year? No, I relied upon modern technology; a small radio receiver that captures signals from the ship’s systems, giving me a mapped trajectory along with speed and depth under the keel. Magical, in a historical light.
After all, the ships were navigating by dead reckoning, two generations ago. And having had the opportunity to spend some time in the wheelhouse of an earlier version of that same ferry, I can attest to how important our local lighthouse was, just a generation ago. Think about it. We’ve gone from a reliance on a simple compass and spotting landmarks to something much more technical. The GPS.
Yes, the ship’s receiver is more precise than the gadget I keep in the glove compartment of the car. But, the idea of performing a triangulation on signals from orbiting satellites is a recent innovation. Imagine the incredulous expression of a sailor from the earlier part of the last century!
So, the ferry went by, and didn’t have to fear coming up on a nearby reef (that used to happen, even seventy years ago). Technology has assured safety (as long as other factors, such as high winds, are considered). And my role, as an observer from my kitchen window, is nothing more than simple distraction for me.
I think I’ll set up another receiver, just because I can.
