Marine Navigation: Course Recorder

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a course recorder on a ship?

The primary purpose of a course recorder is to keep a record of all gyro courses steered during the voyage.

What are the two main inputs required for a course recorder to function properly?

The two main inputs required are signals from the gyro compass to control the course stylus and a clock to control the speed at which the recording paper moves.

Describe the two types of stylus (pen) used in course recorders.

Older course recorders used ink pens that had to be refilled, while modern ones like Anschutz use conducting wires that make a black mark on the paper when touching the back metal plate.

How is the recording paper typically supplied for a course recorder and in what direction does it feed?

The recording paper is supplied in a roll that has to be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most course recorders are designed to feed the paper vertically, from top to bottom. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main sections of the recording paper used in a course recorder?

The three main sections are the time scale, the course section, and the zone section. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the time scale on the recording paper and where is it usually located?

The time scale enables the operator to set the paper to show the correct time in hours and decimals of an hour. It is usually found on the left side of the paper. Signup and view all the answers

How is the course section of the recording paper graduated and what level of precision can be read from it?

The course section is graduated in quadrants marked from 0 to 90, 90 to 180, 180 to 270, and 270 to 0. The scale is sufficiently magnified to read the course steered to the nearest degree. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the zone section on the recording paper and how does it help identify the correct quadrant?

The zone section helps to remove the ambiguity in identifying the correct quadrant. It is usually on the right side of the paper and consists of four columns marked N, S, E, and W. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Recorder Overview

Installed on bridge to record gyro courses steered during voyages.
Features a built-in winding timer for time scale recording.
Essential for providing evidence in accidents or collisions.

Importance of the Course Recorder

Must be set before departure from port.
Regular checks during the voyage ensure accurate course recording.

Inputs Required for Recording

Compass:
- One repeater connected to the recorder.
- Controls the motion of the course stylus via signals to the spiral groove on the drum.
Clock:
- Linked to the paper feed roller for correct paper movement speed.
- Ensures time graduations align with recorded data.

Stylus and Recording Paper

Stylus Types:
- Older versions use ink pens that require weekly ink refills.
- Modern systems like Anschutz employ conducting wires for marking on paper.
Paper Characteristics:
- Supplied in a roll and installed as per manufacturer instructions.
- Typically feeds vertically from top to bottom.
- Utilizes graph paper format: time scale on the left, course scale in the middle.

Paper Sections

Time Scale:
- Located on the left side, shows hours and decimal hours.
- Usually set to G.M.T., but may vary by ship.
Course Section:
- Center of the paper, graduated in four quadrants with marked degrees.
- Scale enhances readability to the nearest degree.
- Necessitates proper quadrant identification due to uniform scaling.
Zone Section:
- Positioned on the right side with four columns designated for zone identification.

Description

This quiz covers the essential functions and importance of the course recorder used on bridges during maritime voyages. Understand how this instrument keeps track of gyro courses and its critical role in ensuring safe navigation and accident documentation. Test your knowledge on the best practices for maintaining accurate records at sea.