Product Description

As paper navigational charts are replaced by vector images on computer screens, magnetic compasses enhanced by digital flux gate technology, and chronometers joined by atomic clocks, the demand has been mounting for an extensive update to the classic reference known worldwide as Dutton's. To meet the varied needs of today's recreational, naval, and commercial navigators the Naval Institute introduces this new edition of a guide that has remained the seafarers' choice for more than three-quarters of a century. It blends the traditional navigation techniques first compiled by Benjamin Dutton in 1926 with technological marvels of the twenty-first century to authoritatively cover all phases of surface navigation. For example, while the book acknowledges that many navigators still peer into the skies through sextant telescopes, it also helps them take full advantage of man-made Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites.

Valued as both an indispensable quick reference and a comprehensive text, Dutton's makes accessible such foreboding subjects as spherical trigonometry through the use of step-by-step explanations and examples that encourage practical use. To insure accuracy and relevancy, a board of experts made up of naval and Coast Guard officers, merchant mariners, accredited harbor pilots, and sea-service academy professors, has carefully reviewed this fifteenth edition. The result is an unparalleled treatment of the art and science of nautical navigation that both amateur and veteran navigators will use to safely navigate the waters of the world. 132 illustrations. Appendixes. Index. 81/2 x 11 inches.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #198474 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 664 pages

Review
"...an invaluable reference...that will save the day when the batteries in the GPS run dry." -- Armada International, January 2004

"For those who want in-depth understanding of navigation techniques--both high-tech and low-tech." -- Soundings, November 2004

About the Author
Thomas J. Cutler has been a student, teacher, and practitioner of the navigational arts and sciences for nearly forty years while serving the Navy as a surface warfare officer in vessels ranging from patrol boats to aircraft carriers. He is the current author of The Bluejacket's Manual and other books and articles on naval topics.

Customer Reviews

Good book, but needs a technical editor
Dutton's is well illustrated and clearly written and it covers a lot of ground. However, it is full of technical errors. When I was writing a sailings application I worked the example problems in the sailings section of the book and was distressed to find they were full of mistakes. Later, when I took my Captain's course I spoke about this with the navigation instructor there and he claimed that he never used Dutton's examples because the problems are wide spread. So, I'd suggest reading Dutton's for the prose and then going to Bowditch if you need the math. This is all a bit sad as Dutton's is a text book and into it's 15th edition.

A systematic and complete book about navigation
This book is very complete covering all aspects of navigation from simple pilotage to gyro compass. The approach is always didactic and very complete describing f.i. not less than 4 methods of sight reduction for Astro Navigation. Although written for merchant navy, it is also suitable for small craft navigation.

The beginnings
Dutton's is a good intro for anyone who dreams of being a sailor, or actually intends to do something about it someday. It is arranged in logical style and the material is presented in straightforward and easily understandable terms. Such details as tides, currents & piloting as well as the more esoteric matters of Hyperbolic, Celestial and Bathymetric Navigation are explained. Having finished Dutton's, the actual or would-be sailor/navigator will be ready to pick up a copy of Bowditch and head down to the sea.