In fact, the Canadian Navy is leading the world in "paperless" navigation, which is one of the most revolutionary changes in naval history for how ships navigate and conduct operations.

"It might sound pretty basic, but there is nothing more important than knowing where you are and where you're going, especially when you're talking about billion dollar warships," said John Jacobson, OSI President and CEO.

"Even in the 21st century, navies are having ships run aground because they lack accurate information or technology. And believe it or not, most of the major navies around the world are just beginning the transition from traditional paper chart navigation to electronic systems."

Not the Canadian Navy, however, which has more ships with electronic chart navigation systems installed, replacing traditional paper charts, than pretty well any other country in the world (with more than 50 vessels fleet- wide), and more vessels that could be classified as "paperless" (with more than six).

"This is pretty significant and not too many Canadians are aware of our Navy's leadership in this area," Jacobson said.

"The Royal Navy, which signed up for our system last year, heralded electronic chart navigation as an important step forward in the history of the British Navy's navigation. In fact, they acknowledged that it's the first time the navy has changed how it navigates since 1795."

So why is this important? In really simple terms, you could compare it to navigating in your car with a road map, or navigating with the latest global positioning system.

But in this case, you're a submarine at the bottom of the ocean, or an aircraft carrier in the Arctic, part of a fleet or coalition combat operation, and all you have is a paper chart.

Or you have the most advanced electronic chart navigation system. Now, paper charts can all be electronic; they are interactive; and they are in real-time, meaning information is constantly updated as a ship progresses.

Also, electronic charts provide much more detailed information than can be supplied by a paper chart.

Many streams of information can be merged into a single computerized display - everything from radar, sonar, satellite - you name it, all of the numerous, diverse and complex information feeds that tell a ship where it is, where it's going, what's around it, what's in the way, and what time it will get there.

A critical added benefit of OSI's electronic chart systems, however, is their ability to improve the operational capability of a ship.

In addition to all of the functionality for precise navigation, they have tactical tools for more accurate weapons management, complex maneuvering as part of a naval task group, as well as mission planning and execution.

"We're talking truly state-of-the-art," said Jacobson. "The detail and range of information is unparalleled. Whether it's identifying troops on shore, hostile aircraft flight paths, the location of hidden submarines, or submerged continents - our system can provide a highly accurate electronic picture of a ship's surroundings and its part in a naval task force."

OSI delivered the first electronic chart navigation system to the Canadian Navy as far back as 1985. Fleet installations began in 1997 and continued in 2001.

They were one of the first to initiate development work for submarine navigation, and are one of the only countries globally with a submarine system installed and sea trials underway.

Training facilities for "paperless navigation" are in place across Canada at all of the navy's training schools. This is one of the most advanced fleet and training-school implementations of electronic chart navigation systems in the world.

"The Canadian Navy deserves a lot of credit for their vision," said Jacobson. "They were one of the first to deploy a surface vessel with electronic chart navigation, the first to use an electronic chart navigation system for sub-surface navigation, and the first to use it to pipe the bridge's navigational picture into the operations room."

Jacobson said he believes the Canadian Navy's technological leadership deserves recognition.

At a major International Fleet Review event in Portsmouth hosted by the Royal Navy to celebrate maritime heritage and achievement, with more than 160 vessels from 35 countries attending, Canada will be represented by the HMCS Montreal.

"It will be one of the only warships present with the most advanced electronic chart navigation system in the world, and the only one that could be classified as 'paperless'. This is a significant achievement for Canada when you consider the size and scope of other international navies."

Related Links
Offshore Systems International
SpaceWar
Search SpaceWar
Subscribe To SpaceWar Express

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only