Satellite-based ship headings

Sperry Marine has unveiled a new-technology satellite-based ship heading sensor. The Navistar satellite compass uses embedded sensors and GPS signals to give heading information. It also provides rate of turn, roll, pitch, speed and GPS position outputs. Degradation or loss of GPS signal triggers an alarm and the system automatically defaults to the magnetic compass. The system is intended as an alternative to spinning-mass or fibre-optic gyrocompasses for vessels where the fitting of a gyrocompass is not required such as workboats, commercial fishing vessels, large private yachts, naval patrol boats and small merchant ships.