Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-01-12
NAVAL NAVIGATORS.
,uey HAVE MANY VERY SERIOUS Du-
TIES TO PERFORM.
saddles q Thorough Nautical Training the
omoer Who Navigates . Msn-of-war
wn.t Re Possessed of = Vast Fund Of
.r.,bnical Scientific knowledge.

ur.t Re Possessed of = Vast Fund of
r.chuical Scientific knowledge.
II is doubtful if any office in the
navy aside from an absolute command,
involves so vast responsibility as that
n navigator of a man -of-war The du-
t,ss of this important station in former
GEARS fell to officers of the rank Of mas
tsr but with the abolition of that
Oa6s its affairs devolved upon the
iieutenants holding the highest num-
hers on the list. Upon the navigator Of
warship depends not only the task Of
| sbapinp the vessels course for any
ooint across the seas to which her des-
TIMES may direct her, but also the re-
sponsibility Of plotting her in and out
Of harbor and of selecting a safe anchor
age for her in every port visited during
the period of her cruise. Hence, it fol-
lows that, combined with a thorough
nautical training, the competent navi-
gator must be possessed of vast fund
Of geographical, meteorological and hy-
biographical knowledge. While at sea,
be must know the vessels position 70 q
degree, which necessitates his taking
frequent observations of the celestial
bodies and making solutions of intricate
problems in geometry and trigonometry,
such as constantly arise through devia-
tons, brought about by innumerable
causes, from her given course.
Unquestionably the most important
element in navigation, because of its
infallibility under ordinary conditions,
in determining the latitude, longitude
and error in the ships compass, is what
is known in maritime phraseology as
nautical astronomy. With the aid Of
sextant or quadrant for measuring the
altitude of the heavenly bodies above
the horizon or their distance from each
other, a timepiece to mark the instant
Of an observation, chronometer t.
show the time at the first meridian, a
nautical almanac and an azimuth COM
pass, the navigator can readily deter
mine bis position viii the utmost ex-
actitude
The average voyage is more or less
characterized by erroneous estimates in
distances sailed, in varying currents,
careless steering, deviation in the COM
pass and numerous other obstacles, and
upon the navigator rests the RESPONSE
oiiity OF adjusting such errors. In long
passages across the open sea the navi-
gator is governed by a rather complex
combination of motives, which may be
summed up as follows: To cover the re-
quired distance in the shortest space of
time with the smallest expenditure of
Iuei and the least wear and tear of the
vessel that il possible.
With these objects in view the navi.
gator must prior to sailing superintend
personally the slowing Of the hold, the
arrangement Of ballast, water, provi.
aons' stores, ETC., and the inspection
Aaa adjustment Of the motive appliances
Q, the ship, all of which features, sever.
any and collectively, greatly affect her
speed and seaworthiness.
II his vessel possesses the facilities
iOr making sail, he must while at sea
aefcise the keenest Judgment and fore
sisns as to utilizing the same, for sail
usea 70 goo advantage is great saver
u coai' while otherwise, if used indis-
u.:'minateiy, it may entail much loss of
!, nne The expert navigator draws the
une with exceeding fineness between a
Aisn ialr wind and a gale, making the
most !: OF the former as long as his vessel
: not Jeopardized, heaving her to at
Jus9 the proper period and getting under
way again at the first sign of moderation
- tne weather. The commander Of a
"asnip reposes the utmost confidence
- a skilled and careful navigator aud
.aie,y nterferes with his plans. Anoth-
- ~ u tne numerous details coming under
~ sAo haVigator's supervision is the keep
s ci the ships log This is commenced
y nim at the time the vessel is placed
- commlssion, and its pages record the
s,en,S OF each succeeding day. There is
ssusoiuteiy nothing which transpires Of.
:. '.aii y On board of a man of war that
~ = no' written in the log, and each day
sae navigator must carry it to the COM
sha shanuing officer for his inspection. At
~ Wy expiration Of every six months the
y log must be closed and forwarded
- 'ne navy department at Washington.
"Huie me- II Is placed among the records.
,. LUG navigator is provided with a
ee and varied assortment Of instru.
.a. ,s and appliances designed to facili-
Sa. ;I.e ms work. While in port he is often
saieo shs TO make surveys of portions Of
NC NO coast line which may be defective
spoi the charts or to determine the ex.
49, 49,. location Of rocks or shoals which
saa eteo have not been marked with
accuracy.
Inc navigator has charge of all the
~. 'ous weather indicators of the vessel
u -, must render quarterly reports Of
a. chronological observations These
.e 'aken at regular intervals by the
sSaf'ermaster of the watch and fully
sa.e efea upon the ships log. The navi-
;e sasor must regularly inspect the steer
s ~ gear, oompasses, anchors and chain
oauss es OF the ship and daily report their
IT. nion to the commanding officer.
,.s .e must also keep separate book in
,...N on are recorded all calculations re-
AosinB 10 the nav;oatknr. aS kha .,aseal