AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching unit aims to provide theorical knowledge of the principles, operation, sources of error and correction methods of modern electronic aids to navigation in order to achieve accurate position fixing. The main system presented is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and its augmented satellite services, of which practical experience of acquisition and subsequent analysis is also offered; in addition, the Loran system and the Echo Sounder technique are also introduced. On the strict operational side, the teaching unit offers a view on modern navigation techniques, watchkeeping and related instruments and procedures, such as the radar, COLREGs, ship's routeing and ship's reporting systems. The operational activities will take place mostly in lab and bridge simulator environment.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching unit aims to provide knowledge of the principles, operation, sources of error and correction methods of modern electronic aids to navigation in order to achieve accurate position fixation. The main system presented is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and its augmented satellite services, but the Loran system, Radar and Echo Sounder technique are also introduced.

Furthermore, the teaching offers a view on modern navigation techniques, watchkeeping and related instruments and procedures, COLREGs, ship's routeing and ship's reporting systems. 

The learning outcomes are:

• Theoretical and practical acquisition of the contents of the teaching;
• Elements for evaluating the accuracy of position and passage monitoring;
• Use of free and open source software, when possible, in accordance with the directive of the Minister for Innovation and Technology, December 19, 2003 that encourage the use of these technologies.

The teaching unit provides the theoretical tools for achieving the competencies required by the individual functions under the STCW Convention. Theoretical knowledge is provided to develop the skills required by Functions 1 of Table A-II/1 and A-II/2 of the STCW Convention (deck officer).

The teaching unit will develop the following transversal skills and competences (soft-skills): literacy, strategic thinking and critical thinking; effective communication and argumentative skills.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal theoretical lectures are alternated with computer-based lectures and in lab and bridge simulator environment, to put the notions into practice in real application situations.

Lessons will be held in the classroom, but will also be available in synchronous and asynchronous online modes.

The teaching unit is held in English.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the teacher and the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link Comitato di Ateneo per l’inclusione delle studentesse e degli studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching unit provides the principles, operation, limitations, error sources and accuracy of the main electronic navigation systems: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and its augmented services, and hints on Loran C, eLoran, to fix position and navigation. Echo Sounder technique and Radar are also introduced. 

Morever, the teaching offers a view on modern navigation techniques, watchkeeping and related instruments and procedures, COLREGs, ship's routeing and ship's reporting systems. 

In more detail:

Electronic Positioning: Introduction and principles of GNSS; Spatial segment: orbits; status of the constellation; Control segment. User segment: characteristics of receivers. GNSS signal: frequencies, codes C/A, P and D, emission and reception. Accuracy vs. errors: ionosphere and troposphere delays. Multipath. Reliability. Absolute, differential, RTK and PPP positioning: fundamentals, position correction, transmission protocol, system message. Hints on SBAS Augmentation Services. Influence of satellite geometry on the accuracy. Dilution of precision index. Suitability and accuracy of positioning. Hints on Loran C, eLoran and their integration with GNSS system. Echo Sounder technique and Radar. Practical lessons on GNSS Positioning.

Watchkeeping: Watchkeeping principles, STCW Chapter VIII, COLREGs overview, Ship’s routeing publication, Dealing with TSS, Dealing with VTS, Ships' reporting system.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes and material provided by the teacher.

Texts for reference:

Hofmann-Wellenhof B., Lichtenegger H, Collins J.: Global Positioning System - Theory and Practice. Springer&Verlag, Vienna

Leick A.: GPS Satellite Surveying, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New Jersey, USA, ISBN 0-471-05930-7

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11929/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is both written and oral.
The written esam consists of questions designed to assess knowledge of the theoretical concepts essential for accurate positioning using electronic systems, the use of modern navigation techniques, watchkeeping and related procedures.
The oral exam involves the presentation and discussion of a brief personal project related to GNSS positioning processing (similar to the practical experience gained during the course).

The exam may be conducted online in the cases provided for in the University Regulations.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final grade will take into account the knowledge of the theoretical concepts, as well as the quality of the application carried out (processing and analysis techniques used, strategies for solving any problems encountered), the critical discussion of the results obtained and the expositive capacity.

The quality of the oral and written presentation will be assessed, as it is considered preparatory to the students' future working life.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.