AIMS AND CONTENT

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 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 and the Echo Sounder technique are also introduced.

On the strict operational side, the teaching 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.

The learning outcomes are:

• Theoretical and practical acquisition of the contents of the teaching;
• Elements for evaluating the accuracy of position and passage monitoring;
• Operational activities in lab and bridge simulator environment;
• 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.

Innovative teaching tools, such as instant polls, are used both to stimulate students' attention and to test their learning.

The teaching unit is held in English.

Working students and students with certified DSA (Specific Learning Disorders), disabilities or other special educational needs are advised to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course in order to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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

On the strict operational side, the teaching 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.

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. Hints on Echo Sounder technique. 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

Exam Board

BIANCA FEDERICI (President)

VALENTINO PALMA

DOMENICO SGUERSO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10948/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and consists of some questions to ascertain the knowledge of the theoretical concepts of the teaching and in the presentation and discussion by the student of a short personal application similar to the practical experience carried out during the teaching and a short report deepening one of the proposed topics.

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

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the oral exam, the teacher will verify the knowledge of the theoretical concepts essential for a correct positioning with electronic systems. Furthermore, the student will present and discuss a short personal application related to GNSS positioning processing (static and kinematic, in NRTK and Post-Processing), and the evaluation of the cartographic accuracy of a route.

The final grade will take into account 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, as well as the knowledge of the theoretical concepts.

The quality of the oral and written presentation will be assessed, as it is considered preparatory to the students' future working life, enabling them to better acquire the ability to share ideas and work in a team.

Exam schedule