There are currently reports of GPS signal disruptions in the Baltic Sea region. If you’re out boating, you might notice your boat jumping around on the screen, getting stuck in the wrong place – or disappearing altogether. But don’t worry: you still have everything you need to stay on track.
Here are some smart tricks for navigating without GPS, using the nautical chart in the Skippo app.
Keep an eye on landmarks, islands and navigational markers
Do you see a red or green buoy? Or a mast on an island? Identifying islands can be tricky, so look for other clear features instead. Match what you see around you with the symbols on the chart. You can also switch between nautical chart, satellite view and terrain map in the map settings to better understand vegetation and buildings on the islands.
More advanced – cross-bearing to find your position
If you want a more accurate fix on your location, use a compass to take your course and a bearing to landmarks or islands nearby. In the app, use the measurement tool or create a route to see the bearing between two points.
Stay ahead – use course and distance
Are you on a steady course? Look at where you were last and estimate how far you’ve travelled. You can tap the map to save a location and see your history. In the “Plan” tab, tap where you know you’ve been and use the measurement tool to check direction and distance.
Example: You were just off the Grönskär lighthouse and have been heading east at around 5 knots for 10 minutes. That’s roughly one nautical mile – enough to give you a pretty good idea of where you are.
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