Ocean Navigator - September/October 2017

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In this issue's special section on Safety, we have a story on how the safety equipment for Man Overboard (MOB) situations has changed from the simple MOB pole to a variety of devices from throwable MOB poles that automatically inflate to electronic units that signal via Bluetooth and AIS. We'll look at what's available and what makes sense for voyagers. In our second story, we "ride along" at a life raft inspection station as they inspect, inflate and repack an offshore raft. We'll cover the details of the process and point out what voyagers need to know about their rafts, inspections and service intervals. We'll also have a piece about a visit to Viking Liferaft's R&D facility in Bergen, Norway. In our Power Voyaging section we look at dealing with onboard alarms and how to react to them properly. Trawler expert Jeff Merrill outlines a strategy for alarms control that will make you a better alarm first responder. For our Ocean Voyaging story we have an account of sailing the northwest coast of Borneo. A voyaging couple discover the Malaysian coast is an intriguing mix of national parks, crocodiles, impressive cities, good marinas and no pirates. In a piece on gear and equipment, we look at anchor snubbers and why to use them. In our Voyaging Tips column we show an inexpensive and easy way to make new fender covers for your boat. In a piece on batteries, we ask the question: is it time for lead acid batteries to move over? The predominate chemistry for marine batteries has long been lead acid. But now a new chemical mix is making a play for widespread use: Lithium Ion. While still expensive, Lithium Ion cells have a variety of advantages that just may make them the battery system of the future. Plus the Nav Problem, Chartroom Chatter and more.