Comment Re:What a nonsense (Score 1) 179
If you were a prudent mariner you would be DRing on your paper chart at a reasonable interval. Aids to navigation (buoys/lighthouses/etc...) aren't affected by your GPS unit and also provide a good means to determine your position. If all else fails and you are that worried about where you are, a sextant and sight reduction tables still work. If you can't handle all that, then you should NOT be out at sea at night.
Hell, here's a quick procedure that will get you in the general vicinity of your destination (close enough to use the aforementioned nav aids) which doesn't require any knowledge of sight reductions (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere):
1. Determine the latitude of your destination
2. Measure the elevation (angular distance) of Polaris above the horizon using your sextant
3. Determine the local variation to convert your magnetic compass heading to true heading based on your estimated location on your chart
4. Compare the Polaris angle to the latitude of your destination. If the star is too low on the horizon, head due north (true). If it's too high, head due south (true)
5. Once Polaris is at the proper altitude in the sky, turn due west or due east (true) depending which coast you're on
6. Don't get lost at sea like a retard next time