EV-100 and GPS data

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

colbournee,

Indeed such unacknowledged steering would pose a safety issue. Don't confuse route planing which navigates around fixed hazards and operation which may not only involve a fixed planning, but also involves a collision component which can't be planned for. Boating laws require that a proper lookout be maintained. Should it be unsafe to execute the turn at a waypoint because of risk of collision with another boat or hazard, then it would be the operator's responsibility to:
- ensure that it was safe to continue on the present course to execute the turn at a later point, or
- command the autopilot into Standby mode and take the helm, or
- slow or stop the vessel until such time that it is save to execute the turn.

I recommend that you consult with the USCG should you have a differing viewpoint on this subject. Until such time as integrated collision avoidance products for the recreational marine market achieve the capabilities of driverless automobiles, this restriction will continue.