When it comes to getting between here and there one of the most lauded marine electronics is that of the GPS or Global Positioning System. Just as the early mariners used the stars, the GPS network is based on a constellation of satellites (24 to 32). They are kept in a medium orbit and transmit precise microwave signals which GPS receivers can interpret to determine exact location, time and velocity. These electronic devices were first used by the military and over time have come to be every day devices in our cars, planes, ships and even wrist watches and cell phones.

Each type of transport faces specific challenges when it comes to GPS usage, but maybe none more than marine travel. The marine environment, even on a nice day, is hard on any type of marine electronics and GPS is no exception to the rule. Seawater is highly corrosive and additionally the rise and fall of sea going vessels create challenges of vibration, shock and constantly changing attitude.

So a GPS receiver at sea has to be marinized or ruggedized so that the units can still receive the satellite information needed to give proper coordinates, but so that water and humidity are kept out of the unit and the unit is protected from shock and vibration. The first is usually managed by creating a rugged housing which is impervious to sea water and keeps humidity to a minimum while staying cool and allowing for readouts to be easily gathered. The second can be accomplished in many fashions, but rotates around keeping the GPS unit isolated from the motion of the ship either by mounting on isolation brackets or a gimbal.

No matter the method used for ruggedizing a GPS, it is a vital part of ship navigation as we know it and must be kept protected from the elements in order to better serve sea going men and women. Like early travelers we still look to the skies, but using modern marine electronics we do so with confidence to go safely into deep waters.

GULF OF MAINE FISHERIES FORUM Posted on Jan 26, 09 at 11:06 am.

GULF OF MAINE FISHERIES THE SUBJECT OF WEDNESDAY FORUM Three experts will discuss "Population Dynamics: Community, Science and Policy in the Gulf of Maine Fisheries" on Wednesday Jan. 28 from 12:10-1:30 p.m. in the University of Maine's Jenness

Hall. Scheduled panelists are UMaine Prof. Teresa Johnson, MacArthur Foundation Fellow Ted Ames and Glen Libby of Port Clyde, president of the Midcoast Fishermen's Cooperative. The event is part of UMaine's Environmental Forum: History and Policy

in the Northeast series. It is funded by the Col. James McBride Research Endowment and the UMaine Dept. of History.

Marie Curie Early-Stage Researcher “Mechanisms of calcification and trace element transport in scl.. Posted on Jan 21, 09 at 8:19 am.

The Marie Curie FP7 Initial Training Network CALMARO (Calcification by Marine Organisms) is looking for an Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) to study the trace metal partitioning of main and trace elements and their isotope fractionation (TEI) related to multi

Corps of Discovery – The Corps of Discovery reaches the Pacific Ocean. Posted on Jan 20, 09 at 5:54 am.

On November 15, 1806, the Corps of Discovery reached the mouth of the Columbia River, completing a 4000 mile journey to the Pacific Coast. They would spend the next four months adding to science’s knowledge of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants before beginning their long journey home.

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