If you’re a superyacht captain or chief officer and haven’t yet acquainted yourself with dsnm’s Compass software, now is the time. The superyacht navigation hub offers an all-encompassing bridge tool designed to streamline every aspect of navigation. From digital charts to weather layers, from passage planning to location data points. And perhaps most reassuringly, it comes complete with access to a dedicated, in-house technical support team for smooth sailing.
With the recent launch of Version 2, the passage planning tool, in particular, has undergone significant enhancements, boasting a suite of new features aimed at simplifying the navigation process. Dockwalk unpacks some of the standout features…
How Compass’ passage planning feature works
Compass’ passage planning feature offers captains an intuitive platform to chart their course with precision and efficiency. Within Compass, users can plot point-to-point routes that include a wealth of information, whether creating a new route from scratch or importing existing routes from their computer or Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Routes can be overlayed on the recently integrated 'Official ENCs by Navtor’ chart layer, which provides a visual that users would see on the bridge’s ECDIS.
Once a route is established, Compass provides a comprehensive overview, detailing key metrics such as the total distance of the passage and the anticipated arrival time based on a predefined “departure time” and “route planning defaults.” The route planning defaults section equips users with customizable options, allowing for adjustments to various settings, including average cruising speed, ensuring that each journey is tailored to the requirements of the yacht and the crew.
New features within Version 2
Version 2 of Compass offers users enhanced capabilities to delve into the intricacies of their routes. This incorporates information layers, including detailed charting sources, global weather data overlays, MARPOL boundaries, and local and national navigational information warnings.
“In our latest version of Compass, we have focused on making the passage planning experience and access to important information significantly more interactive for onboard users,” explains Stuart Denham-Harding, digital development manager at dsnm.
One standout feature is the integration of data points along the route to highlight areas of interest for the crew. Additionally, the inclusion of 3D terrain views allows crew members to further immerse themselves in upcoming passages. Version 2 also introduces customizable map views in addition to the aforementioned official ENC layer, including options such as the standard gray map, satellite map and nautical chart. Notably, the nautical layer, sourced from i4 Insight, provides a globally recognized, unofficial chart data resource.
“The added features just take Compass to the next level,” says a captain on board an 80-meter motor yacht. “I particularly like the satellite view, which will certainly help captains when looking for scenic cruises with guests.”
An enhanced weather layer
An update to the weather layer provides users with more key information relative to their route to further improve the passage planning feature.
“Our new weather data is sourced from a very well-established provider that operates as part of a national meteorology service,” explains Denham-Harding. “We were drawn to them because of the forward-thinking and advanced methods they use to both handle and deliver weather and forecast data.”
Wave and wind parameters can be set according to the yacht's safety and comfort preferences. Should any segments of the planned route surpass the set weather parameters, a warning is displayed, enabling users to make informed decisions regarding route adjustments or departure delays based on the severity of the deviation from their pre-set parameters.
“The interaction between route and weather is a very quick and simple user experience, allowing users to toggle on/off the different variables to highlight only the areas of concern that need attention,” Denham-Harding adds. “Alternative routes or amended schedules can be quickly inputted and reviewed.”
Beyond wave and wind, Compass offers six additional weather overlays that offer a more comprehensive understanding of the atmospheric conditions along their route. Two distinct forecasting models, the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), are available for comparison.
“[Our e-nav manager] was particularly impressed with the route planning and 3D capability,” says a yacht management firm director. “Our team leader commented that the Version 2 changes make Compass more of a navigation product than a bridge management tool.”
To get Compass set up on your superyacht bridge, or to receive a demo, contact the team at dsnm today.
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