The ROLE OF CELESTIAL NAVIGATION IN MODERN DAY AND FUTURE NAVIGATION

Abstract

This paper discusses the current and future role of celestial navigation and its application on board ships and in maritime educational institutions. Accordingly, the question is whether the governing bodies of the maritime industry should maintain their position unchanged or whether they should increase or decrease the importance of celestial navigation as part of the competencies of future officers. Celestial navigation, its evolution and the various methods of application, the possibilities of implementing future technologies, have all been the subject of many papers, but still no clear answer in which direction to go and what we can expect in years to come. The paper will systematically review and analyze existing legislation and recommendations, especially STCW (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping and IMO (International Maritime Organization) acts. Also, the paper will provide an overview of various papers on this topic and the existing most used methods. An overview of what is considered a modern solution is also provided. The focus is on the advantages and disadvantages of celestial navigation in the context of the future environment in the maritime industry.