What are maneuvering boards used for in maritime navigation?

Maneuvering boards are tools used in maritime navigation primarily to determine collision avoidance and ensure safe navigation. These graphical plotting aids allow navigators to visualize the positions, headings, and courses of vessels in relation to one another. By utilizing these boards, navigators can simulate potential courses and speeds to predict future positions and assess risks of collision.

Furthermore, maneuvering boards help in making informed decisions on how to alter a vessel’s course or speed to avoid potential dangers. They are vital in busy waterways or during encounters with other vessels, as they enhance situational awareness and contribute to navigational safety.

While alternatives like planning fuel consumption or managing crew shifts are related to maritime operations, they do not directly involve the function of maneuvering boards. The primary purpose of these tools specifically centers around navigation and collision avoidance, reinforcing the necessity of their use in maintaining the safety of maritime operations.