The Internet and the Navigator

©1994 Wayne Spivak
The Navigator's Newsletter, Foundation for the Promotion of the Art of Navigation, Issue 45, Fall 1994

Editor's Note: The author of the following article, Mr. Spivak is currently a member of the Shouth Shore Power Squadron in Long Island, New York, where he is currently taking Junior Navigator (Celestial Navigation 1). Mr. Spivak is Presi dent of SBA * Consulting, a firm specializing in small business accounting and computer systems. Mr. Spivak is the Sysop of the Power Squadrons Mailing List.

With the increase in communications, Navigators and boaters have several new sources of information. These sources are contained in the Information Superhighway -- The Internet.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a world wide computer system, consisting of thousands of host computers. These computers are owned by Governments, Educational Institutions and Commercial ventures. Users of the Internet have the opportunity to utilize information contai ned on these Host computers (known as servers). Two major aspects of the Internet are Electronic Mail (Email) and the UseNet.

Electronic Mail (Email) provides the ability to write a letter to anyone on the Internet, regardless of location and "mail" them the message. You could have a conversation with anybody in the world, for the cost of a local call (plus your provider fee -- the cost of maintaining the Internet connection). The UseNet is a gigantic discussion area, with topics ranging from jobs in the UK to computer topics, to Boats, Dogs, and yes even Sex. Multiple discussions can be ongoing at one time. There are some sp ecialized Newsgroups and Mailing Lists geared for Boaters and Navigator's.

Mailing Lists of special interest:

The first Mailing List is called the Navigation Mailing List. The list can be subscribed to by sending Email to majordomo@ronin.com1 and in the body of the message type subscribe navigation [your Email address]. Topics on this Mailing List include any no n-electronic navigation issue. To date, most conversation's have revolved around celestial navigation.

A Power Squadrons Mailing List has also been formed. This Mailing List is limited to members of the United States Power Squadron and Canadian Power and Sail2. Members can use the Mailing List for discussion on topics ranging from the many educational co urses the Power Squadrons give to internal items of interest. To subscribe to the Power Squadrons Mailing List; send Email to waynes@netcom.com, please include your squadron affiliation. At press time, this mailing list was being upgraded to a list ser ver (specialized Internet program). Mr. Spivak will Email back current instructions for joining.

Newsgroups of special interest:

There are currently three Newsgroups concerned with Boating. They are Rec.Boats, Rec.Boats.Racing and Rec.Boats.Building. Rec.Boats has conversations dealing with all matters of the boating industry. You'll find many of the different mailing lists ment ioned here. From opinions on a specific make of boat, to how to fix a broken prop. Rec.Boats.Racing is geared for those who race their boats. Current discussions are centering on the BOC race. Rec.Boats.Building discusses naval architecture and buildin g your own boats, from canoes on up in size.

Other Newsgroups that can be found deal with weather, marine sciences, etc. If there is an area you're interested in, you're sure to find a discussion topic on it.

Another benefit of an account on the Internet is access to a large pool of free information. Let's say you have a problem with your boat, and your immediate circle of knowledge is stymied. All you have to do is post a message in the Boating newsgroup and wait for an answer. Most times you'll receive at least one reply, sometimes hundreds! Want to get the Local Notice for Mariners from a different Coast Guard District, no problem, access the USCG BBS over the Internet (use Telnet3 by typing telnet fedwo rld.gov) and get all the LNM's issued.

How do I join the a Mailing List or Newsgroup?

First you need an account. There are many commercial providers who will sell you access to the Internet. Some of the most popular vendors are CompuServe, Delphi, America On Line, GEnie and Prodigy. Other services are Netcom, PSI and local Universities.

Each of these providers charge for services differently, so it is wise to price them. Most services will bill your credit card directly each month. Below are the costs for some of the more popular services. Some of these providers charge for Email on t he Internet. Make sure you check how you will access their service. Are the phone lines a local, medium distance, or long distance phone call. Remember, the telephone company is going to bill you for using your phone in addition to whatever the Provide r charges!

Here are the charges for some of the services listed:
CIS (CompuServe) costs $8.95 per month plus additional fees for access to non-basic areas (most areas are non-basic). Access to the Internet is $4.80 per hour up to 2400 Baud (speed of modem -- higher the number, the faster information flows), $9.60 for 14400 Baud. Internet access is limited.

AOL is $9.95 per month including 5 hours connect time to everything. In addition, its $2.95 per hour over the first 5. Most areas have 9600 Baud access, some only 2400 Baud. Internet access is fair with an expansion planned for next year.