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NP290 follows much the same format as the 2nd edition of NP289 (UK and Mediterranean), but with further improvements, and covers all aspects of communications for the yachtsman cruising between Gibraltar and the Caribbean.
Sections cover GMDSS; DSC; Maritime Safety Information (SafetyNET); Navtex; Radio Facsimile; Oceanic Safety and Weather; Global mobile satellite communications: VHF management; Marina, Port and VTS together with safety and weather information; GPS, GLONASS and DGPS and its beacons. Most valuably, for each marina or port are given position co-ordinates, VHF channels, telephone numbers, office opening times, email addresses and web sites, together with most attractive and helpful aerial photographs. A section new to this series covers Horizontal Datums on charts, but with diagrams covering the UK and not the area concerned. Useful appendices give the Beaufort Scale, International Code of Signals, and - useful reminders - CG66 Safety Identification Scheme and EPIRB registration forms.
With monthly amendments available at www.nms.ukho.gov.uk (which follow the same schedule as NP289) it can easily be kept up-to-date.
There is inevitably much overlap in information with nautical almanacs, but NP290 appears highly authoritative and invites users to provide corrections on a submission form.
NP290 should be regarded as indispensable for those crossing the Atlantic to cruise the Caribbean, and have a place on every safety-conscious yachtsman's bookshelf. Economically priced it can be highly recommended.
RMG