The American Practical Navigator, originally written by Nathaniel Bowditch, is an encyclopedia of navigation. It serves as a valuable handbook on oceanography and meteorology, and contains useful tabl
Frontispiece of 1802 first edition
Nathaniel Bowditch
In celebration of Nathaniel Bowditch and his work writing the American Practical Navigator, in his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts there is the Salem ferry, named after Bowditch, a high speed catamaran takes people to Boston and is pictured as it is approaching its dock off Blaney Street, Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Title page, first edition
Beaufort scale
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The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort wind force scale. It was devised in 1805 by Francis Beaufort,
Bowditch's American Practical Navigator
…oceanography of use to the mariner. Part VIII Marine Meteorology, incorporates weather routing and forecasting methods as well as color plates of the Beaufort Sea States. Notable users and usage Due to its usefulness as both a navigational tool and as a practical oceanic handbook, The American Practical…
A ship in a force 12 ("hurricane-force") storm at sea, the highest rated on the Beaufort scale
Sir Francis Beaufort
Beaufort scale 0
Beaufort scale 1