What is a Portable Pilot Unit?
Portable pilot units are navigation devices that are increasing used in maritime applications, notably cruise ships. Often referred to as a PPU, the device helps the pilot to safely navigate into and out of harbors and other areas where obstacles could impede the progress of the vessel. Many PPUs on the market today are small enough to be hand held, or can be attached permanently in an open air section of the ship. In many instances, the portable pilot unit of today makes use of GPS technology to aid in the process of piloting the vessel safely to shore. Several models include a full color visual display that is created using data received from a direct satellite link. The data can also be converted into digital display as well, making it easy for the pilot to make use of both the visual and digital information to correct the course of the vessel as needed. A number of the current models of the portable pilot unit also include a self-check feature. Essentially, this feature will allow
