Though contemporary sailors generally use electronic systems to orient
themselves, the sextant is far from redundant. This purest of all
nautical instruments, which allows seafarers to accurately determine
their global position alone and without the aid of modern technology, is
still required equipment on all commercial trading vessels; should
electronic systems fail, a sextant can make the difference between
disaster and survival. In this invaluable tutorial for beginning
navigators, Pike clearly and efficiently explains the use and care of
the sextant.