Navigation on the Marion Dufresne R/V
The navigation system aboard the Marion Dufresne consists of three Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, two of which are operating continuously to determine position and aid an Inertial Navigation System (INS) called Pos MV 320. The Marion Dufresne is also equipped with an ultra short baseline underwater objects positioning system (Posidonia) and a quasi-dynamic vessel positioning system (Simrad Albatross).

In addition to these instruments, The Marion Dufresne uses:

  1. Two radars for detecting all surface-water objects (ships, the coast, etc.).
  2. Automatic Identification System (AIS), which assists the radar system in identifying other watercraft.
  3. Automatic pilot system which uses a gyroscopic compass to maintain proper heading.
  4. A magnetic compass that is used when the electronic navigation system fails.
  5. A dual communications system, one that is devoted to navigation safety, and the other for radio communication.
  6. A map table and position computation system. This sytem highlights the position of the vessel through the paper map.

All systems on-board the Marion Dufresne are dually equipped. This is to safegaurd against complete immobilisation of the ship.

By: Nonnotte, P. and Griffiths, J.