Hacker News Reader

Well, they're alive. The USCG made paper charts optional for US-flagged vessels in 2017. Most cruisers use chartplotters at the helm, and chart apps on phones or tablets for route planning.

At this point, I tend to use my iPhone at the helm as well. The charts are updated more often, and the location and tracking are very accurate (with an external Bluetooth GPS).

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/07/18/2017-15...

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/5ps/NV...

Obviously sailors are using modern navigational aids, they're a huge improvement when they're operational.

But I sure hope you still keep your sextant and charts dry and safe below deck somewhere if you spend any time at sea.

Only for the sailors who like to remain alive and well...

Paper maps are nearly ubiquitous for routing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota.

Need something to swat at the mosquitoes...

And flying.