The Buoy Light Simulator (BLS) from nautiNav is an innovative tool for your navigation sessions with learners, developed with ease-of-use in mind and functionality above all. We had a clear mission; provide a tool that was dynamic and easily transportable, which made one of the most complex parts of advanced navigation theory more tangible for your students to understand.

We understand that it can be difficult to find ways to successfully impart your wisdom without some form of hands on approach. We also know that visual learning can be simpler and clearer than just speech alone.

Early on in the design process we developed a simple two button menu system that displays on a small OLED LCD screen which drives all the modes on the device. The high intensity RGB LED (which simulates the buoy light characteristic) is bright enough to place at a distance from the viewer with no discernible loss of brightness – allowing you to show the student what they could reasonably expect to see at sea.

We also added simulated sector lights. Naturally, with them so close together it’s not as effective as the real thing – but serves to demonstrate the general concept. Finally, the BLS is now powered by 3 x AA batteries – meaning it’s easier for you to replace power “on the go.”

The BLS has been designed, developed and produced in the UK by hand – we personally quality check each one as we make them and are always seeking to improve the firmware where needed.

The BLS is available now, and we strongly recommend back ordering (if stock is low) as stock only becomes available as we manufacture the device. Generally the wait time is no more than a couple of days at the moment.