9This 2019 edition of The American Practical Navigator (Bowditch), Pub No. 9, exists to codify the latest body of marine navigation knowledge and practical application. Its publication success is a result of the dedicated efforts of many hands and voices from academia, science and seafaring experts. This edition has advanced from the judiciously shaped recommendations-some comprehensive, some minute, all indispensable-of a multitude of maritime and science professionals. At the same time, it was equally essential that those recommendations be compared, vetted, and applied in a consistent manner and with a clear vision, a challenging task performed in exemplary fashion by this edition's principal editor, Dr. Gerard J. Clifford, Jr.