I was disappointed to read Capt. Bob Peacock’s criticism (BDN, May 21) of Wyatt Olson’s story (May 18) concerning my company’s commitment to utilizing the best navigation technology available today. I am certain Mr. Olson had his reasons for writing the story in nontechnical terms; it is unfortunate Capt. Peacock chose to intimate that because of this, the story was less than accurate.

Had he attended the Maine and New Hampshire Port Safety Forum on Feb. 11 and seen our equipment demonstrated, or simply called us, Capt. Peacock would have learned the real situation on this technology. Our equipment includes a receiver which can process up to 12 satellites simultaneously, two different receivers which scan and select the strongest differential beacons, and differential and GPS antennas combined into one unit.

Most importantly, the software we are running is comprised of custom-made vector charts, as opposed to less accurate Raster-based charts which can introduce scaling inaccuracies. This software and the vector charts are designed specifically for piloting ships, in contrast to “off the shelf” software and Raster chart packages which many people are using.

This equipment provides routine position accuracy of 1 meter, a standard which the less sophisticated sylstems cannot meet. We are, in fact, the only piloting group in northern New England which is using such an advanced system. Capt. David T. Gelinas Penobscot Bay & River Pilots Association Belfast