Just as any responsible ship owner, Hergé concentrated on fitting out the vessels sailing in the adventures of Tintin with all instruments necessary to the navigation. Concerned about realism,he gathered a precise documentation in order to give Captain Haddock all the resources he needed to draw the riveted readers on the trail of the great seafarers.

Exploration navigation dates back to Ancient times. Ever since it started, it played a determining role in the expansion of civilizations. The quality of their fleets was the reflection of their power and ensured dominance of the seas.