Alright so I have a planet where the locals are about seventeenth century level of technology, meaning sailing ships and single shot black powder weapons are the standard and there is plenty of ocean to sail across.

Also this planet has a very visible ring.

Now it is my understanding that navigation on a ringed planet would be slightly easier, since it serves as a massive billboard saying “here is the equator” and you can adjust everything accordingly. But I am more curious to learn about the exact mechanics beyond, “here is my compass, that way is north, the ring is behind me so I need a minor coarse correction.”

So, how do you navigate on the open ocean on a ringed planet, with age of sail tech?