Course Plotting and

Labelling Standards
Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons | 1st edition 2005
Revised 2007, 2008
CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

Published by Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons

Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance
Toronto, Ontario
1st Edition © Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons 2005, Revised 2007, 2008

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means—electronic,
mechanical photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the written per-
mission of Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons.

Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons

26 Golden Gate Court
Toronto, Ontario M1P 3A5
Canada
Phone: 416-293-2438 in the Greater Toronto Area
1-888-CPS-BOAT (1-888-277-2628) in all other areas
Internet: www.cps-ecp.ca
Printed in Canada

Funding for this manual provided by the CPS Foundation.

ISBN: ISBN 978-0-9780968-5-4

 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s
1.0 Introduction to plotting ______________________________________________ 1
1.1 Reasons for plotting
1.2 Labelling
1.3 General instructions
1.4 Standards of accuracy
1.5 Rules for rounding
1.6 Conventions used in this manual
1.6.1 Use of capital letters in text
1.6.2 Abbreviations and terms

2.0 Lines of motion ______________________________________________________ 4

2.1 Track (TR)
2.2 Course (C)
2.3 Track made good (TMG)

3.0 Lines of position (LOPs) ________________________________________________ 5

3.1 Range
3.1.1 Plotting ranges
3.2 Bearings and lines of position (LOPs)
3.2.1 Plotting bearings
3.2.2 Electronic bearings
3.2.3 Advanced LOP
3.3 Circle of position (COP)
3.3.1 COP using a vertical angle
3.3.2 COP using a horizontal angle
3.3.3 COP using electronic equipment
3.3.4 Advanced COP

4.0 Boat positions ________________________________________________________ 9

4.1 Dead reckoning (DR) position
4.2 Fixes
4.2.1 Close aboard fix
4.2.2 Two-bearing fix
4.2.3 LOP and COP fix
4.2.4 Two COP fix
4.2.5 Three-bearing fix
4.2.6 Horizontal angle fix
4.2.7 Electronic fixes
4.3 Running fixes
4.3.1 Single object running fix
4.3.2 Advanced LOP running fix
4.3.3 Advanced COP running fix
4.4 Estimated position (EP)
CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

4.4.1 EP without current

4.4.2 EP with current

5.0 Standing clear of danger ____________________________________________ 14

5.1 Danger angles
5.1.1 Vertical danger angles
5.1.2 Horizontal danger angles
5.2 Danger bearings

6.0 Vectors used in current problems ______________________________________ 16

6.1 Course to steer
6.2 Track or track made good
6.3 Current
6.4 Current vector diagrams
6.5 Current from a DR plot

7.0 Celestial navigation __________________________________________________ 18

7.1 Celestial lines of position
7.1.1 Azimuth line
7.1.2 Celestial line of position
7.2 Celestial fixes
7.2.1 Simultaneous sights
7.2.2 Running fix
7.3 Estimated position (EP)
7.3.1 EP without current
7.3.2 EP with current
7.4 Miscellaneous plotting
7.4.1 Time zone crossing
7.4.2 Variation changes

8.0 Deck log __________________________________________________________ 23

8.1 Deck log for sample cruise
8.2 Sample cruise plot on chart (see centrefold)
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards
1.0 Introduction to plotting
Plotting is the art and science of recording naviga-
tional data on a marine chart. The actual act of
plotting consists of accurately drawing various
kinds of lines and symbols on a chart and labelling
them correctly. This includes such data as:
• the lines showing where the boat is going or
has been;
• the lines necessary to determine the position
of the boat;
• the actual or estimated future position of
the boat; and
• information needed to avoid danger.
This manual illustrates the minimum chart plot-
ting and labelling standards used by CPS-ECP.
Additional information may be added if needed.
The mechanics of obtaining and plotting bear-
ings, circular lines of position, current vector
diagrams, etc. are taught in various CPS-ECP cours-
es. The examples used in this manual show the
final result when plotting and labelling the navi-
gational observations made while piloting a boat.
1.1 Reasons for plotting
Cruise planning requires plotting on a chart
because it allows the skipper to answer a
number of important questions, such as:
• What is the distance to the destination?
• How long will it take?
• When will I arrive?
• How much fuel will be required to complete
the trip?
• What is the compass course to steer?
1
• Are there any underwater hazards (rocks,
kelp beds, etc.) along the route?
• Where are the nearby safe harbours to use in
case of bad weather?
Plotting cruises provides a plan for others to
follow if something happens to the skipper. The
plot can provide position information in case of
an accident or grounding. The plot can also be
used if the trip is to be repeated, or given to
another skipper for information.
Perhaps more importantly, plotting on paper
charts is a positive backup for electronic naviga-
tion. It is very tempting to rely completely on
electronics, such as GPS or chart plotters, and
neglect manual plotting. Electronics can fail and
plots on a paper chart will enable the skipper to
safely navigate, even in adverse weather.
The plotting and labelling standards included in
this manual have been adopted by the Training
Department of CPS-ECP and apply to all courses.
This ensures the Advanced Course student will
not need to learn different standards as addi-
tional courses are taken. These standards provide
a consistent basis for evaluating student home-
work and exam answers. The standards also fur-
nish a good foundation that can be used over a
lifetime of cruising.
Lastly, many people find plotting and the exten-
sive use of charts to be a lot of fun and they
enjoy doing it.
1.2 Labelling
The labelling aspect of plotting is as important
as the accurate drawing of lines. Consistency in
plotting allows anyone to understand the plot
and will even allow them to take over the safe
navigation of the vessel if need be. Lines with-
out labels are confusing and useless after a short
2 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

period of time, even to those who drew them.

Without labels the crew will likely be confused if
called upon in an emergency, either to give a
position to the Coast Guard, or to bring the boat
to a safe harbour under adverse conditions.

1.3 General instructions

Broadly speaking, there are three ways to

record plotting concepts:

1 Fully written descriptions, such as ‘dead

reckoning position’, ‘line of position’, or
‘Global Positioning System’, are used in text
material or glossaries.

2 Letter abbreviations for the written descrip-

tion, such as ‘DR’, ‘LOP’, or ‘GPS’, are
used in log books and text material.

3 Symbols are used to represent the written or

abbreviated description, such as a circle for fix
or a triangle for a predetermined waypoint.

Generally the use of both a symbol and letter

abbreviations on the chart is considered redun-
dant, and is not necessary unless both are need-
ed to eliminate confusion. The use of a symbol
alone also helps to reduce clutter when working
in a congested area on a chart.

Capital letters are used for all labels when charting.

All labelling should be done so the lettering can be
read from the bottom or right-hand side of the
chart. In other words, all lines, except lines running
due north or south, are labelled with the most
important information on the north side of the
line. Lines running due north or south are labelled
with the most important information on the west
side of the line. Direction is the most important
information for lines showing boat movement.
Time is the most important information for lines
determining the boat position. This information
will automatically be placed on the correct side of
the line when it is written down before the plotter
is moved.
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards
Circular lines of position are labelled so that the
time is located on the north side of the arc.
In areas where it is not possible to follow this
standard because of extensive chart detail, the
labels can be placed in a clear place on the chart
with an S-shaped arrow pointing at the location.
Lines of motion (e.g., track, course) are drawn
as solid lines.
A Line of Position (LOP) is a line on which a boat
is located, and is used to establish a fix. These
lines should be of sufficient length to eliminate
confusion in identifying the charted object used
for the bearing. Boating students should draw
these lines up to, but not through any aids to
navigation. More advanced students may use
shorter LOPs. A dashed line is used for any por-
tion of an LOP on which a boat cannot be posi-
tioned (e.g., an LOP plotted over land), or for a
construction line.
Directions are always labelled with three digits;
e.g., east is written as 090. The time of an event
is always labelled with four digits; e.g., 6 o’clock
in the morning is written as 0600. Speed is
always labelled to the nearest tenth of a knot;
e.g., 6.5 knots, 12.0 knots, etc.
3
1.4 Standards of accuracy
The purpose of this manual is to illustrate, by
example, the standardized method of plotting
used in CPS courses. The details of how the data
to plot are derived will be found in the course
texts. CPS standards of accuracy for plotting and
recording data:
Latitude ..........................nearest 0.1 minute
Longitude.......................nearest 0.1 minute
Time (24-hour clock)......nearest minute (four
digits)
Speed..............................nearest 0.1 knot
Distance..........................nearest 0.1 nautical mile
Track or course...............nearest degree (three
digits)
Variation or deviation ...nearest degree
Bearing ...........................nearest degree (three
digits)
Current set .....................nearest degree (three
digits)
Current drift...................nearest 0.1 knot
Height of tide ................nearest 0.1 metre or
0.1 foot
4 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards
1.5 Rules for rounding
When a figure is to be rounded off to fewer
places of decimals, the procedure is as follows:
(a) If the decimal to be rounded off is 4 or
lower, it is dropped.
Example: 3.432 rounded to two places is
3.43, rounded to one place is 3.4.
(b) If the decimal to be rounded off is 5 or high-
er, the preceding digit is raised to the next
higher value and the rounded digit is
dropped.
Example: 4.356 rounded to two places is
4.36, rounded to one place is 4.4.
Greater accuracy is achieved if rounding takes
place after the completion of addition, multipli-
cation, etc.
1.6 Conventions used in this manual
1.6.1 Use of capital letters in text
Small capitals or uppercase letters are used to
identify how various terms are used in this man-
ual. Normal capitalization rules are used in the
text except to identify specific uses for the
terms used on the chart or abbreviations.
• Uppercase letters enclosed in single quotes
identify terms to be used on the chart; e.g.,
‘TR’, ‘FIX’, etc.
• Small capitals are used to identify abbrevia-
tions; e.g., LOP, DR, GPS, etc.
1.6.2 Abbreviations and terms
The following abbreviations are found in the
text, graphics or deck log of this manual:
Brg ...............................bearing
C...................................course to be steered
C Brg............................compass bearing
COP..............................circle of position
Crs chg.........................course change
Dep ..............................departure
DFT ..............................current speed
DR ................................dead reckoning position
EP.................................estimated position
FIX................................known location of boat
GPS ..............................global position system
HC Brg .........................hand compass bearing
Hdg..............................heading of boat
Kn ................................knot, a unit of speed
LOP ..............................line of position
NLT...............................not less than
NMT.............................not more than
RAD .............................radar
R Brg............................relative bearing
RFIX .............................running fix
S ...................................boat speed through water
SET ...............................current direction
SMG .............................speed made good
SOA..............................speed of advance
Stbd .............................starboard
TR.................................track
TMG.............................Track made good
VAR E...........................east variation
VAR W .........................west variation
WP ...............................waypoint
ZD ................................time zone description
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 5

2.0 Lines of motion

The symbols in this section are used to indicate the
direction and speed of a boat. All directions are drawn
and labelled with respect to true north but labelled
with both true and magnetic values (e.g.: C 120/100M).
A standard variation of 20° East is used in this manual.

2.1 Track (TR)

Track is a line on the chart showing the intended path

of a boat over the ground. It is labelled on the north
side of the line with the symbol ‘TR’ and the true/mag-
netic direction. The speed of advance is placed on the
south true side of the line with the symbol ‘SOA’ and
the speed.

2.2 Course (C)

Course is a line on the chart showing the direction a

boat is to be steered. It is labelled on the north side of
the line with the symbol ‘C’ and the true/magnetic direc-
tion. The speed of the boat through the water is placed
on the south side of the line, prefixed with the symbol ‘S’.

2.3 Track made good (TMG)

Track made good is the direction the boat travelled

between two fixes. It is drawn between two fixes and
labelled on the north side of the line with the symbol
‘TMG’ and true/magnetic direction. The speed made
good is placed on the south side of the line with the
symbol ‘SMG’ and the speed.
6 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

3.0 Lines of position (LOPs)

A bearing is the direction of an object as seen from a
boat. A true bearing, measured in degrees from true
north, but labelled with both true and magnetic values
(e.g.: 120/100M), is used to plot a line of position (LOP)
on a chart. LOPs can also be obtained from ranges,
compass bearings or bearings obtained by electronic
means such as GPS or radar. Under certain circum-
stances the LOP may be advanced (repositioned based
on the movement of the vessel) to obtain a
running fix.

3.1 Range

A range is created when two charted objects are in

line. These objects may be natural (e.g., islands) or
man-made (e.g., structures or beacons).

3.1.1 Plotting ranges

A line drawn on a chart connecting two objects (natural

or man-made) defines a range. The label consists of the
observed time the range was crossed (i.e., when the two
objects are seen to be in line from the boat). The time
label is placed on the north side of the LOP. The direction
is not required because the two objects define the range
and no direction is measured. The line is dashed where it
crosses land or non-navigable water. A short line near the
area of a fix may be plotted if there is no confusion as to
what two objects are used for the range.

3.2 Bearings and lines of position (LOPs)

Bearings are taken on various charted objects to pro-

vide LOP information. Charted objects (some examples
shown here) include aids to navigation, such as buoys
and identifiable landmarks, or electronic waypoints
(WP) plotted on the chart using coordinates. The sym-
bol for a waypoint is a triangle labelled with the way-
point name. Bearings are used to establish a boat’s
position and/or to ensure a safe passage (danger
bearings).
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 7

3.2.1 Plotting bearings

Bearings are measured by sighting on a clearly visible

charted object. The LOP direction is determined by the
true bearing from the boat to the object. It is labelled
with the time of the observation on the north side of
the line and the true/magnetic direction on the south
side of the line. A short line near the area of a fix may
be plotted if there is no confusion as to what sighted
object was used. If the LOP is extended over land, it is
drawn with a dashed line.

3.2.2 Electronic bearings

Electronic bearings are obtained using equipment such as

radar, GPS or LORAN. The LOP defines the true direction
from the boat to a charted object or predetermined way-
point on the chart, and is labelled with the time of the
observation on the north side of the line and the
true/magnetic direction and type of equipment used on
the south side of the line (‘RAD’ = radar, ‘GPS’ = satellite,
‘LOR’ = LORAN). A short line near the area of the fix may
be plotted if there is no confusion as to what waypoint
was used.
8 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

3.2.3 Advanced LOP

An advanced LOP is created by plotting a new location

for a previously established LOP, based on the calculat-
ed movement of the boat since the time of the obser-
vation on which the original LOP was based. The LOP is
labelled with the time of the original observation and
the time to which the LOP is being advanced on the
north side of the line, and the true/magnetic direction
on the south side of the line.

3.3 Circle of position (COP)

A circle of position is created by measuring the dis-

tance from a charted object using a vertical angle, a
horizontal angle, or electronic equipment.

3.3.1 COP using a vertical angle

The COP is an arc using the calculated distance from

plotted object as the radius and the object as the cen-
tre. The radius is plotted as a dashed line drawn from
the object to the arc. The arc is labelled with the time
of the observation on the north side of the line and the
distance away, in nautical miles, on the south side of
the line.

3.3.2 COP using a horizontal angle

The COP is an arc plotted on the chart based on the

angle subtended by two charted objects. Dashed lines
are drawn from two observed objects to a point on the
arc. These lines should only be extended to the sighted
objects if required to eliminate confusion. The COP is
labelled with the time of the observation on the north
side of the arc and the size of the horizontal angle, in
degrees, is noted inside the lines of the angle.
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 9

3.3.3 COP using electronic equipment

The COP is an arc drawn using an identified object as

the centre and a radius equal to the distance away
obtained from radar, GPS or LORAN. The radius is drawn
as a dashed line from the aid to navigation or way-
point (a predetermined geographical location noted
on the chart as a triangle) to the arc. The observation
time is shown on the north side of the arc, and the
distance and electronic equipment used to obtain the
measurement on the south side of the arc
(‘RAD’ = radar, ‘GPS’ = satellite, ‘LOR’ = LORAN).

3.3.4 Advanced COP

An advanced COP is created by calculating a new loca-

tion for the centre point of a COP arc, based on the
time elapsed and calculated movement of the boat
since the time of the observation on which the original
COP was based. The COP is labelled with the time of the
original observation and the time to which the COP is
being advanced on the north side of the arc, and the
distance off on the south side of the arc.
10 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

4.0 Boat positions

Boat positions can be established using dead reckon-
ing or, more accurately, by establishing fixes.

4.1 Dead reckoning (DR) position

A dead reckoning (DR) position is based on the calcu-

lated distance travelled along the course line from the
last fix. Dead reckoning positions are established at
given time intervals, when bearings are taken, or
when the speed or course of the boat changes. They
are marked along the course line by a dot, enclosed
with a semi-circle, and labelled with the time. The time
should be written at an angle to the course line.

4.2 Fixes

A fix is a known position of a boat, which may be

established in a number of ways. Examples are: being
close aboard a known aid or predetermined waypoint,
intersections of lines of position, use of electronic
instruments, or celestial sights. Fixes are noted on a
chart by a dot surrounded by a circle and the time.
An electronic fix established when underway is identi-
fied with a circle, time and the equipment used (‘GPS’
= satellite and ‘LOR’ = LORAN). The word ‘FIX’ is not
needed because the circle is the symbol for a fix.

4.2.1 Close aboard fix

A fix is established any time a boat is close aboard a

charted aid to navigation or waypoint. The fix is
labelled with a circle centred on the aid position, and
the time written plainly off to the side. A predeter-
mined waypoint used as a fix is labelled with the time
and a circle surrounding the triangle symbol. The way-
point identification must be plainly labelled.
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 11

4.2.2 Two-bearing fix

This fix is established at the intersection of two LOPs, or

a LOP and a range, or two ranges. The fix symbol (cir-
cle) is centred at the intersection, and is labelled with
the time of the bearings. The time should be placed so
it can be seen easily and does not interfere with the
surrounding detail. The LOPs must be labelled with the
true/magnetic direction (on the south side of the line),
but the time can be omitted when the LOPs are associat-
ed with a fix.

4.2.3 LOP and COP fix

A fix established with a LOP and COP is very similar to a

two-bearing fix. The difference is one of the LOPs is a
COP. The intersection of the LOP and COP is marked with
the fix symbol (circle) and is labelled with the time.
The bearing must be labelled with the true/magnetic
direction on the south side of the line. The COP must
be labelled with the distance away from the object on
the south side of the arc and the radius as a dashed
line unless the radius is the LOP. The time can be omit-
ted on both the LOP and COP when associated with a fix.

4.2.4 Two COP fix

The intersection of two COPs is another method of

obtaining a fix. The intersection of the COPs is labelled
with a circle and the time. The arcs of the COPs are
labelled on the south side of the arc with their respec-
tive distances away from the object, and the radii are
drawn as dashed lines from the observed object to
the arcs. The time can be omitted when the COPs are
associated with fix.
12 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

4.2.5 Three-bearing fix

A three-bearing fix is established by using three LOPs.

These lines seldom meet at a single point and usually
form a small triangle or ‘cocked hat’. The fix is located
in the centre of the cocked hat, or at the intersection
closest to any nearby hazard. The fix is labelled with a
circle and time. The true/magnetic directions of the
LOPs are placed on the south side of the appropriate
lines, but the time can be omitted when the LOPs are
associated with a fix.

4.2.6 Horizontal angle fix

Two horizontal angles with a common side will establish

a fix. The fix is labelled with a circle and the time. The
size of the angles is shown near their intersections. The
sides of the angles should only be extended to the sight-
ed objects if required to eliminate confusion.

4.2.7 Electronic fixes

GPS and LORAN equipment can provide latitude and

longitude information directly while underway. This
position is plotted on the chart and labelled with a
circle, the time, and the equipment used to determine
the fix. (‘GPS’ = satellite and ‘LOR’ = LORAN).
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 13

4.3 Running fixes

Running fixes are established using a calculated dis-

tance based on boat speed and elapsed time.

4.3.1 Single object running fix

A COP is drawn from the single object using the distance

calculated from a timed run as the radius of COP. The
bearing taken at the end of the timed run is also plotted.
The intersection of the LOP and COP is labelled with a cir-
cle, the time and ‘RFIX’. The COP is labelled with the dis-
tance on the south side of the arc and the LOP with the
true/magnetic direction on the south side of the line. The
time can be omitted as they are associated with the fix.

4.3.2 Advanced LOP running fix

A running fix is also established when an advanced LOP

is combined with another LOP. The LOP based on the
second observation is labelled with the true/magnetic
direction on the south side of the line, but the time
can be omitted as it is associated with the fix. The
advanced LOP is labelled with the time of the original
observation and the time to which the LOP is being
advanced on the north side of the line, and the
true/magnetic direction on the south side of the line.
The fix itself is labelled with a circle, the time, and
‘RFIX’.

4.3.3 Advanced COP running fix

This fix is the same as the advanced LOP running fix

except that a COP is advanced. Labelling consists of a
circle at the intersection forming the fix, along with
the time and ‘RFIX’. The LOP is labelled with the
true/magnetic direction on the south side of the line,
but the time can be omitted as it is associated with the
fix. The advanced COP must be labelled with the time
of the original observation on which it was based and
the time to which the COP is being advanced on the
north side of the arc, and the distance on the south
14 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

side of the arc.

4.4 Estimated position (EP)

Estimated positions are DR positions corrected for

external influences affecting the progress of the boat.

4.4.1 EP without current

The EP is located on the LOP by drawing a construction

line (dashed) from the DR position at the time the
bearing was taken, perpendicular to the LOP. A square
at the intersection of the LOP and construction line
identifies the EP. No time is needed at the EP location.

4.4.2 EP with current

A scaled current vector, calculated using known values

of set and drift, is drawn from a DR position. It is
labelled with the set (‘SET’ and true/magnetic direc-
tion) and drift (‘DFT’ in knots) and headed with a sin-
gle arrowhead. The EP is located at the end of the cur-
rent vector. To establish an EP on an associated LOP
draw a construction line (dashed) from the end of the
current line perpendicular to the LOP. A square at the
end of the current arrow or the intersection of the LOP
and construction line identifies the EP. No time is
needed at the EP location.
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 15

5.0 Standing clear of danger

Danger angles and danger bearings are used to ensure
a boat stays in safe water.

5.1 Danger angles

Danger angles are predetermined vertical or horizontal

angles establishing the limits of a dangerous area.

5.1.1 Vertical danger angles

Arcs, with radii determined by measuring vertical

angles, are drawn to identify hazardous water areas.
Arcs labelled with ‘NMT’ (not more than) and the sex-
tant angle identify hazards inshore from the arc. Arcs
labelled with ‘NLT’ (not less than) and the sextant
angle identify hazards seaward from the arc. The
labelling is placed on the ‘safe’ side of the arc.

5.1.2 Horizontal danger angles

Arcs, determined by a horizontal angle measured

between two charted objects, are drawn to identify
hazardous water areas. The angles are labelled with
‘NMT’ (not more than) and the angle to identify haz-
ards inshore from the arc. The angles are labelled with
‘NLT’ (not less than) and the angle to identify hazards
seaward from the arc. The labelling is placed inside
the angle.
16 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

5.2 Danger bearings

A danger bearing establishes the limits of a dangerous

area. Bearings are drawn to a charted object so that it
clears the danger area and ‘feathered’ on the danger-
ous side. If the hazard is on the port side, the bearing
is labelled with true/magnetic direction, preceded with
the letters ‘NMT’ (not more than). If the hazard is on
the starboard, the bearing is labelled with true/mag-
netic direction, preceded with the letters ‘NLT’ (not
less than).
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 17

6.0 Vectors used

in current problems
Vectors are used to solve current problems and when
locating estimated positions established with current.
Vectors represent motion by graphically showing direc-
tion and speed (vector length equals speed multiplied
by time).

6.1 Course to steer

The length of the plotted ‘course to steer’ vector is

equal to the scaled distance of travel through the
water, and is plotted with a single arrowhead pointed
in the direction of travel. The line is labelled with the
course (‘C’ and true/magnetic direction) on the north
side of the line and the boat speed (‘S’) on the south
side of the line.

6.2 Track or Track made good

The length of the plotted track or track made good

(TMG) vector is equal to the scaled distance of travel
and is plotted with a single arrowhead pointed in the
direction of travel. If the line represents the Track, it is
labelled with ‘TR’ and true/magnetic on the north side
of the line, and speed of advance (‘SOA’) on the south
side of the line. If the line represents the track made
good, the line is labelled with ‘TMG’ true/magnetic
direction on the north side of the line, and the speed
made good (‘SMG’) on the south side of the line.

6.3 Current

The length of the plotted current vector is equal to the

scaled distance of the current travel and is plotted with
a single arrowhead pointed in the direction of current
flow. The line is labelled with ‘SET’ and true/magnetic
direction on the north side of the line and ‘DFT’ and
speed on the south side of the line.
18 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

6.4 Current vector diagrams

The example at the right is an illustration of completed

current vector diagram. Current vector problems are
normally done on work sheets to eliminate clutter on
the chart.

6.5 Current from a DR plot

The current vector is drawn from a DR and the correspon-

ding fix. The line, headed by a single arrowhead, is
labelled with the ‘SET’ and true/magnetic direction on
the north side of the line and the ‘DFT’ and speed on the
south side of the line or may be offset, as shown, when
space is limited.
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 19

7.0 Celestial navigation

Celestial navigation uses a plotting system similar to
coastal piloting. The main difference is the plot is
based on celestial observations.

7.1 Celestial lines of position

Celestial LOPs are similar to terrestrial LOPs, except they

are based on celestial sights.

7.1.1 Azimuth line

The azimuth line is plotted from a DR position (or an

assumed position) in a specified true direction and dis-
tance based on data from the sight reduction calcula-
tion. It is plotted as a dashed line. The LOP is drawn as
a perpendicular line at the end of the azimuth line.

7.1.2 Celestial Line of position

A celestial line of position is plotted on a chart using

data from the sight reduction calculation. It is labelled
with the time on the north side of the line and the
body used for the sight on the south side of the line.
The time can be omitted when the LOP is associated
with a fix
20 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

7.2 Celestial fixes

Celestial fixes are plotted from data obtained from

sextant sights.

7.2.1 Simultaneous sights

A fix from simultaneous sights is determined by the

intersection of two or more celestial LOPs from sights
taken within a few minutes of each other. The fix is
labelled with a circle and the time of the last sight. The
LOPs are labelled with the observed body on the south
side of the line. The time of LOPs may be omitted as
they are associated with the fix.

7.2.2 Running fix

A running fix is established when an advanced celestial

LOP is combined with a later LOP. The fix itself is
labelled with a circle and ‘RFIX’. The later LOP is
labelled with the observed body on the south side of
the line, but the time may be omitted, if desired. The
advanced LOP must be labelled with the time of the
original observation and the time of the fix on the
north side of the line, and the observed body on the
south side of the line.
 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards 21

7.3 Estimated position (EP)

An estimated positions (EPs) is a DR positions corrected

for external influences affecting the progress of a
boat.

7.3.1 EP without current

A dashed line is drawn at right angles to the LOP for a

sight, from the DR position. The intersection at the LOP
is labelled with a small square.

7.3.2 EP with current

A current line is drawn from the DR position for the

time of a sight and is labelled with the Set (‘SET’
true/magnetic direction) and Drift (‘DFT’ in knots) and
headed with a single arrowhead. The EP is located on
the LOP by drawing a construction line (dashed) from
the end of the current vector perpendicular to the LOP.
A square at the intersection of the LOP and construc-
tion line identifies the EP. No time is needed at the EP
location.
22 CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

7.4 Miscellaneous plotting

There are two unique notations used in celestial naviga-

tion, namely; time zone crossing and variation changes.

7.4.1 Time zone crossing

A dashed line is drawn across the course line and

labelled on either side with the appropriate time zone
prefixed with ‘ZD’. The first DR position after crossing
the time zone line is labelled with the time from both
time zones.

7.4.2 Variation change

A dashed line is drawn across the course line and

labelled with the word ‘VAR’ on either side with the
appropriate amount of variation.
 8.1 Deck Log Form
DECK LOG – VESSEL: Debutant NAVIGATOR: Ima Boater
Date/ Obser- Latitude Longitude T V M D C Speed Dist. ETA Remarks
time vation (Use two lines if necessary)

July 4, 2003
0900 Dep 48° 59.0'N 123° 47.0'W 129 20E 109 0 109 6.0 1.9 0919 Lv. Ladysmith Harbour, from LSMITH

0919 DR 48° 57.9'N 123° 44.8'W Boulder Pt. abeam to stbd (no LOP plot)

0919 Crs chg 009 20E 349 0 349 6.0 7.5 1034 Change Crs for Ruxton Passage
0948 DR 49° 00.7'N 123° 44.2'W Took 2 compass brgs
0948 C Brg 339 20E 319 0 319 Yellow Pt. Lt. (319° C)
0948 C Brg 086 20E 066 0 066 Fraser Pt. Lt. (066° C)
0948 FIX 49° 01.1'N 123° 44.2'W 009 20E 349 0 349 6.0 3.9 1027 2 Brg fix, continue 009° course
1000 DR 49° 02.3'N 123° 44.0'W Yellow Pt. G buoy abeam to port (no plot)

1011 DR 49° 03.3'N 123° 43.7'W Danger Reefs abeam to stbd (no plot)
1027 DR 49° 04.9'N 123° 43.3'W Took 2 compass brgs
1027 C Brg 336 20E 316 0 316 Red buoy QR, West Ruxton Pass (316º )

1027 C Brg 050 20E 030 0 030 SE tip of De Courcy (030°C)

1027 FIX 49° 05.1'N 123° 44.1'W 2 Brg fix. Set 292°, drift 0.8 kn

1027 Crs chg Conning 6.0 0.9 1036 Con east through Ruxton Pass
to green buoy FlG.
1036 FIX 49° 05.3'N 123° 42.9'W Close aboard green buoy FlG
1036 Crs chg 355 20E 335 0 335 6.0 2.3 1059 Course to Dibuxante Pt.
1059 DR 49° 07.6'N 123° 43.2'W Dibuxante Pt. Lt. abeam to stbd (no LOP plot)

1059 Crs chg Conning 6.0 2.4 1123 Con east through Gabriola Pass
CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

1100 DR Use 1059 DR as 1100 DR

23
 24

Deck Log Form

DECK LOG – VESSEL: Debutant NAVIGATOR: Ima Boater
Date/ Obser- Latitude Longitude T V M D C Speed Dist. ETA Remarks
time vation (Use two lines if necessary)

July 4, 2003
1123 FIX 49° 07.0'N 123° 40.0'W Close aboard Δ GAB E

1123 Crs chg 145 20E 125 0 125 8.0 6.1 1209 Course to Porlier Pass range
1200 DR 49° 03.5'N 123° 36.1'W Hourly DR
1209 DR 49° 02.0'N 123° 34.6'W Intersect Porlier Pass range
1209 Conning 5.0 2.3 1237 Con through Porlier Pass to Δ W POR
1235 FIX 49° 00.0'N 123° 36.0'W Close aboard Δ W POR
1235 Crs chg 216 20E 196 0 196 6.0 0.6 1241 Course to pass south of Reid I.
1241 DR 48° 59.6'N 123° 36.5'W
CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards

1241 Crs chg 191 20E 171 0 171 6.0 1.9 1300 Course to pass south of Norway I.
1258 DR 48° 57.9'N 123° 37.0' W Brg and course change

1258 C Brg 150 20E 131 0 131 South Pt. Lt. (131° C)
1258 Crs chg 180 20E 160 0 160 6.0 2.7 1308 Course to clear Sandstone Rks
1300 Hourly DR not plotted, use 1258 DR
1309 DR 48° 56.9'N 123° 37.0'W Took compass brg
1309 HC Brg 085 20E 065 0 065 Southey Pt. Lt. (065° C) Hand compass Brg

1309 RFIX 48° 56.7'N 123° 36.7'W 180 20E 160 0 160 6.0 2.3 1332 Advance 1258 LOP for RFIX
1332 DR 48° 54.3'N 123° 36.7'W DR for GPS FIX
1332 GPS FIX 48° 54.2'N 123° 37.3'W GPS position

1332 DR (Cur) 48° 54.5'N 123° 37.0'W Current set 215°, drift 0.4 kn
 Deck Log Form
DECK LOG – VESSEL: Debutant NAVIGATOR: Ima Boater
Date/ Obser- Latitude Longitude T V M D C Speed Dist. ETA Remarks
time vation (Use two lines if necessary)
July 4, 2003
1332 Crs chg 296 20E 276 0 276 6.0 3.7 1409 Course to Bare Pt. , Chemainus

1400 DR 48° 55.5'N 123° 41.2'W

1407 FIX 48° 55.8'N 123° 42.4'W Close aboard Bare Pt. Lt.
1407 Crs chg Conning Con into harbour to wharf
1420 Tie up 1420 Tie up at Chemainus Govt. wharf
Notes: Due to chart congestion some lines are not plotted, or if plotted they were not labelled. See notes in log.
DRs shown as being 'abeam' are established by visual sightings (that is, compass bearings were not taken and no LOP plotted).
The DR is plotted on the course line directly opposite the sighted feature.
CPS Course Plotting and Labelling Standards
25