Name: NESTOR P. BELLO JR.

Section: BSMT-1A8

WEEK NO. 2

1. Why it is important to me as a future deck officer to have knowledge of various satellite

system uses for position fixing?

A Deck Officer works in the execution of a variety of tasks- namely navigation and
maneuvering of the vessel, handling of all safety equipment on board, and handing cargo,
communications, and safety. The role of a Deck Officer in merchant navy is indispensable on
board and it is important for a prospective Cadet to know what a deck officer does on board
ships.
One of the most important knowledge an aspiring deck officer must possess was the
knowledge of various satellite system and its uses for position fixing. Now, what is position
fixing? Position fixing is the most important element of passage planning. Knowing where
you are at all times is crucial to marine navigation. In this age of modern electronics, we rely
heavily on GPS. Position fixing derived from measuring in relation to external reference
points. Usually, a fix is where two or more position lines intersect at any given time. If three
position lines can be obtained, the resulting "cocked hat", where the three lines do not
intersect at the same point, but create a triangle, gives the navigator an indication of the
accuracy. The most accurate fixes occur when the position lines are at right angles to each
other. Fixes are a necessary part of navigation by dead reckoning because dead reckoning
relies on estimates of speed and course. The fix confirms the actual position during a journey.
The fix itself can introduce inaccuracies if the reference point is not correctly identified or is
inaccurately measured.

Having knowledge of various satellite systems help a deck officer to perform their
task easily and to avoid errors that can lead to a more serious outcome. A person/deck officer
can’t do the job without proper knowledge and understanding regarding the various satellite
system uses for position fixing.