Lesson 4 Chartwork Exercises (Running Fix)

Running fix

Under some circumstances, such as low visibility, only one line of

position can be obtained at a time. In this event, a line of position
obtained at an earlier time may be advanced to the time of the later
LOP. These two LOPs should not be parallel to each other; remember
that the optimal angular spread is 90°. The position obtained is
termed a running fix because the ship has “run” a certain distance
during the time interval between the two LOPs. To use the LOP
obtained at an earlier time, we must advance it to the time of the
second LOP. This is done by using the dead reckoning plot. First, we
measure the distance between the two DR positions and draw
a construction line, which is parallel to a line connecting the two DR
positions.
Note that if there are no intervening course changes between the two
DR positions, it's easiest just to use the course line itself as the
construction line.
Now, using the parallel rulers we advance the first LOP along this
construction line over the distance we measured. The intersection is
our RFix.

Position by Running Fix

Even when there is only one object visible for visual bearing, we can
still get the position. The method is called “running fix”.

In this method, we take the first bearing of this object before when it is
forward of our beam. Let us say we see a light Fl 5s 20m 16M. At 2000
Hrs we take its bearing and it comes out to be 020 degrees.

Plot it on the chart. This is the first position line at 2000 Hrs.
Take the second bearing of the same object when it is abaft the beam.
Say this time we take the bearing at 2020 and the bearing is 300
Degrees.

Plot it on the chart. This is the position line at 2020 Hrs.

Now we have two position lines but both are at different times. We
need to bring either of these position lines to the same time as the
other one.

How do we do that ?

We know our course made good and speed, plot this on the chart. Now
on this course line cut the distance covered in 20 minutes which is the
interval between two position lines. Let us name this point as point A.
Now transfer your first position line to point A. The point where it cuts
the 2nd position line is the ship’s position at 2020 Hrs. This is because
now both the position lines are at the same time.
To get the position at 2000 Hrs, draw your course made good from the
2020 Hrs position. The point where it cuts the first position line will
be the ship’s position at 2000 Hrs.