Candidate’s Name: National ID:

Ports and Maritime Organization

Seafarers' Affairs Directorate
Exam Code: SMNV-993
Subject: Electronic Navigational Aids Date: 29/07/1399
Rank: Second Officer (GT≥500) Time Allowed: 2.5 Hours
(Pass mark: 55)

Q1 Briefly describe the following errors which affect the accuracy of position obtained
by GPS?

a) Satellite clock error

b) Tropospheric delay error
c) Multipath error
d) Relativity error on GPS satellite and RECIEVER clocks
a- SV clock errors: is It has already been stated that a satellite clock oscillator is a precision
instrument, but it SV clock errorsis still necessary to re-adjust it from the ground support
network. Error introduced by SV clock error is unlikely to exceed 1m.
b-Tropospheric delay error: The troposphere is the lower part (ground level to from 8 to
13 km) of the atmosphere that experiences the changes in temperature, pressure, and
humidity associated with weather changes introduces a delay into the pseudo-range
calculation. GPS receivers hold a software solution in the form of a mathematical model
to eliminate the effect of this delay. Figures for relative humidity, pressure and temperature
are interfaced with the processor computer to produce corrective data which is then applied Each 5
to fix calculation error is unlikely to exceed 1m. Marks
c- Multipath error: Multipath is caused by reflected signals from surfaces near the receiver
that can either interfere with or be mistaken for the signal that follows the straight line path
from the satellite. Final fix errors in the region of 1 meter can be produced by this effect.
Careful positioning of the antenna will eliminate this error.
D-Relativity error on GPS satellite and RECIEVER clocks: This error produced due to two
causes:
1- GPS satellites move with higher speed rather than receiver on the earth surface
(14,000km/hr), which can cause the atomic clocks on-board the satellites to register time
about 7 microseconds/day slower than on earth.
2- Reduction of gravity on satellites causes the clocks to run about 45 microseconds a day
faster than they do on earth. The overall effect is a +38 microseconds/day increase in
measured time which is then compensated for at the satellites.To compensate for all
relativity errors, the SV clock oscillator frequency is slightly offset.
Ref: Electronic Navigation Systems, Laurie Tetley, page.161, 162.

Q2 Explain in details the following types of transducers?

10
a) Piezoelectric resonator
marks
b) Magnetostrictive transducer 10
marks
Piezoelectric resonator
 This type of transducer makes use of the flexible qualities of a crystal slice. If the ceramic
crystal slice is mounted so that it is able to flex at its natural resonant frequency, acoustic
oscillations can be produced. The action is again reciprocal. If the ceramic crystal slice is
mounted at its corners only, and is caused to flex by an external force, a small p.d. will be
developed across the ends of the element. This phenomenon is widely used in industry for
producing such things as electronic cigarette lighters and fundamental crystal oscillator
units for digital watches. However, a ceramic crystal slice used in this way is subject to the
same mechanical laws as have previously been stated. The higher the frequency of
oscillation, the thinner the slice needs to be and the greater the risk of fracture due to
external stress or overdriving. For these reasons, piezoelectric resonators are rarely used at
sea.

Magnetostrictive transducers: The transmitting transducer consist of a pack of nickel discs

around which are wound coils of the electric circuit from the pulse generator. A high
powered AC current passes through the circuit coils and the sudden changes in the
magnetic field cause the discs to vibrate. The vibrations produce sound waves which are
focused by a parabolic
reflector into a beam 12—25
deg width down to the sea
bed. In the receiving
transducer, the returning
echoes are focused by a
similar parabolic reflector to
another set of nickel rings.
these rings are re magnetized
so that the induced voltage is
made stronger.

Ref: Electronic Navigation Systems, Laurie Tetley, page.28, 29 Radar and electronic
navigation by Sonnenberg page.53

Q3 a) Define the deviation in the magnetic compass, state how it is obtained? 10

b) Name at least 8 causes of change in deviation in a ship? marks
10
marks
a) Magnetic deviation, the angle between the compass needle and magnetic north due
to the presence of iron within the ship itself. The algebraic sum of the magnetic variation
and the magnetic deviation is known as the compass error.

The force that acts upon your compass to create error is deviation. Deviation is the
influence of the immediate environment upon your compass. Being a magnet, your
compass will be attracted to (or repelled by) iron bearing metal and other magnets
(including magnetic fields created by flowing electricity). Unlike variation, deviation is
not constant, it's different in every ship, and it's even different within the same ship,
 depending on which direction she's sailing. Deviation is measured by the angular
difference between the magnetic heading and the compass heading.

After compass adjcement, the residual deviation is then obtained by swinging the ship &
is tabulated on a deviation card or presented as a deviation curve by qualified person called
the compass adjuster.

b)

b) large structural changes to the hull.

c) When the ship has been in collision or stranded and subsequently repaired.
d) When the ship has been stricken by lightning.
e) After being laid up for a long time.
f) After a major fire on board.
g) Carriage of cargoes of magnetic nature.
h) Use of electromagnetic cranes.
i) Changing any correctors on board.
j) When considerable change in magnetic latitude or when 50 nm from magnetic
equator.
k) When operating in an area remote from the last place of swing.

Ref: Seamanship techniques 3rd edition, page 341, Magnetic compass hand book

Q4 Briefly describe what is VDR and SVDR, also explain the Audio Evidence
requirements?
A VDR is a self-enclosed monitoring device that can digitally record almost every aspect
of a ship's navigational and engine room information into a "black box" that allows review
of the procedures and instructions used in the moments before a casualty to help identify
the cause of the accident. Ship owners can outfit their vessels with a wide range of VDRs
which can record virtually every critical piece of information relevant to a ship's business
including:
• Ambient bridge conversation and VHF radio communications,
• Date, time, position ( GPS ),
Ship’s heading ( Gyro ),
• Speed ( Log ),
20
• Radar picture,
marks
• Record radar and/or AIS data through ARPA overlays,
• Depth ( Echo sounder );
• Engine demand & response,
• Main alarms, fire alarms etc.,
• Watertight and fire door status,
• Rudder order & response,
• Wind speed & direction,
• Hull stresses & acceleration.

A Simplified VDR or ("SVDR") records far less information, but nevertheless must record,
"position, movement, physical status, command and control information." This
information is usually limited to AIS/GPS information coupled with bridge audio.
 The VDR data drive must also be located in a brightly colored, protected capsule to ensure
that it can be retrieved post-casualty. It is usually located on the flying bridge and must
also be fitted with a device that will assist in its location post-casualty. In the event the
vessel sinks, the VDR emits a “ping” that can help accident investigators locate the wreck
and begin salvage efforts. Once recovered, it will provide the foregoing data which is then
reviewed much like the “black box” in aircraft casualties.

Audio Evidence requirement

Microphones should be positioned on the bridge covering all work stations as described in
MSC/Circ.982 so that conversation is recorded. The recording should be such that, on
playback, a normal speaking voice should provide adequate intelligibility while the ship is
performing its normal operations. This performance should be maintained at all work
stations while there is a single audio alarm anywhere on the bridge or any noise, including
noise from faulty equipment or mounting, or wind. This should be achieved through the
use of at least two channels of audio recording. Microphones positioned outside on bridge
wings, should be recorded on at least one additional separate channel.

Ref: Seamanship techniques 3rd edition, page – 356. VDR & SVDR Guide by Sperry
marine

Q5 Describe the following static errors in a Gyro Compass:

a) Alignment error
b) Transmission error

1. Alignment error
An alignment error can be:
An error existing between the indicated heading and the vessel’s lubber line.
An error existing between the indicated lubber line and the fore and aft line of the vessel.
Both of these errors can be accurately eliminated by critically aligning the compass with the 10
ship’s lubber line at installation. marks
10
2. Transmission error marks
An error existing between the indicated heading on the master compass and the heading
produced by any remote repeater is a transmission error. Transmission errors are kept to a
minimum by the use of multispeed pulse transmission.

Ref: Electronic Navigation Systems, 3rd edition, page.282

Good Luck