1.

a) Using an appropriate diagram to illustrate your answer, state the principle of the marine
sextant

b) Using the attached Diagram 1 as reference, state the parts of the micrometer sextant

2.
a) Describe how you would take a reading of the sextant “off the arc”.

b) Briefly describe the First and Second correctable errors which may be found on a
sextant and how these errors may be corrected.

c) State the precautions you would take if an,y when taking an observation of the Sun?

d) Explain why the horizon mirror is part mirror and part glass.

3.
a) What is the reading of the sextant in the attached Diagram 2

b) On the 23rd of September, 0000 the sextant altitude of the sun’s lower limb was
observed as 580 32.6’. The index error was 2.3’ on the arc and the observers height of
eye was 15.4 metres. Find the true altitude of the sun.

c) On the 28th of June 0000, the OOW obtained two readings to determine the index error
by observations of the sun. The readings were noted as 31.2’ on the arc and 32.0’ off
the arc, find the index error.

4.
a) Using an appropriate diagram, explain what is meant by Time Zones.
b) Why does a vessel need to carry an accurate time standard?
c) The chronometer is generally used by vessel’s to provide and accurate time, what time
does the chronometer keep.

5.
a) At approximately 18:15 ship’s time on the 29th of september 0000, the OOW obtained a
star sight when the chronometer read 9h 15m 02s. The ship’s DR position was 400 00’N,
0480 15’W.
If the chronometer error was 2m 15s fast on GMT find the correct GMT.
b) Why is it so important to know the chronometer’s ‘daily rate’?
c) The chronometer error is entered into the Chronometer Rate Book. How does the OOW
find the chronometer error and how often should it be obtained?
Diagram 1
Diagram 2