Key Task BWN 2.

Fix the vessel’s position

NAME : D/C E. Iordache

SHIP’S NAME : Hampshire

SHIP TYPE : Gas Carrier

DATE APPROVED BY DTO :

NAME OF DTO : Eremin Andrey SIGNATURE _______

NAME OF MASTER : Zheng Jutian SIGNATURE _______

 Visual Bearings

Simultaneous Bearings
A bearing is an observation of an object expressed as an angle from 0̊ to
360̊. It should be measured at fixed and clearly visible objects or landmarks.
2 bearings are required to fix the position but this method is prone to
undetected errors. A third bearing will be taken whenever possible.

Successive Bearings
When only a single point of observation is available, the position can be
determined through successive bearings.
After the first bearing is taken and some time has passed, a second
bearing is taken and the distance travelled up to this point is calculated.
 The
distance determined is transposed parallel to the ship’s course from the position
of the object, determining an imaginary target. By transposing the first bearing
through this point, it is possible to determine the ship’s position.

Celestial Observations
By using Lines of Position it is possible to fix the ship's location. LoPs
are determined through the calculation of the Azimuth and Interception point,
which requires the use of the Nautical Almanach and the Sextant.
The Azimuth is drawn through the estimated position and the Intercept
point will be represented in Nm for each minute. The LoP will be raised
perpendicular on the Azimuth from the Intercept point.
At least 2 LoPs are required as their intersection will mark the position.

Az1
Ze1

Az2
Ze
 Dead Reckoning
It is possible to directly determine the ship's calculated position by
measuring the distance travelled following the course of the ship. This method
is simple but it's prone to errors.
Ze Ze1
Course= 85°

Log=45 Nm

Radar
Comparing the radar echo and range of a coastline or fixed object it is
possible to accurately plot the ship's position. The radar Overlay on ECDIS
makes this method very efficient, when possible.
Furthermore, Parallel Index lines serve to raise awareness of any possible
deviation from the ship's planned course.
Electronic
Autonomous geo-spatial positioning is provided through the Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). It has global coverage and can determine
the latitude and longitude to within a few meters.
Other satellite systems are Loran-C and eLoran, but the former being
discontinued and the latter no longer operational, makes the Global Positioning
System the standard.
Using the Satellite System the position can be fixed on the electronic
chart directly as the GPS provides the Lat and Long instantly.