How to Fix Positions

Navigation basics – How to fix a position

  1. Confirm previous position
  2. Run forward a DR based on engine speed or log
  3. Make an allowance for set and drift.
  4. From the EP position estimate bearings of relevant lighthouses and conspicuous objects.
  5. Take bearings and correct to true
  6. Compare the conspicuous objects used with the photograph or sketch from Pilot book for confirmation. Check the description of the lighthouse from the Admiralty List of Lights with the fixed navigational mark observed.
  7. Place bearings on chart and fix position
  8. Check that the distance run is reasonable given the engine speed, log, set and drift.
  9. Run forward one hour and place new DR on the course line.