Module 4: Position fix

• Graphic solution
The common intersection of two or more lines of position (LOP’s)
constitutes a fix, regardsless of the source of the LOP’s, provided
only that the lines are based upon simultaneous observations.
Celestial observations are seldom simultaneous because all sights
of a group are customarily taken by a single observer.
If observations are made a few minutes apart ( a round of sights),
all lines are adjusted to a common time and the position is
considered a fix. When a position is obtained by observations
separated by a considerable time interval (sun sights during the
day), usually several hours, we call the obtained position a running
fix.

A fix is taken at twilight when several stars in a small period of time

can be observed. The time of the fix is , in most cases, the time of
the mid observation or as close as possible. The time of the fix is
almost in all cases at the hour, the half hour, the quarter or one
tenth of an hour.
A running fix is obtained in most cases from the sun and will
determine the noon’s position, said watchtime on board 12h00. This
position is noted in the logbook and the mean value of speed over
ground between two running fixes is calculated. This mean value will
be used to determine the ETA based upon the remaining distance to
run.

In such LOP’s have to be transferred from their time of observation

to the dedicated time of the fix or running fix. We call this shift of
LOP’s.

How to proceed?

- calculate the time difference between the time of observation

and the dedicated fix time
- based upon the time difference and mean value of speed over
ground, calculate the distance
- transfer the LOP over the distance and course made good
direction and trace the LOP again on the chart

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 LOP 1 shifted
to time 12h00

LOP 1
At time 10h06

Rv

Distance = M between 10h06 and 12h00

Time difference = ∆t = 1h54 min = 1,9
Vmean = 16 knots
M = Vmean x ∆t
= 16 knots (miles/hour) x 1,9 hour = 30,40 miles

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What if the LOP is parallel (or almost) with Rv?

LOP 1
shifted to 12h00

LOP1
at 10h06
Rv

M
V1

V1

Distance on bearing between LOP and course line

The fix:
Capella
Aldebaran
Venus
Moon

Kochab

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 • noon position and its value in navigation

The noon position (at watch time 12h00) has a high value in
navigation for several reasons:

- indication of position in a special box of the logbook

- calculation of mean speed over ground since departure
- calculation of mean speed over ground since previous noon
position
- calculation of ETA
- information of noon position and ETA to owner, ship’s agent
and charterer (economical reasons)
- plotting progress of voyage on large scale chart

Economical reasons are:

- charter party: current conditions, option for renewal or new
charter
- economical speed ordered by owner or charterer
- ship’s agent: information to stevedore, port authority,
forwarders, etc.
- liner services
- etc.

• Pagel method

This method replaces a graphic solution in case we have obtained a

true latitude (meridian passage) and an almost true longitude
(bearing not 90° or 270° but 85°, 95°, 265°, 275° - close to 090°
and 270°).

Starting from the estimated longitude (ge), we need to find de

difference in longitude (∆g) to obtain the true longitude. The Pagel
method calculates ∆g.

In the figure on next page, the LOP is traced in a non- conventional

way as to former standards in order to make the demonstration
clearer.

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 (le, ge)

Az

LOP
∆l

(lv,gv) Az ∆e (lv,ge)

Difference in latitude (∆l) = le – lv

Departure (∆e) = difference between meridian of gv and meridian of
ge

In the obtained triangle, we have:

Cotg Az = ∆e / ∆l

Departure (∆e) = ∆g x cos lv

Cotg Az
∆g = ------------- x ∆l = C x ∆l
cos lv

C= factor of table C (ABC tables Norie’s Nautical Tables) obtained

at moment of observation of the LOP.

gv = ge +/- ∆g

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