PNTC COLLEGES

Zone III, Lt. Cantimbuhan St. Poblacion, Dasmariñas City

COLLEGE OF MARITIME EDUCATION

ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING MODULE

COURSE CODE NAV 101a PRE-REQUISITE None

COURSE TITLE Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation I SEMESTER 2nd
UNITS 3 YEAR LEVEL 1st Year
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course covers the requirements in Chapter II of the 1978 STCW Convention, as
amended, in Table A-II/1 of Section A-II/1 and Table A-II/2ofSection A-II/2. This course
provides the background knowledge to support the following main topics arranged by
chapters: The Electronic Position Fixing System, Use of Information from Navigational
Equipment for Maintaining a Safe Navigational Watch, Echo-Sounders, Compass -
Magnetic and Gyro, The Principles of the Magnetic Compass and their Correction, The
Principles and Errors of Gyro Compasses and Systems Under the Control of the Master
Gyro and the Operation and care of the main Types of Gyro-Compasses

ASYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY 7 (WEEK 7)

Position Lines and Positions
TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES
The students shall be able to:

1. Definition of Position

TASK

 Prepare Materials below.

o Yellow Pad
o Ballpen

Explain the Position Lines and Positions:

1. What is a line of position in navigation?

2. How is a line of position different from a fix in navigation?
3. Describe the process of obtaining a fix using intersecting lines of position.
4. How does the reliability of landmarks or celestial bodies affect the usability of lines of position?
5. What techniques can be employed to reduce errors in determining lines of position?

Form No. BPM2-CME 22 F-012 NAV 101a (AsyncAct 7)

Rev.00 Page 1 of 2
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Copyright © 2023 PNTC Colleges, All rights reserved.
When printed, this document is uncontrolled unless properly identified as controlled
 PNTC COLLEGES
Zone III, Lt. Cantimbuhan St. Poblacion, Dasmariñas City

1. What is a line of position in navigation?

In navigation, a line of position (LOP) is a line on a chart or map that represents a possible location
of a vessel or aircraft. It is determined by taking bearings of known landmarks or celestial bodies,
such as lighthouses, buoys, stars, or planets. By intersecting two or more lines of position, a
navigator can pinpoint the vessel's or aircraft's position on the map. Lines of position are crucial for
determining a vessel's position, especially when other navigation aids like GPS are not available or
reliable.

2. How is a line of position different from a fix in navigation?

A Line of Position (LOP) represents a possible location based on a single observation, shown as a
line on a chart while a Fix represents the actual position obtained by intersecting multiple lines of
position, providing a precise location on the map for navigation. Fix is more accurate than a single
LOP.

3. Describe the process of obtaining a fix using intersecting lines of position.

To obtain a fix using intersecting lines of position:
- Take accurate bearings from known landmarks or celestial bodies.
- Plot lines of position (LOPs) on a chart based on these bearings.
- Identify the intersection point where LOPs intersect.
- Verify and adjust for accuracy considering external factors.
- Update the position on the chart and continuously monitor for changes.

4. How does the reliability of landmarks or celestial bodies affect the usability of lines of position?
The reliability of landmarks and celestial bodies significantly affects the accuracy and usability of
lines of position in navigation, with reliable references providing precise fixes while unreliable ones
can lead to inaccuracies and challenges in determining positions accurately. Celestial bodies offer
dependable references, especially in areas lacking reliable landmarks, enhancing the effectiveness of
using lines of position for navigation.

5. What techniques can be employed to reduce errors in determining lines of position?

To reduce errors in determining lines of position in navigation, techniques such as averaging
measurements, cross-checking with different methods, instrument calibration, regular maintenance,
training, environmental awareness, double-checking by a second person, and detailed record-keeping
can be employed.

Form No. BPM2-CME 22 F-012 NAV 101a (AsyncAct 7)

Rev.00 Page 2 of 2
COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Copyright © 2023 PNTC Colleges, All rights reserved.
When printed, this document is uncontrolled unless properly identified as controlled