Section 10: Position Fixing
There are two approaches to finding out where we are.- Firstly we may deduce our position from the course steered and the distance sailed. This is called dead reckoning (DR). If allowance is made for tidal set and leeway then an improved estimate is obtained called the estimated position (EP). DR and EP comes later.
The other approach is by observation of visible objects or other means (eg GPS) of finding out where we are without reference back to course and distance from a point of departure. This is called position fixing and is the subject of this section.
The section comprises the following:
Use of bearing and transits
Position by sounding
Navigational aids and light characters
Use of GPS for position fixing and navigation