Module 10 - Chartwork

Worked EP and Course-to-Steer Example

EP problem: from a 1000 fix, the vessel travels on 090°T through the water at 5 kn for one hour. The DR is therefore 5.0 M east of the fix. The stream sets 180°T at 1 kn, so its one-hour drift is 1.0 M south. Plotting that stream from the DR gives the 1100 EP.

The EP is 5.0 M east and 1.0 M south of the start. Its ground displacement is √(5² + 1²) = 5.10 M and its direction is approximately 101°T. Those values are useful checks on the chart construction, not substitutes for carrying uncertainty in the inputs.

CTS problem: the desired one-hour ground track is 090°T, with the same 180°T stream at 1 kn and boat speed of 5 kn. Plot 1.0 M south from the start, then swing a 5.0 M arc from the end of that vector to the eastbound ground-track line. The required water track is approximately 078°T and the expected ground distance is 4.90 M, so predicted SOG is about 4.9 kn.

  • EP predicts the result of a chosen course through the water
  • CTS solves for the water track needed to make good a chosen ground track
  • The EP is about 5.10 M on 101°T from the start
  • The CTS water track is about 078°T with SOG about 4.9 kn
  • Apply leeway and compass corrections only after the true water-track solution
ConstructionPlotted movementChecked result
DR5.0 M on 090°T from the 1000 fix5.0 M east at 1100
EPAdd 1.0 M on 180°T from the DR5.10 M on about 101°T from start
CTS tide1.0 M on 180°T from the startSouthward offset to cancel
CTS boat5.0 M arc to the 090°T ground trackAbout 078°T; SOG about 4.9 kn

Optional quick check

Section 5 of 7

In the worked EP, where does the 1.0 M tidal vector begin?

Choose one answer

Continue studying Chartwork

This public lesson is part of Revision Module 10. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.