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What is ship delay?

In maritime navigation, there are a number of essential concepts that every seafarer must be aware of to ensure a safe and efficient voyage. One such term is ship’s bearing, a key factor in determining a vessel’s position and course at sea.

Throughout this article, we will explain what bearing is, how it is measured, what types exist and why it is a fundamental concept for navigation guidance and safety.

What is ship delay?

A vessel’s bearing is defined as the angle that a reference point (such as a lighthouse, buoy or mountain on the coast) makes with the bow of the vessel or with compass north. This concept is essential for navigation because it allows the vessel’s position to be accurately located and the course corrected if necessary.

It is expressed in sexagesimal degrees, from 0° to 360°, and is measured in relation to different references, such as magnetic north, true north or the ship’s centreline.

Types of navigation delay

There are different types of bearing, depending on the reference with which it is measured. The most commonly used in navigation are explained below.

1. Relative delay

The angle measured from the centreline (i.e. the bow of the ship) to the reference object. It is measured clockwise from 0° to 360°.

For example, if a lighthouse is directly to starboard (right), the relative bearing will be 90°. If it is aft (behind the ship), the bearing will be 180°.

2. Actual delay

In this case, the reference for measuring bearing is not the ship’s bow, but true north (the geographical point on the planet where the North Pole is located). It is measured with a compass or a nautical chart and is essential for accurate navigation.

3. Magnetic delay

It is similar to true bearing, but instead of being taken relative to true north, it is measured relative to magnetic north, which is the point towards which the compass needle is pointing. Because of magnetic declination (difference between true and magnetic north), this measurement requires adjustment to avoid navigational errors.

What is the navigation delay used for?

Delay is a fundamental tool in navigation because it allows:

  • Determine the exact location of the vessel in relation to visible landmarks.
  • Correct course to avoid deviations and maintain the desired course.
  • Avoid obstacles and hazards by identifying the position of lighthouses, buoys and other maritime markers.
  • Perform navigational calculations to determine ship’s speed and direction accurately.

How to measure ship’s demurrage

To measure the bearing of an object at sea, different instruments and methods can be used, depending on the technology available on board.

1. Use of a marking compass

The bearing compass is an optical instrument used to determine the angle between the ship’s bow and a reference point. It works in a similar way to a compass, but with a sight to accurately align the object to be measured.

2. Calculation with a magnetic compass

Measuring the bearing with a magnetic compass gives the magnetic bearing, which must then be corrected for the magnetic declination of the area being navigated.

3. Use of electronic navigation systems

Modern vessels are equipped with electronic systems that can measure bearing automatically and accurately. Equipment such as nautical GPS and radar can calculate bearing in real time, facilitating navigation even in low visibility conditions.

Practical example of how to use delay in navigation

Imagine you are sailing along the coast and you want to know your exact location. You notice a lighthouse on the horizon and decide to measure its bearing with a bearing compass.

  1. You measure the relative bearing and get an angle of 70° to the bow of the ship.
  2. You correct the measurement to your current heading. If you are navigating on a course of 100°, you add this value to the relative bearing.
  3. You get the true bearing (70° + 100° = 170°).
  4. You locate the lighthouse on the nautical chart with the 170° bearing, which allows you to determine your exact position at sea.

This method is particularly useful when combined with other measurements, such as the bearing to a second reference point, allowing a cross-check of bearings for accuracy.

Differences between bearing and bearing in seamanship

Although in some cases the terms ‘delay’ and ‘tagging’ may be used interchangeably, there is a technical difference between them.

  • Bearing: The angle an object makes with respect to north (either true or magnetic).
  • Bearing: Refers to the angle of an object in relation to the bow of the ship.

In short, bearing is a measurement relative to the ship, while bearing is a measurement relative to a fixed reference point (true or magnetic north).

Importance of delay in maritime security

The correct use of bearing is essential for safety at sea. Inaccurate measurement can lead to navigational errors that could result in course deviations, risk of collision or difficulties in reaching the planned destination.

For this reason, it is essential that navigators know and practise the use of bearing in different conditions, using both traditional methods (such as the bearing compass) and modern electronic systems.

In vessels designed for recreational and sport navigation, accurate course planning and measurement instruments are key to ensuring a safe and efficient navigation experience.

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