Where am I?

Where am I?

• A. Determine speed
• B. Determine course
• C. Determine distance
• D. Determine position

Answer: (D)

Knowing your exact spot on the chart is what you’re aiming for when asked “Where am I?” In coastal navigation, the goal is to determine your position so you can plot a safe course, estimate distance to hazards, and plan the next leg. Speed is the rate you’re moving, not where you are. Course is the direction you’re steering, also not your location. Distance tells you how far you are from a reference point, which helps with progress but doesn’t by itself give your coordinates. To find your position, you use fixes and lines of position from navigational aids, landmarks, radar results, or other methods to pinpoint where you are on the chart. For example, taking bearings to two known objects and drawing the corresponding lines of position will intersect at your location. So the correct choice is determining position.

Knowing your exact spot on the chart is what you’re aiming for when asked “Where am I?” In coastal navigation, the goal is to determine your position so you can plot a safe course, estimate distance to hazards, and plan the next leg. Speed is the rate you’re moving, not where you are. Course is the direction you’re steering, also not your location. Distance tells you how far you are from a reference point, which helps with progress but doesn’t by itself give your coordinates. To find your position, you use fixes and lines of position from navigational aids, landmarks, radar results, or other methods to pinpoint where you are on the chart. For example, taking bearings to two known objects and drawing the corresponding lines of position will intersect at your location. So the correct choice is determining position.