Card No Bridge-200 Version 1 2013-04-19 Page 1 of 2
Position Fixing Intervals
I. Purpose of the document
The aim of this procedure is to give a Position Fixing Interval (PFI) rule based on distance to dangers, in order to avoid primarily the risk of grounding.
II. Scope
Following rule is to be applied by the officer on watch (OOW), unless shorter intervals are decided by the master. PFI must be adjusted to prevent vessel running aground between 2 fixes, depending on each particular situation (vessels kinematic, weather conditions).
III. Definitions and abbreviations
- Grounding line: The contour of water depths on passage equal to 1.2 x Draft. - Coastal Waters: Coastal waters are defined as the waters between 5 and 20 miles from any grounding line. - Restricted Waters: Restricted waters are within 5 miles from any grounding line.
IV. Contents of the procedure
Position fixing intervals must be taken into account by the officers on watch as a part of the bridge team management.
The Officer on watch (OOW) is in charge of the watch and he must comply with this procedure. In some circumstances the watch is tightened up by an officer on watch assistant (OOWA). Position fixing is the primary task of the OOWA, performed under the OOW guidance and responsibility. It is carried out according to the following rules:
- Fix rate: This formula can always be used is case of doubt. This formula insures a time period such that it is not possible for a ship to run aground between fixes.
- Recommended STANDARD POSITION FIXING INTERVAL PFI
1) Open sea (over 20 miles from any grounding line) :
Position fixing interval: 1 hour. 2) Coastal waters (between 5 and 20 miles from any grounding line): a. Speed over 15 knots: Position fixing interval: 12 minutes
b. Speed under 15 knots: Position fixing interval: 20 minutes 3) Within restricted waters (Within 5 miles from any grounding line): Position fixing interval: 6 minutes or less. Distance from grounding line (miles) 2 x Ships speed (knots)
Fix rate (minutes) = 60 x
BRIDGE MANUAL SHIP PROCEDURE Card No Bridge-200 Version 1 2013-04-19 Page 2 of 2 Position Fixing Intervals
V. Appendices Nil
VI. References Bridge Procedures Guide chapter 2 Bridge Team Management A Practical Guide chapter 3 & 5 Bridge-120 Coastal and restricted waters navigation Bridge-180 Under keel clearance
VII. Modifications of the document
Description of the Modification Date NVersion creation 2013-04-19 1
VIII. Validation and approval
Versions of the document Redaction name and function Date and Signature Validation Name and function Date and Signature Approval Name and Function Date and Signature 1 Jacques Subra Nautical Studies 2013-04-19
Eric Sabrazs Marine Standards Manager 2013-04-19
Ludovic Gerard Executive Vice President CMA Ships 2013-05-07
Ship Magnetism and the Magnetic Compass: The Commonwealth and International Library of Science, Technology, Engineering and Liberal Studies: Navigation and Nautical Courses