On 2 April your 0830 zone time fix gives you a position of LAT 20°16.0'S, LONG 004°12.0'E. Your vessel is steaming a course of 143°T at a speed of 18.0 knots. An observation of the Sun's upper limb is made at 0903 zone time, and the observed altitude (Ho) is 42°39.6'. The chronometer reads 09h 05m 40s, and the chronometer error is 02m 15s fast. Local apparent noon occurs at 1145 zone time, and a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is made. The observed altitude (Ho) for this sight is 63°46.2'. Determine the vessel's 1200 zone time position.
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option C — LAT 21°18.0'S, LONG 005°00.5'E
Advancing the 0830 fix along the dead reckoning track to the morning sight time, applying the computed intercept from the Sun's upper limb, and combining it with the meridian altitude at Local Apparent Noon per Bowditch procedures yields the precise 1200 position of LAT 21°18.0'S, LONG 005°00.5'E.
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