On 22 June at 0906 EDT (ZD +4), your position is LAT 24°36'N, LONG 69°30'W. You are on course 165°pgc at a speed of 14.8 knots. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 42°44.0' with an index error of 0.8' off the arc. At this time the chronometer reads 01h 10m 12s, and is 2m 42s slow. If your height of eye is 70 feet, what is the azimuth (Zn) of the sight using the assumed position?
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option B — Zn 080.4°
Convert zone time to GMT and apply chronometer error. Determine GHA and Declination from the Nautical Almanac. Using the assumed position, calculate the LHA. Applying Pub. 229 for the vessel's latitude and LHA yields the azimuth (Zn) of 080.4°T, following standard Bowditch celestial navigation reduction methods.
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