Certain important position fixing systems and their utility for oceanographic surveys

Abstract

Positional acccuracy at sea has a direct bearing on the safety of navigation as well as on the accuracy with which oceanic resources can be charted. With this in view, various types of Radio Position Finding Systems have been developed over the recent years. These can be classified broadly as Long Range, Medium Range and Short Range Systems, depending on the coverage they provide. The choice of a system depends on accuracy needed, which, in turn, is dictated by the type of survey. With the advent of the Satellite Navigation System (SATNAV), positional accuracy in the case of oceanographic surveys could be very greatly enhanced. A combination of SATNAV and Decca would adequately serve the purposes of oceanographers upto 300 miles from the coast. Sooner or later, India will have to acquire a long range radio positioning system, preferably Loran C, to provide a much-needed facility for navigation in oceanography