BRIDGE MANUAL SHIP PROCEDURE

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