OICNW Task 1.1.B

Measure the altitude of the sun

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 12-14 Task 1.1.B , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Plan and conduct a passage and determine position

OICNW-A1.01 Celestial navigation

Ability to use celestial bodies to determine the ship’s position

Condition Behavior Standard

On a vessel or on shore, given a standard marine sextant, a clear or simulated horizon, a visible sun, and an accurate time,

the candidate measures the altitude of the lower limb of the sun and accurately records the time of the observation.


Note 1 The assessment is not required for an endorsement that will be limited to near coastal waters.

The candidate’s:

  1. Altitude is within ±0.5 minutes of arc, after correction for index error, compared with the assessor’s solution; and

  2. Time is within ± 2 seconds of the assessor’s solution.