United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The term "dead reckoning" in navigation primarily refers to the method of calculating a vessel's current position based on its previously determined location. This technique involves using a combination of speed, heading, and time traveled to estimate the current location after leaving a known position. It does not require external references such as landmarks or celestial bodies, which makes it particularly useful when visibility is poor or in open water.

Utilizing dead reckoning, navigators can effectively keep track of their course and distance, adjusting for factors like currents and winds as needed. This method relies heavily on accurate measurements of speed and time, as errors can accumulate, leading to significant discrepancies in position over time.