What are the two modes of navigation used onboard?

What are the two modes of navigation used onboard?

• A. Visual and Instrument
• B. Automated and Manual
• C. Satellite and Terrestrial
• D. Manual only

Answer: (B)

Navigation on board can be performed in two ways: manual control by the crew and automated control by shipboard systems. In manual mode, the navigator actively steers, plots courses, and makes course or speed changes based on charts, bearings, lookout reports, and observations. The officer on watch monitors conditions and can adjust heading or speed as needed to keep the vessel on a safe track. In automated mode, steering and route management are handled by systems such as autopilot and integrated bridge equipment, following a preset course and speed while the crew monitors performance and intervenes if alarms or unusual conditions arise. Modern ships often blend both: automation handles routine steering and monitoring, but a human remains responsible for supervision, decision-making, and overriding the system when necessary. The other options describe data sources or tools rather than how navigation is controlled, so they don’t capture the concept of navigation modes.

Navigation on board can be performed in two ways: manual control by the crew and automated control by shipboard systems. In manual mode, the navigator actively steers, plots courses, and makes course or speed changes based on charts, bearings, lookout reports, and observations. The officer on watch monitors conditions and can adjust heading or speed as needed to keep the vessel on a safe track. In automated mode, steering and route management are handled by systems such as autopilot and integrated bridge equipment, following a preset course and speed while the crew monitors performance and intervenes if alarms or unusual conditions arise. Modern ships often blend both: automation handles routine steering and monitoring, but a human remains responsible for supervision, decision-making, and overriding the system when necessary. The other options describe data sources or tools rather than how navigation is controlled, so they don’t capture the concept of navigation modes.