Admiralty Lawyers

Ship Navigation Systems: SINS, OMEGA, LORAN

SINS

The Ships Inertial Navigation System is an advanced navigation system that uses longitude and latitude and constantly monitors a ship’s position.

It works by constantly tracking various factors and using those to computer latitude and longitude. Once the original position is entered into the ship’s computer, the SINS system takes over and tells the pilot of the ship exactly where the ship is constantly by sensing acceleration. The original data that is needed by the computer includes initial latitude, initial longitude, original heading (to which direction, in degrees, the ship is pointing), and initial orientation. SINS is an extremely accurate dead reckoning device. This means that it is not calculating the location of the ship based on other locations. It calculates the location of the ship based on the ship’s data alone.

Some advantages of SINS include that it is self-contained; it requires minimal outside information; it cannot be jammed; and it is not affected by weather conditions.

OMEGA

Omega is a hyperbolic phase-difference measurement system. Hyperbolic navigation involves measuring the angle of intersection of radio waves from a fixed position. The ship’s sensors receive radio waves from various locations that it already knows, figures out at what angle the wave was received, and then uses that information to determine the distance to various points.

In order for an Omega system to work, there must be at least two fixed points sending out signals that the ship can intercept. Three or four locations are needed to determine an accurate position. Sadly, there are frequently times when only two frequencies are available but three are needed.

LORAN

LORAN, or Long Range Navigation, is another radio-frequency based system that calculates the position of a ship or aircraft. The LORAN system is in steep decline compliments the invention of GPS.

These navigation systems, and many others, all come into play on a daily basis when a ship’s pilot is steering a huge tanker through a narrow area or around a shallow spot. If one of these advanced systems, major accidents can occur which can result in injuries and damages to ships and other things, like bridges.

If you or someone you know has been injured at sea, contact the Admiralty Lawsuit Attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-220-9341 to discuss your legal options and to schedule a free initial consultation.