Maritime Park: Journal Of Maritime Technology and Socienty
Volume 5, Issue 2, 2026

The Application of Trigonometry in Ship Navigation Direction Determination to Improve Sailing Accuracy

Diana Ayu Wulandari (Akademi Maritim Suaka Bahari)
Abdurohman (Akademi Maritim Suaka Bahari Indonesia, Indonesia)
Syahron Al Rosyid (Akademi Maritim Suaka Bahari Indonesia, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jun 2026

Abstract

This article examines the use of trigonometry in determining ship navigation direction to improve sailing accuracy. The main problem discussed is route deviation caused by inaccurate bearing interpretation, current, wind, and limited manual verification of electronic navigation data. The research used a descriptive qualitative method through literature study and mathematical simulation. Data were analyzed with right-triangle relationships, arctangent, bearing conversion, distance estimation, and simple course-correction procedures. The simulations show that trigonometry helps navigators calculate heading direction, direct distance, lateral deviation, estimated arrival time, and correction angle. A movement of 30 km east and 40 km north produces a bearing of 36.87 degrees with a direct distance of 50 km. A 5 km eastward deviation during a 60 km northward track requires a 4.76 degree correction to the west. The novelty of this article lies in presenting trigonometry as a contextual bridge between mathematical concepts and practical maritime decision making. The implication is that trigonometric literacy supports safer, more efficient, and more accurate navigation, especially when electronic systems need to be checked manually.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

maritimepark

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Control & Systems Engineering Environmental Science Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Description

Isu maritim menjadi fokus utama dunia, hal ini tidak lepas dari bumi kita yang memiliki sekitar 70 persen luas lautan. Jadi penelitian tentang kemaritiman merupakan investasi jangka panjang karena memakan biaya yang banyak dan waktu yang lama, barulah dapat terlihat manfaatnya. Untuk itu, penelitian ...