Navigation - Positions & Headings

It is important to be aware of what position format is being used. If a position is given in one format but is interpreted in another format then the wrong position may be interpreted. As such if a position is given in Degrees Decimal Minutes but the rescue craft is interpreting it as Decimal Degrees (or vice versa) the wrong heading may be taken.

Degrees Decimal Minutes - DD MM.mm

This is commonly used on marine equipment.

Decimal Degrees DD.dd

This is commonly used on mobile phones and land based satellite navigation devices.