What is the "Assumed Position" in navigation?

The "Assumed Position" in navigation refers specifically to the location projected based on dead reckoning. This means it is the position that a navigator estimates a vessel has reached after accounting for the course and speed over a given time, along with any known currents or external forces. This method relies on the ship’s previous positions and movement, which are calculated based on mathematical principles and observed data.

By using dead reckoning to establish the "Assumed Position," navigators create a point on the chart that allows them to continue their journey even in conditions where celestial navigation or GPS data may not be available. This position may not reflect the actual geographic location, as it does not take into account real-time variations on the water, but it serves as a vital tool for determining progress in relation to a planned route.