1 | P a g e O r a l s Na v i g a t i o n a n d Wa t c h k e e p i n g

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Q. Why are GPS satellites positioned in orbits 20,200 km above earths surface?
A. This height of orbits falls within range of orbit heights classified as medium earth orbits. This
height is chosen for GPS satellites for following reasons:
1. Footprint of satellites is large enough to provide global coverage,
2. Because of larger footprints of satellites, the total number of satellites is lesser than would be
needed if satellites were to orbit at lower heights,
3. This height is low enough for earth based transmitters/receivers to have modest sized
antennas and use lower transmission powers for the system to be used effectively.

Q. What is the difference between gross tonnage and net tonnage?
A. Tonnage in general refers to capacity or size of a ship.
Gross tonnage is a function of volume of enclosed spaces of a ship. It is indicative of ships size.
Net tonnage refers to volume of cargo carrying spaces. It is indicative of vessels earning potential.
The NT cannot be less than 30% of the GT of a ship. Net tonnage is used for ships dues.
Both GT and NT are determined by measuring ships volume and then applying a mathematical
formula. Both GT and NT are dimensionless numbers and are shown in ships International Tonnage
Certificate. They do not have any physical units and should not be confused with unit of mass,
namely ton.

Q. What do you understand by GRT and NRT?
A. GRT stands for Gross Register Tonnage and NRT means NET Register Tonnage. Both these
terms are now obsolete and have been replaced respectively with GT and NT under International
Convention on Tonnage Measurements of Ships.
However, students may note the definitions of GRT and NRT for their reference:

Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) meant a measure of the total internal capacity of the ship. It
consisted of: under-deck volume excluding double-bottoms, volume of tween deck spaces, volume
of superstructures, volume of deck-houses etc. Spaces like navigational areas, galleys, stairways,
light and air spaces were exempted. The total volume thus calculated in cubic feet was divided by
100 (1 gross ton = 100 cubic feet). This was the Gross Tonnage entered in the ship's Register.
Net Register Tonnage (NRT) meant a measure of the available space for the carriage of cargo
and passengers. This was obtained from GRT after making some deductions. These deductions
from GRT included: Master and crew accommodation, safety and storage spaces, water ballast
tanks, allowance for propelling machinery. Again the resulting volume in cubic feet was divided by
100 (1 net ton = 100 cubic feet). This was the Net Tonnage entered in the Register.