Landfall

Landfall is the first sighting or radar detection of land after an ocean passage, the moment the navigator confirms the ship’s position against a charted feature ahead. The landfall target is picked in passage planning to be conspicuous and unmistakable: a high headland, a long-range light, or a clean radar return, well clear of off-lying dangers. The navigator works up an estimated position and an ETA at the landfall, lays a safe approach, and reduces speed to close in good visibility where possible. A good landfall confirms the dead reckoning and resolves the position before the ship commits to coastal waters. Closing the coast with an uncertain position, or on a featureless shore, is the classic setup for a grounding.