Approximately how many minutes after passing an oceanic waypoint should crews plot the latitude, longitude, and time on the plotting chart?

When navigating over the ocean, it's essential to maintain accurate and timely records of the vessel's position. Plotting the latitude, longitude, and time approximately 10 minutes after passing an oceanic waypoint is considered standard practice. This timeframe allows for an adequate interval in which the vessel's position can be verified and adjusted as necessary, ensuring navigational accuracy and safety.

This approach helps crews monitor their course, allows for any navigational corrections if needed, and maintains a consistent update on the vessel's journey, which is critical for avoiding hazards and managing the route efficiently. Following this protocol aids in developing a reliable record of the vessel's movements, which is particularly important in oceanic navigation where distances are vast and visibility can be limited.