The use of Consol at long ranges in ships is hampered by the lack of facilities for accurate plotting. Of necessity ocean charts (scale 1:1,000,000 to 1:12,000,000) are used; and on these it is not practicable to plot running fixes, lay off position lines from celestial observations or to compare a succession of cross bearings with any degree of accuracy.

When Consol bearings can be plotted on a large scale chart and used in conjunction with other position lines, such as Marcq. St. Hilaire, lines of soundings, m.f./d.f., &c, they are of assistance in defining an observed position; this is especially so in conditions of poor visibility, such as prevail in the approaches to the British Isles and in the North Atlantic.