The correct answer is (D) Method of calculating the position of a ship without using astronomical sightings and based on the last precisely observed position, distance traveled under various headings, and allowance for drift, currents, compass errors, etc.; deduced reckoning. Also, a position so calculated.

Examples of use:

• The navigation method of dead reckoning does not have the help of celestial navigation.
  
  
• Sailors like Christopher Columbus sailed by dead reckoning.