starting patrols
 

How do you get the patrol to start when in the area?

If your talking about Campaign/Career games, they always start at a base as far as I know.

You could play a Single Mission, which usually starts near your target. And there are more custom single missions for download in the Mission Builders forum.

Hey punk welcome to the forums.

Since your new around here Ill point you towards the "guides" thread stickied at the top of the forums lots of questions can be answered there.

Of note here are two direct links

Noobie guide : http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=111445

How to complete a mission : http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=111509

Have fun and good hunting.

Welcome aboard!