Nav Map Question
 

I just received a message informing me about a warship at long range. And there is a red line coming from my boat, that fades out in his direction. Why didn't a target icon come up? Other times when I receive these messages, i'll get that little ship icon on my map.

The red line (that can fade-out, or come closer) is an enemy warship, picked up by the way you set your realism settings, or newer sub radar is picking it up. To get him mad just go flank-speed and chase the line! :arrgh!:

The small/single ship icons are usually close contacts (supposed 'spottings') that relay this spotting-info to you. If it's a red ship icon, you can plot a course and try to catch up with it, submerge before seen, and sink the ship.

Be sure to complete the 'Naval Academy' missions and movie tutorials for each. They really help understand the campaign/patrol parts of the game. Completion of all Academy missions also gives bonus renown points for each newly created campaign.

Ok so why sometimes do I see the red line, and other times I see the actual icon. Also, if I get the red line, is there any way to properly intercept the ship? I'm guessing not if I don't know anything about it. And what happens if I chase it and get closer, will the icon finally pop up?

A red or black line means you have a sonar contact, the icon means it is in visual range.

Thanks Crash Dive. That's what I needed to know.