Be absolutely sure you know how to describe your position
A bearing is the horizontal direction of an object as measured from the observer in degrees. This may seem elementary, but for some reason, too many people sinking in a position 5 miles southwest of Danger Island are just as likely to incorrectly report their position as “Danger Island is bearing 5 miles southwest.” In fact, it’s bearing 5 miles northeast.
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| In the stress of an emergency it’s easy to confuse bearings and directions. Here, your position is 5 miles southwest of Danger Island. Or, you can say “Danger Island bears 5 miles northeast.” |
It doesn’t matter to the U.S. Coast Guard how you report your position, but you must get it right in your own head, so it pays to practice. Choose one method and stick to it. Either say: “We’re 5 miles southwest of Danger Island,” or “Danger Island is bearing northeast, 5 miles.” If you’re using 045 or 225 degrees instead of northeast and southwest, make sure you add “true” or “magnetic.” Then you can be certain the Coasties will find you.The compass bearing is the fundamental building block of eyeball navigation, or piloting.See also
Compass Courses; Course Corrections; Danger Bearings; Fixes; Lines of Position; Piloting; Reciprocal Bearings.
