Bearing

A bearing is the horizontal direction of an object from the observer, given in three-figure notation 000 to 359 degrees. A true bearing is referenced to true north; a magnetic bearing to magnetic north (true plus or minus variation); a compass bearing to the card (magnetic plus or minus deviation); a relative bearing to the ship’s head. Two or more simultaneous bearings of charted objects cross to give a fix; a single bearing gives a position line. Bearings are taken by azimuth ring, pelorus, or radar EBL.