Which statement best describes the orientation of a vessel's compass direction at that moment?

Which statement best describes the orientation of a vessel's compass direction at that moment?

• A. Heading
• B. Bearing
• C. Course
• D. Track

Answer: (A)

Heading is the direction the vessel’s bow is pointing at this moment, as indicated by the compass. This is the orientation of the boat itself relative to north. A bearing would describe the direction from your vessel to a target or waypoint, not your own orientation. The course is the intended path you plan to travel over the ground, which can differ from heading due to wind or current. The track is the actual path you follow over the ground, which can also deviate from your course. So the current compass orientation described here is heading.

Heading is the direction the vessel’s bow is pointing at this moment, as indicated by the compass. This is the orientation of the boat itself relative to north. A bearing would describe the direction from your vessel to a target or waypoint, not your own orientation. The course is the intended path you plan to travel over the ground, which can differ from heading due to wind or current. The track is the actual path you follow over the ground, which can also deviate from your course. So the current compass orientation described here is heading.