California Yacht And Ship Licensing Practice Exam

What is the basic method for determining position on a chart when you have a landmark bearing?

Use depth soundings to triangulate. Plot a line of bearing from the landmark and intersect with additional lines or known fixes. Use GPS coordinates only. Estimate position by sighting the landmark.

Correct Answer:

Plot a line of bearing from the landmark and intersect with additional lines or known fixes.

Explanation:

When you know a bearing to a landmark, you plot a line of position on the chart from that landmark along the observed bearing. Your vessel’s position lies somewhere along that line. To fix your exact spot, you need a second line of position from another landmark or a known fix. Plot the second line the same way, and where the two lines cross is your precise position. This use of intersecting lines of position is the fundamental method for determining your location from landmark bearings. With only one bearing you only get a line, not a unique point.

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