One of the methods to fix the position of your vessel is
by taking compass bearings. By having three bearings
cross in or near the same location you have accuratelydetermined your position.
Taking Bearings
When taking compass bearings, used fixed aids for best results.
Floating aids can move around with wind or current and the charted
position is the position of the mooring, not the buoy.
Take the bearings off to each side, one after the other.
The bearings on your beam will change quickly while the bearings
ahead or astern will hardly change at all due to the boat’s motion.
If you take the bearings on each side first and then take the bearing
either ahead or astern, you will have a more accurate fix.
Also check that the bearings you take are not about 180 degrees apart.
Ideally the three bearings will be spaced about 120 degrees apart for
the most accurate fix.
If you are using the end of an island, remember to allow for the height
of the tide. With a gently sloping shoreline, at low water the end of
the island can be some distance from the charted shoreline.
Fixing your position is an important navigation skill. Compass bearings are one
way to obtain an accurate fix.
Navigation is offered through our Home Study Coastal Navigation Course.
Successful completion of the course leads to Canadian Yachting Association
Certification.