USCG Exam PracticeThree-bearing fix and cocked-hat triangle
A vessel is taking compass bearings on an approaching vessel. The bearing reads 045°T at 0800 and 045°T at 0806, while the range is visibly decreasing. Which of the following conclusions is correct?
- A. The vessels are diverging and no risk of collision exists
- ✓ Risk of collision exists because the bearing is constant and the range is decreasingCorrect
- C. A running fix should be plotted before any risk of collision determination can be made
- D. The constant bearing indicates the vessels are on parallel courses with no risk of collision
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 7 §704 states that if compass bearing to an approaching vessel remains constant and range is decreasing (CBDR), risk of collision exists. A constant bearing with decreasing range is the definitive indicator regardless of course relationship.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 7 §704