USCG Exam PracticeRunning fix from a single object
To obtain a running fix from a single charted object using successive compass bearings, which condition is necessary?
- A. The object must be broad on the beam at the time of the first bearing
- B. The relative bearing to the object must remain constant between observations
- ✓ The relative bearing to the object must change substantially between the two observationsCorrect
- D. The vessel must complete a course change between the two observations
Why C is correct
Bowditch Ch. 7 §703 specifies that bearings to a single object can produce a running fix when the relative bearing changes substantially. If the bearing does not change appreciably, the advanced LOP will be nearly parallel to the second LOP and no useful intersection results.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 7 §703