USCG Exam Practice · Visual piloting — three-bearing fixes, danger bearings
You observe a vessel on your port bow and take a series of compass bearings. The bearing reads 045°T at 0800, 045°T at 0806, and 045°T at 0812, while the vessel appears larger. What conclusion is supported by these observations?
- AThe vessel is crossing ahead and will pass clear
- BRisk of collision exists because the bearing is constant and range is decreasing✓ correct
- CThe vessel is on a reciprocal course and risk of collision does not exist
- DA running fix is needed before risk of collision can be determined
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 7 §704 states that if compass bearing remains constant and range is decreasing (CBDR), risk of collision exists. The vessel appearing larger confirms decreasing range.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 7 §704
Drill more Visual piloting — three-bearing fixes, danger bearings questions
Every CaptainsGround answer cites the rule it tests — verified, not guessed. Try a free 5-question drill, no sign-up.
More practice questions
- A fix is best described as which of the following?
- A fix is best described as which of the following?
- Piloting is best described as navigation by reference to:
- Piloting is best described as navigation conducted primarily by reference to:
- Piloting is best described as navigation conducted by reference to:
- A fix obtained by advancing the first LOP along the DR track to the time of a second ob…