USCG Exam PracticeThree-bearing fix and cocked-hat triangle
A navigator is approaching a rocky shoal and wishes to use a danger bearing from a lighthouse charted to the north of the hazard. The bearing is labelled 'NLT 045°T'. The vessel observes the lighthouse bearing 038°T. Which conclusion is correct?
- A. The vessel is in safe water because 038° is less than 045°
- ✓ The vessel has crossed into the dangerous side of the danger bearingCorrect
- C. The vessel is on the danger bearing itself and must alter course immediately to 045°T
- D. The NLT label applies only when the vessel is on a southerly heading
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 7 §706 states that NLT (not less than) means the observed bearing must remain at or above that value to stay in safe water. An observed bearing of 038°T is less than the required 045°T, meaning the vessel has moved to the dangerous side of the danger bearing.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 7 §706