USCG Exam PracticeThree-bearing fix and cocked-hat triangle
When taking a three-bearing fix, which practice produces the strongest result?
- ✓ Selecting objects whose LOPs cross near 90 degrees and taking bearings in quick successionCorrect
- B. Advancing each LOP along the DR track before plotting the intersection
- C. Taking bearings to objects that are nearly in line with each other to reduce parallax
- D. Observing the ahead object first, then the beam object, then the astern object
Why A is correct
The strongest visual fixes use LOPs that cross near 90 degrees, rely on positively identified charted objects, and are observed in quick succession. Objects nearly in line produce LOPs with poor crossing angles, degrading fix accuracy. (Bowditch Ch. 7 §707)
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 7 §707