USCG Exam PracticeThree-bearing fix and cocked-hat triangle
A three-bearing fix produces a cocked hat whose corner lies nearest a charted shoal. Where should the navigator assume the vessel's position to be?
- A. At the centre of the cocked hat
- ✓ At the corner of the cocked hat nearest the dangerCorrect
- C. At the corner of the cocked hat farthest from the danger
- D. At the midpoint of the side of the triangle closest to the shoal
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 7 §705 directs that where the triangle lies near a hazard, the corner nearest the danger is assumed for safety. This conservative practice ensures the navigator does not underestimate proximity to the hazard.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 7 §705