USCG Exam PracticeDanger bearings and danger circles
A navigator takes three simultaneous bearings to well-separated objects and plots them on the chart. The resulting triangle lies adjacent to a charted shoal. According to Bowditch, which point within or on the triangle should be assumed as the vessel's position?
- A. The geometric centre of the triangle
- ✓ The corner of the triangle nearest the dangerCorrect
- C. The corner of the triangle farthest from the danger
- D. The midpoint of the side of the triangle closest to the shoal
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 7 §705 states that where the cocked hat 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