Lookouts make reports using which type of bearings?

• A. True bearings
• B. Azimuths
• C. Relative bearings
• D. Magnetic bearings

Answer: (C)

Lookouts report using relative bearings. This means directions are given from the ship’s own forward direction (the bow) rather than from true north or magnetic north. It’s the most practical reference for observers riding along with the vessel because the ship’s heading can change as you navigate, and describing where something is relative to the bow is quick and unambiguous to communicate on the bridge or in the mess.

For example, if an object is seen off the port side, the lookout might say it’s 30 degrees to the port. That tells the navigator exactly where to look relative to where the ship is pointing. If a true or magnetic bearing is needed for plotting, the navigator can convert the reported relative bearing by adding the ship’s current heading (to get a true bearing) or using the magnetic heading (to get a magnetic bearing).

The other bearing types require referencing north (true or magnetic) or a fixed north-based direction, which isn’t as practical for immediate reporting from a moving lookout.