Label directions correctly and calculate a reciprocal bearing in a paper exercise.
What you’ll practise
- Distinguishing bearing, heading and track
- Calculating reciprocals across north
- Keeping true and compass references separate
Each question includes a custom diagram, the reasoning behind the answer, an explanation of the other choices and a follow-up exercise. Try the quiz first, or use the study view to read every answer.
01 / Learn
Three different questions
Heading describes where the bow points. Track over the ground describes the path travelled over the seabed. A bearing describes the direction from one position to another object or position. They can differ; avoid using the words interchangeably.
02 / Learn
Use a full circle
In our true-bearing exercises, north is 000°, east 090°, south 180° and west 270°. The reciprocal points in the opposite direction: add 180° when below 180°, or subtract 180° otherwise. The reciprocal of 065° is 245°; the reciprocal of 300° is 120°.
03 / Learn
Label the reference
Write T for true when that is the reference used in the exercise. Do not silently substitute a magnetic or compass reading. Converting between references requires the relevant corrections, which this lesson does not teach. A current pushing a yacht sideways can make its track differ from its heading even when the helm holds a steady course.
Your two-minute exercise
Draw a compass circle and a boat pointing east. Add a track sloping north-east. Label the heading and track, then calculate the reciprocal of 110°T.
Keep learning from the source
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