Question 62 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (The center of gravity):** The turning circle of a vessel is fundamentally a maneuver designed to measure the space required for the ship to change course. When plotting or describing this maneuver, the standard technical point used to represent the ship's overall movement and trajectory is the **center of gravity (CG)**. The path traced by the center of gravity is the defined track used to measure the tactical diameter and advance of the turn. This ensures consistency and accurately reflects the movement of the mass of the vessel during the maneuver. --- **Explanation of Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **B) The bridge:** The bridge is a physical location on the superstructure of the vessel, typically used for navigation and command. While the navigator observes the turning circle from the bridge, the bridge's specific location is generally offset from the center of gravity and does not define the official path used for plotting ship maneuvers. * **C) The bow:** During a turn, the bow traces a path that is larger than the tactical diameter defined by the turning circle. Due to the ship's angle of drift (lateral movement) and the position of the pivot point, the bow moves outward and traces the widest arc of any point along the ship's length (except possibly the furthest aft point depending on the pivot point location). * **D) The centerline:** The centerline is a longitudinal axis running from bow to stern. While the center of gravity usually lies on the centerline, the centerline itself is an imaginary line, not a single point whose trajectory defines the turning circle path. Different points along the centerline trace different arcs during the turn.