Question 1548Navigation General

The correct answer is C) course. The course is the direction in which a vessel should be steered between two points. This is the intended path of the vessel, as opposed to the bearing which is the direction from the observer to the object, or the heading which is the direction the vessel's bow is pointing. The course over the ground takes into account the effects of currents, winds, and other external factors that may push the vessel off its intended course. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly represent the direction the vessel should be steered. Bearing and heading are related but distinct concepts from the course.