Question 589Navigation General

70% to pass

The heading of a vessel is indicated by what part of the compass?

A Needle
B Card
C Lubber's line
D Gimbals
AI Explanation

The correct answer is C) Lubber's line. The lubber's line is a fixed mark on the compass that indicates the heading of the vessel. It aligns with the bow (front) of the ship, allowing the navigator to read the vessel's heading directly from the compass card. The compass card itself is not a fixed part of the compass, but rather a rotating element that indicates the cardinal directions. The needle and gimbals are also part of the compass, but they do not directly indicate the vessel's heading. Therefore, the lubber's line is the correct part of the compass that shows the heading of the vessel.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Take a Navigation General Practice Exam

Want to practice with timed exams?

Download Coast Guard Exams for the full exam experience.

Get the App