Which element of the Shipping Report conveys the observed distance and direction to the target vessel from our own ship?

Which element of the Shipping Report conveys the observed distance and direction to the target vessel from our own ship?

• A. Type of Vessel
• B. Time
• C. Range and Bearing (relative)
• D. CPA bearing (relative)

Answer: (C)

Distance and direction to another vessel are communicated by range and bearing (relative). Range gives how far away the target is, while bearing tells where the target lies from our ship, typically expressed as an angle relative to our own heading. This combination lets you plot the target’s position on the chart and assess collision risk, enabling timely and appropriate maneuvers. Time simply marks when the observation was made, Type of Vessel identifies the target class, and CPA bearing (relative) indicates the bearing at the closest point of approach, not the current distance and direction.

Distance and direction to another vessel are communicated by range and bearing (relative). Range gives how far away the target is, while bearing tells where the target lies from our ship, typically expressed as an angle relative to our own heading. This combination lets you plot the target’s position on the chart and assess collision risk, enabling timely and appropriate maneuvers. Time simply marks when the observation was made, Type of Vessel identifies the target class, and CPA bearing (relative) indicates the bearing at the closest point of approach, not the current distance and direction.