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relative directions Directions or bearings given relative to the heading of the vessel. Starboard beam is 090 R, aft is 180 R, port beam is 270 R, and so forth. In head-up mode on radar, all bearings are measured in relative units. Phrases such as "on the port beam" means a direction of 270R ± 22.5º or so, where the 2 points (22.5º) is a rough uncertainty. "Broad on the port beam" would mean more like exactly 270R. Similar phrases are "on the starboard bow" meaning 045R ± 2 pts or "broad on the port bow" 315R, and also the quarter, meaning 135R and 225R. About the same as relative bearing Abbreviation:  R

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