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relative bearing Bearing relative to heading of a vessel ( labeled "R" ), expressed as the angular difference between the heading, 000º R and measured clockwise through 360°. The starboard beam is 090 R, aft is 180 R, port beam is 270 R, and so forth. In head-up Radar mode, all bearings are measured in relative units. 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. Note that apparent wind angles are also measured relative to the bow, but only 0 to 180 and then labeled port and starboard. See also aspect. See also Tricky Terms in Navigation. |
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