🔍 Key Concepts
• For a three-bearing fix, you want your lines of position to cross at large, roughly equal angles (ideally around 60° between each) to minimize position error.
• The angle between bearings from your vessel to the objects should be spread out around the compass, avoiding very small (acute) angles.
• Remember that the angle between lines of position is the same as the angle between the bearings, since each LOP is 90° from its bearing.
💭 Think About
• First, find the angle between the two given bearings (313° and 076°). Is it small, medium, or large?
• Then, for each choice, mentally place that bearing on the compass with 313° and 076° and look at the three gaps around the circle. Which option gives the most even spread and avoids very small angles?
• Ask yourself: with this third bearing, are any two bearings nearly in line with each other, or are they nicely spaced out? You want them nicely spaced.
✅ Before You Answer
• Be sure you always measure the smaller angle between two bearings (max 180°).
• Check that no angle between any pair of bearings is too small (e.g., less than about 30°).
• Look for the option that gives three angles that are as close as possible to each other, rather than one tiny angle and one huge angle.