🔍 Key Concepts

• Compass to true conversions: Understand the order of applying deviation and variation when converting from psc (per ship’s compass) to true. • East is least, West is best: Remember how to apply this saying when adjusting between compass, magnetic, and true courses. • Leeway: Know whether wind from the northeast will push your vessel’s head to the left or right of its intended course when you’re steering about 149°.

💭 Think About

• First, convert the per ship’s compass (psc) course to magnetic by correctly applying deviation. Then convert from magnetic to true by correctly applying variation. Ask yourself: in which direction do you adjust the numbers for easterly errors? • After you have the true course steered (no wind), think about the wind from the northeast. Relative to your heading near 149°, will that wind push your track over the ground toward a smaller degree value or a larger degree value? • Compare your final true course made good to the answer choices and eliminate those that don’t match the expected direction of change from leeway (i.e., those that would result from the wind pushing you the wrong way).

✅ Before You Answer

• Be sure you apply deviation first (psc ↔ compass) and variation second (compass ↔ true). • Check that both deviation and variation are easterly, and remember how that affects whether you add or subtract when going from psc to true. • Before picking an answer, confirm whether northeasterly wind causes port or starboard leeway on a course of about 150°, and ensure your chosen option reflects that direction of leeway.