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>
> Jim, I don't know where you got this.Relative bearings are ALWAYS taken from
> the head in a counterclockwise(right to left,0 - 360)manner.
> There is a reason for this.One ship takeing clockwise bearings and another
> takeing c-clockwise bearings is a recipe for disaster.
> RBs are always taken/given in the above prescribed format.

Interesting.

Jim has quoted Bowditch.

My Annapolis Book of Seamanship uses relative bearing similar to Bowditch,
angle from the bow (or COG) aft on either side) 0 to 180.

Chapman states, "Relative bearing is the direction of an object from the
observer measured from the vessel's heading clockwise from 000 to 360.

Dutton states: "Keep in mind that "angle on the bow is not the same thing as
relative bearing.  The former is measured from the bow in either direction
as an angle. whereas relative bearings are measured clockwise from the bow
through 360."

In no case have I seen the 0-360 use of relative bearing in a
counterclockwise direction (looking down from aloft).  It has always been
clockwise, same as a compass.

No wonder my shipmates generally give directions to other craft as 1
o'clock, 9 o'clock etc.  Much less confusing, unless of course they have a
24 hour watch. 

Bill

   

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