What defines true bearing in navigation?

True bearing in navigation refers to the direction of an object relative to true north, expressed in degrees. True north is a fixed reference point that relates to the geographic North Pole, offering a consistent standard for navigating. When determining true bearing, navigators measure the angle in a clockwise direction from true north to the line of sight toward the object, which provides an absolute direction that does not vary with the ship’s orientation or location.

This understanding is essential for various navigation tasks, allowing for greater accuracy and reliability in plotting courses and implementing navigational strategies. In contrast, other measurements referenced relative to the ship's heading, stern, or magnetic north can lead to variances and potential errors in navigation. Hence, recognizing true bearing as related to true north solidifies its importance in clear and effective navigation practices.