Which item in a Shipping Report describes the relative position of the other vessel?

• A. Type of Vessel
• B. Time
• C. Range and Bearing (relative)
• D. CPA bearing (relative)

Answer: (C)

The relative position of the other vessel is described by range and bearing (relative). Range gives how far away the target is, while bearing (relative) provides the angle from your own heading to the line of sight to that vessel. Together they give a clear polar coordinate of where the other ship sits in relation to you, which is exactly what you need for plotting, tracking, and planning maneuvers. Time simply notes when the observation was made, not where the other vessel is. Type of vessel classifies the target, not its position. CPA bearing (relative) tells you the bearing at the closest point of approach, which is a risk assessment metric derived from the current data, not the current position itself.