Chart Navigation & Plotting · Fixes & LOPs
Why is a three-bearing fix often preferred over a two-bearing fix?
- AIt is faster to plot
- BIt requires no compass
- CAny error shows up as a triangle ('cocked hat'), warning of a bad bearing✓ Correct
- DIt eliminates the need to know variation
Explanation
With three LOPs, a blunder or timing error usually produces a triangle instead of a clean point, alerting the navigator that something is wrong. A small triangle suggests a good fix near its center; a large one says recheck the bearings.
Authority: Bowditch, Pub. No. 9 (three-bearing fix)
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