Chart Navigation & Plotting · Fixes and LOPs
When three bearing LOPs do not meet at a point but form a small triangle ('cocked hat'), the most prudent assumed position is:
- AThe center of the triangle, but treat the position as uncertain and favor the side toward danger✓ Correct
- BAlways the corner nearest the bow
- CDiscard the fix entirely
- DThe corner farthest from any hazard
Explanation
A small cocked hat indicates minor bearing error. The position is taken near the center, but good practice is to assume the position closest to any danger so that the navigator errs on the side of safety.
Authority: Bowditch, American Practical Navigator (Pub. 9), piloting
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