[snwcrsh]

Maybe an explanation with other words help more.

There is a difference between absolute and relative bearing.

When you set a course on a compass, you set your course as an absolute bearing, i.e. 000 is north, 090 east, 180 south, 270 west as you know it.

But whenever you look through periscope, binoculars or put/gather data for the TDC it will be relative bearings. This means 000 is to the front of your boat, 090 is right (starbord), 180 stern, 270 left (port).

So as in Brags example if you are heading East (absolute bearing 090) and you encounter a ship in your binoculars at 270 (port side), it is on absolute bearing 000 (to the left of you).

The tools in the navmap will always show abolute bearings. However, there are mods that will give you a relative bearing tool on the map (it actually turns with your sub) -- i'm sure others can point you where to get it.

hope that helps