[Hylander_1314]

First click on your boat. Then move say at 45 degrees to the left and down. Your line that trails as you move the pointer should be matched up with 225 degrees on the protractor, giving you a proper bearing. This is based on the knowledge that 0 degrees is always north reguardless of what heading your boat is traveling.

So even if you are heading at say 295 degrees, your bearing will still be 225 on the protractor using the above example. This applies to the navigation, map only, and helps with calling out headings. This in reference to the compass. So if you want to change headings, to say 270 degrees, you call out, come to heading 270, not change heading 25 degrees to port.

Your readings on your TBT, binoculars, and periscopes will of course be based on what your heading is.

So if you are traveling at the same heading of 295 degrees, and you spot a ship 25 degrees off the port bow, you wouldn't call out ship spotted 2-7-0 degrees, even though that is where it would be on the map, you call out ship bearing 3-3-5 degrees. Since that is in relation to your heading.

It takes a little getting used to, but remember to keep navigation, and attack commands seperate.

Hope this helps!

I've been teaching my daughter this stuff when she takes the helm of my 16 ft. Runabout.

It's easier to explain in a 3d world, than it is to explain it on a 2d screen. As you have to imagine the 3rd dimention, of depth. If you have a compass, protractor, and ruler, you can practise on paper during the cruise, and apply your knowledge when in the heat of battle. It really helps when you have shallow waters nearby, and have to stay deep to avoid destroyers and aircraft.