July 27, 1998
When a captain says" two points off the bow" how are these points figured - is it compass related or boat related?
Compass:
32 points all around.
32 points = 360 degrees
8 points = 90 degrees
4 points = 45 degrees
2 points = 22.5 degrees
The degree points are named as:
000 - Dead Ahead
045 - Broad on the <port/starboard> bow
090 - On the <port/starboard> beam
135 - Broad on the <port/starboard> quarter
180 - Dead Astern
From dead ahead the points are named 1,2 or 3 points on the <port/starboard> bow as they move toward the beam.
From the beam, 1,2 or 3 are named forward or abaft the <port/starboard> beam as they move away from abeam.
From dead astern the points are named 1,2 or 3 points on the <port/starboard> quarter as they move toward the beam.