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.