Point System
- Points refer to points on a compass rose and when used to describe the position of objects relative to the ship, indicate in a rough way the relative bearing to these objects. Below is a compass rose showing the 32 points on a compass rose.
- The direction of an object from a ship (using 0 degrees as dead ahead) is called the relative bearing. True bearing refers to the geographical position with 0 degrees representing geographical north from the observer. Magnetic (sometimes called compass) bearing refers to the position of an object with 0 degrees representing magnetic north)
- The four main points on the compass – north, east, south, and west are said to be the cardinal points. Be aware of what each of these and other points on the compass rose equate to in terms of degrees.
- Points of steering (North to East): north (N), north by east (NbE), north-northeast (NNE), northeast by north (NEbN), northeast (NE), northeast by east (NEbE), east-northeast (ENE), east by north (EbN), east (E)
- There are 4 points in 45 degrees so each point is 11.25 degrees
- An object at 022.5° relative bearing would be ‘two points off the starboard bow’, an object at 101.25° relative bearing would be ‘one point abaft the starboard beam’ and an object at 213.75° relative would be ‘three points on the port quarter’.
- Sidelight angle of view described as from directly ahead to two points abaft abeam of the port/starboard side (or 112.5 degrees from directly ahead)
- Using the point system isn’t mandatory necessarily, check with OIC/OOW. May use the clock system (12 o’clock is dead ahead, 3 o’clock is the starboard beam), estimated degrees, or other relative bearing system
Lookout Duties Information
- Commonly expressed terms when describing position of objects: dead ahead (directly in front of the vessel), dead astern (directly behind the vessel), fine to port/starboard (slightly to port or starboard), on the starboard beam (directly starboard or 90 degrees from the bow), on the port aft quarter (within the 90 degree arc between the port beam and dead astern).
- In fog, when the visibility is significantly reduced, a lookout is usually posted on the forecastle deck (or nearest the bow depending on ship construction) such that they would have the least impeded vision of objects in the water and ahead of the ship.