Which line on a compass is the direction of travel?

Which line on a compass is the direction of travel?

• A. Bearing line
• B. North line
• C. Course line
• D. Lubber line

Answer: (D)

The direction you’re traveling is shown by the lubber line. This fixed line on the compass housing is aligned with the bow, so when you set the compass to the direction you want to go, you line the lubber line up with that travel direction and read the heading off the card. The north line simply points toward magnetic north, not your travel path. The bearing line is used to measure the line of sight to a target, not the vessel’s direction, and the course line is a chart concept showing a planned route, not a compass feature.

The direction you’re traveling is shown by the lubber line. This fixed line on the compass housing is aligned with the bow, so when you set the compass to the direction you want to go, you line the lubber line up with that travel direction and read the heading off the card. The north line simply points toward magnetic north, not your travel path. The bearing line is used to measure the line of sight to a target, not the vessel’s direction, and the course line is a chart concept showing a planned route, not a compass feature.