True direction is printed around the _________________________ of the compass rose.

The correct answer is the edge of the compass rose, where the true direction is printed. This is significant because the compass rose serves as a visual guide for navigators. The outer edge typically displays the cardinal and intercardinal directions, along with their corresponding degrees in a circular layout. This arrangement makes it easy for boat crew members to quickly determine their heading in relation to true north, facilitating accurate navigation during operations at sea.

The other options, such as the center, face, and base, do not represent the standard location for true directions on a compass rose. The center is generally occupied by the pivot point for the compass needle, the face is a broader term that describes the whole surface of the compass rose but does not specifically denote where the directional markings are located, and the base refers to the part of the compass that supports it but does not feature the direction markings at all. Thus, understanding the layout of the compass rose and where to find true directions is crucial for effective navigation.