Which type of courses and bearings are usually used in boat navigation?

In boat navigation, magnetic courses and bearings are commonly used because they provide a reliable reference that corresponds to a compass reading. When mariners navigate using a magnetic compass, they refer to the magnetic meridian, which is the direction toward the magnetic north pole. This method allows for straightforward navigation as it aligns with the equipment commonly found on boats, such as magnetic compasses, which are essential for determining direction.

Using magnetic bearings is advantageous for maintaining course accuracy, as it simplifies navigation by directly correlating with the readings experienced on the water. This is particularly important when navigating in coastal and inland waters, where magnetic variations may exist, but mariners can rely on the compass for day-to-day navigation.

True courses are less commonly used because they require consideration of magnetic variation, which can complicate navigation. While relative bearings are useful for determining the position of other vessels or landmarks relative to a boat’s heading, they do not serve as a primary navigation tool for plotting and following long courses. Map-based navigation encompasses a broader approach involving charts and geographic locations but is generally not categorized as a specific type of course or bearing like magnetic or true navigation is.