Bearing. The direction of an object from a vessel; either by compass, or with reference to the vessel itself. Thus, the lighthouse bears north; the enemy bears abeam, or two points off the port bow.
Bearing, Line of. The compass bearing on which the vessels of a fleet are ranged, whatever their bearings from one another.
Bearings, with reference to the vessel.
| Abeam. Abreast. | } | Perpendicular to the vessel's length. |
| Aft. Astern. | } | Directly behind. |
| Ahead. | Directly before; forward. |
Abaft the beam, starboard or port, weather or lee. To the rear of abeam, to the right or left, to windward or to leeward.
Before (or forward of) the beam (as above). Ahead of abeam, etc.
Broad. A large angle of bearing, used ordinarily of the bow. "Broad off the bow" approaches "before the beam."
On the bow, starboard or port, weather or lee. To one side of ahead, to right or left, to windward or to leeward.
On the quarter, starboard or port, weather or lee. To one side of astern; to right or left, to windward or to leeward.
Bearings, by compass. The full circle of the compass, 360 degrees, is divided into thirty-two points, each point being subdivided into fourths. From north to east, eight points, are thus named: North; north by east; north-northeast; northeast by north; northeast; northeast by east; east-northeast; east by north; East.