Which of the following best describes a Line of Position?

• A. A single line of latitude is drawn.
• B. A position fix is obtained.
• C. The ship's speed is determined.
• D. The navigator determines depth.

Answer: (B)

A Line of Position is the line on which the ship’s true position lies based on a single navigational observation, like a bearing to a known object or a measured angle. It isn’t simply a line of latitude; its orientation comes from the geometry of the measurement. To pin down an exact position, you need at least two independent lines of position—their intersection gives the position fix. That’s why the option describing a position fix being obtained best captures how a Line of Position is used. The other options don’t fit: a Line of Position is not restricted to a latitude line, and determining speed or depth isn’t how a Line of Position functions.