Which statement is true about course in navigation?

• A. It is the intended path over the ground.
• B. It is the exact direction your bow is pointing at a moment in time.
• C. It is always the speed of the vessel.
• D. It is the angle of wind direction relative to the vessel.

Answer: (A)

In navigation, course is the intended path over the ground you plan to follow to reach a destination. It tells you where you want to go on the chart, not where the bow is pointing at this exact moment or how fast you’re moving. The heading is the actual direction the bow points, which can be off from the course because wind and current push the vessel. Speed describes how fast the boat is moving, not your direction. The wind angle relative to the vessel describes wind direction, not your planned track. So the true statement is that course is the intended path over the ground.