Module 16 - Pilotage
Clearing Bearings
Clearing bearings: quick answer
A clearing bearing is a plotted bearing to a charted object that defines one edge of safe water. Add a safety margin, identify which side is safe, convert the true bearing to the reference you will observe, and monitor its trend. Act before the limiting value is reached and cross-check with an independent pilotage cue.
- Derive not-less-than or not-more-than from the plot.
- Record the object, bearing reference, safe side and action point.
- Use depth, transit, radar or position as an independent check.
Active recall
Section 4 of 8
Explain the main idea from clearing Bearings in your own words.
A clearing bearing is a compass bearing of a charted object that defines a safe boundary. For example: 'Maintain the lighthouse bearing no less than 045°T' keeps you clear of a specific danger.
You set clearing bearings in advance by examining the chart for hazards, drawing a line that just clears the danger, measuring the bearing of a suitable landmark along that line, and noting whether to keep the bearing 'not less than' or 'not more than' the value.
Common mistakes
- Memorising an inequality instead of proving the safe side on the chart.
- Plotting a true bearing but comparing it directly with an uncorrected compass bearing.
- Waiting until the boundary is crossed before taking action.
Key points
- Clearing bearing = compass bearing that defines a safe boundary
- Used to keep clear of specific charted dangers
- Note: 'not less than' or 'not more than' the bearing value
- Set up in advance from the chart
Practice advanced pilotage controls
The complete pilotage module connects clearing bearings with transits, depths, lights, contingencies and a cockpit-ready plan.