Module 6 - Position, Course & Speed
True Bearings and Courses for Chartwork
Quick answer
A true bearing is measured clockwise from True North. Day Skipper chartwork starts in true bearings on the chart, then converts to magnetic or compass if needed.
- Write bearings as three figures, such as 005T, 090T, or 270T.
- A course is the direction you intend to steer or plot.
- Compass corrections come later: chartwork first uses True North.
A true bearing is measured clockwise from True North (0°/360°) through East (090°), South (180°), and West (270°). All chart work is done in true bearings initially — compass corrections (variation and deviation) are applied afterwards.
A course is the intended direction of travel, expressed as a three-figure bearing (e.g., 045°T). The suffix T, M, or C indicates True, Magnetic, or Compass bearing.
Key points
- True bearings: measured clockwise from True North
- Always written as three figures (e.g., 005°, 090°, 180°)
- T = True, M = Magnetic, C = Compass
- Charts are oriented to True North
- Compass rose on chart shows both True and Magnetic north
Common mistakes
- Mixing true, magnetic, and compass bearings without writing T, M, or C.
- Writing 45T instead of 045T.
- Forgetting that reciprocal bearings differ by 180 degrees.
Common questions
What is a true bearing?
A true bearing is measured clockwise from True North. It is the normal starting point for chartwork before applying variation or deviation.
Why are bearings written as three figures?
Three-figure bearings avoid ambiguity. For example, 5 degrees is written as 005, east is 090, south is 180, and west is 270.
What is the difference between a bearing and a course?
A bearing is the direction of an object or line measured from north. A course is the direction you intend to travel or steer.
Keep revising this topic
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026 by Day Skipper Revision
Connect bearings to chartwork
Once true bearings are clear, practise measuring distance, plotting positions, and converting courses for compass work.