When steering a compass course, the helmsman should ______ the course as directed.

When steering a compass course, the helmsman should ______ the course as directed.

• A. Steer
• B. Drift
• C. Ignore
• D. Deviate

Answer: (A)

When a compass course is given, the helmsman should steer that course as directed, keeping the vessel on the specified bearing. This means actively adjusting the helm to maintain the intended track, even when wind or current tries to push the ship off course. Steering the course ensures you follow the navigator’s plan and reach the destination safely. Drifting would let external forces push you off track, ignoring means not following instructions, and deviating implies moving away from the given course—all of which defeat the navigation instruction.

When a compass course is given, the helmsman should steer that course as directed, keeping the vessel on the specified bearing. This means actively adjusting the helm to maintain the intended track, even when wind or current tries to push the ship off course. Steering the course ensures you follow the navigator’s plan and reach the destination safely.

Drifting would let external forces push you off track, ignoring means not following instructions, and deviating implies moving away from the given course—all of which defeat the navigation instruction.