When steering on a navigational range, if the top and bottom marks appear in line, you are in alignment with which feature?

When steering on a navigational range, if the top and bottom marks appear in line, you are in alignment with which feature?

• A. To the left of the channel
• B. In alignment with the center of the channel
• C. To the right of the channel
• D. Off the channel

Answer: (B)

In a navigational range, two fixed marks are placed so that the line running through them shows the intended track. When the top and bottom marks appear directly in line, you’re on the range line—the path you should follow. That range line is aligned with the center of the channel, so seeing the marks line up means you’re right on the channel’s center. If they aren’t lined up, you’re off the center, either to port or starboard, or outside the channel.

In a navigational range, two fixed marks are placed so that the line running through them shows the intended track. When the top and bottom marks appear directly in line, you’re on the range line—the path you should follow. That range line is aligned with the center of the channel, so seeing the marks line up means you’re right on the channel’s center. If they aren’t lined up, you’re off the center, either to port or starboard, or outside the channel.