Which term describes the line on the compass that runs along the boat's centerline?

Which term describes the line on the compass that runs along the boat's centerline?

• A. Lubber Line
• B. Centerline
• C. Heading
• D. Port Line

Answer: (A)

The fixed reference on a marine compass that runs along the boat’s centerline is called the lubber line. This line provides a stable reference on the compass so you can read the heading accurately as the compass card rotates with the vessel’s direction. When you align the lubber line with the boat’s centerline, the bearings shown on the scale indicate where the ship is pointing relative to north. The other terms don’t fit this specific function: the centerline is the boat’s physical axis, not the numbered reference line on the compass; heading is the direction the bow points (the result you read from the compass, not the line itself); and a port line isn’t a standard term used for compass readings.

The fixed reference on a marine compass that runs along the boat’s centerline is called the lubber line. This line provides a stable reference on the compass so you can read the heading accurately as the compass card rotates with the vessel’s direction. When you align the lubber line with the boat’s centerline, the bearings shown on the scale indicate where the ship is pointing relative to north. The other terms don’t fit this specific function: the centerline is the boat’s physical axis, not the numbered reference line on the compass; heading is the direction the bow points (the result you read from the compass, not the line itself); and a port line isn’t a standard term used for compass readings.