The heading of a vessel is indicated by the?

• A. Compass card
• B. Lubbers line
• C. Deviation scale
• D. North indicator

Answer: (B)

The heading is shown by the lubbers line. On a plotting chart, a straight lubbers line runs through the ship’s symbol and points in the direction the bow is pointing. The angle between this line and north on the chart gives the vessel’s heading. The compass card shows heading on the compass itself, the deviation scale relates to magnetic deviation inside the vessel, and a north indicator marks direction to north but doesn’t depict the vessel’s heading on the chart.