Bearings and ranges are used together to track targets. Which statement accurately defines both terms?

• A. Bearing is the distance to a target; range is the angle.
• B. Bearing is the altitude to a target; range is the depth.
• C. Bearing is the angle to a target; range is the distance; together they plot position and track.
• D. Bearing is the ship's heading; range is the vessel's speed.

Answer: (C)

Bearings and ranges are the measurements used to locate a target on a chart. The bearing is the direction to the target, expressed as an angle from a reference like true north or the ship’s heading. The range is the straight-line distance from you to the target. With both values, you can plot where the target sits relative to your own position: start at your location, sweep out along the bearing, and mark off the distance equal to the range. Repeating this as the target moves lets you maintain a track on its course and speed. In short, bearing is the angle to a target and range is the distance; together they let you plot position and track.