As a vessel changes course to starboard, the compass card in a magnetic compass _____

When a vessel changes course to starboard, the compass card in a magnetic compass remains aligned with compass north. This alignment is essential for accurate navigation. A magnetic compass uses the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction, so as the vessel turns, the compass card does not physically rotate with the vessel. Instead, it keeps showing the direction that corresponds to the Earth's magnetic north.

This property of the compass ensures that regardless of how the vessel rotates or moves, the compass card reliably indicates the magnetic direction. It's important for navigators to understand that the compass card's consistent presentation is fundamental to determining the vessel's orientation and maintaining a correct heading, especially when making course adjustments.

The other options involve the movement of the compass card in ways that do not align with how a magnetic compass functions. These incorrect options suggest that the compass card shifts its position or direction relative to the vessel, which is not the case.