In nautical navigation, what does the term "bearing" refer to?

In nautical navigation, the term "bearing" specifically refers to the direction or angle from the vessel to another object, expressed in degrees. When a navigator takes a bearing, they use a compass to establish the line of sight to a landmark, buoy, or another vessel, indicating its relative position. This is crucial for determining a vessel's location and course, allowing navigators to plot their position accurately on a chart.

The concept of a bearing can also involve both magnetic and true bearings, where a true bearing is measured relative to true north, while a magnetic bearing is referenced to magnetic north. This line of position helps in plotting courses and navigating effectively.

The other options focus on different aspects of navigation, such as speed and distance, which are not directly related to the definition of bearing. While important in overall navigation, they do not describe what a bearing is and serve different purposes in the context of maritime navigation.