In nautical terms, heading refers specifically to the direction in which the bow of the boat is pointed. This means that when a vessel’s heading is indicated, it is describing the position of the ship’s front relative to a reference point, typically expressed in degrees from true north or magnetic north.
This definition is fundamental for navigation, as knowing the heading allows mariners to understand how their vessel is oriented as they travel across a body of water. It serves as a critical component for course plotting, collision avoidance, and situational awareness at sea.
The other options involve concepts related to navigation but do not accurately define heading. For example, the compass course used when determining deviation refers to the magnetic heading before accounting for magnetic variations, and the conversion from compass to true course deals with navigational calculations rather than the ship's heading itself. Similarly, the angle between true north and the boat's course pertains to navigation but focuses more on the relationship of direction rather than the specific definition of heading.