When giving the bearing to a light, in what format are bearings provided?

Bearings to a light are provided in TRUE degrees, FROM the vessel TOWARDS the light. This method of reporting bearings is standard in navigation, as it allows for a clear and unambiguous understanding of the direction to a specific navigational aid. Using TRUE degrees means that the bearing is referenced to true north, which is not subject to the variation that magnetic bearings can experience due to the Earth's magnetic field.

By expressing the bearing in true degrees, navigators can account for factors such as magnetic declination, which is the angle between magnetic north and true north. This clarity is essential in navigation, particularly when vessels are determining their course or position relative to various navigational aids like lights.

Relative bearings, on the other hand, measure direction based on the orientation of the vessel, which can lead to confusion when navigating under different headings. While magnetic degrees are also used in navigation, they can create complexities due to their dependency on the local magnetic field, which may not provide the accurate information needed for safe navigation.

In summary, providing bearings in TRUE degrees from the vessel towards the light ensures that all navigators have a consistent and reliable frame of reference, which is crucial for safe and effective navigation.