A vessel at LAT 18°54'N, LONG 73°00'E, heads for a destination at LAT 13°12'N, LONG 54°00'E. Determine the true course and distance by Mercator sailing.

Correct Answer: Option D — 253°T, 1154 miles

Mercator sailing principles outlined in Bowditch use the difference in latitude, difference in longitude, and difference in meridional parts to compute the rhumb line true course of 253°T and distance of 1154 miles.