A vessel at LAT 32°14.7'N, LONG 66°28.9'W, heads for a destination at LAT 36°58.7'N, LONG 75°42.2'W. Determine the true course by Mercator sailing.
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option D — 301.8°T
Mercator sailing formulas utilize difference in latitude and meridional parts to compute the true course between two positions. Applying the formula tan(TC) = Departure / Meridional Difference yields the precise rhumb line direction of 301.8°T as detailed in Bowditch Volume II.
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