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As the aircraft shown in figure 8 approaches the
ship, the position angle increases. Inform all stations
when the angle changes more than 20°. Use the aids
shown in figure 9 to help you more accurately
determine an aircraft's position angle.
Target Angle
Target angle is the relative bearing of your ship
from another ship. You may wonder why you should
care what your ship bears from another ship, but it
can be of great help to the OOD if you include target
angle in your report.
The OOD uses target angle as an aid in determining
the course of action to take when another ship is
encountered. Target angle is also useful in gunnery and
antisubmarine operations. Assume that you are the
starboard lookout and you detect a ship on your star-
board bow heading at right angles across your course
(figure 10). You report to the OOD
SHIP BROAD ON THE STARBOARD BOW
(OR 045°)—TARGET ANGLE 315.
Assuming your course to be due north, the OOD knows
the other ship's course is due west. Depending on the
speeds of the two ships, if they continue on their
present course, a collision may result. Under the
International Rules of the Road, this condition is
known as a crossing situation, and in a crossing situa-
tion the ship to port is the give-way vessel and must
keep clear of the other (stand-on) vessel. Your target
angle report has alerted the OOD that a change of
course or speed, or both, may be needed and there is
now time in which to plan appropriate actions. A
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