Bearing to Waypoint (BTW)

The direction from the vessel’s present position to a selected waypoint.

A navigation receiver or chartplotter normally calculates bearing to waypoint from successive position fixes and displays it in degrees. The value must be interpreted using its stated reference—true, magnetic or occasionally grid north.

Bearing to waypoint is not necessarily the vessel’s heading, course over the ground or safe course to steer. Leeway, tidal stream, hazards, route geometry and cross-track error must be considered before altering course.