Where the bow points is not always where the ship goes. Heading is the direction in which a ship’s bow is pointing at any moment, expressed in degrees from north.

Heading is read from the compass or gyro repeater. It differs from course over ground when wind or current sets the ship sideways. In pilotage and collision avoidance, heading changes are the immediate response available to the conning officer.

Autopilots maintain a set heading; the navigator monitors whether that heading is producing the desired track. Rapid heading changes in confined waters must account for the ship’s turning characteristics and the effect of shallow water. Clear orders for heading are basic to bridge teamwork.

• Direction in which the ship’s bow is pointing
• Read from compass or gyro
• Distinct from course over ground
• Primary control input in maneuvering