What is the definition of a transit in navigation?

• A. A time mark when a buoy changes color
• B. A device used to determine speed
• C. Two objects aligned for bearing
• D. A position fix using star sightings

Answer: (C)

A transit in navigation is created when you sight two fixed objects lined up on the same bearing. When both objects appear along the same sight line, your position lies on the line that passes through them. This lets you establish a line of position, and with a second transit (another pair of objects lined up on a different bearing) you can intersect two lines to fix your exact position. It’s not about a buoy changing color, not a device for measuring speed, and not about star sightings, which are celestial navigation methods. In practice, you can use shore features or buoys as transits to check your course and stay aware of your position.