Which statement best defines a transit?

• A. A fixed line of position established at a known point
• B. A method to estimate speed
• C. Two objects aligned for bearing
• D. A navigational beacon used for depth measurement

Answer: (C)

A transit is created when you sight two fixed objects in a straight line from your position. The line that connects those two objects defines your line of position, so you know you are somewhere along that line. If you take another transit with a different pair of objects, the intersection of the two transit lines on your chart will give your exact position. This is the essence of how transits are used in navigation.

The other descriptions refer to different techniques—estimating speed or using depth beacons—things that aren’t about aligning two objects to form a reference line.