The Williamson Turn returns the vessel to the original track on what heading?

The Williamson Turn returns the vessel to the original track on what heading?

• A. Original heading
• B. Reciprocal heading
• C. Perpendicular heading
• D. Unknown heading

Answer: (C)

The Williamson Turn is a planned maneuver to return to your original course after spotting a risk of collision, using a two-part turn (first away from the risk, then back toward your track). The math of the two 135-degree turns puts you back on your original track but with a final heading that is 90 degrees offset from the track. In practical terms, that means you rejoin the original line of travel while your vessel is now traveling perpendicular to that line. So, you come back to the original track on a perpendicular heading. For example, if your original track runs north–south, after completing the Williamson Turn you’ll be heading east or west when you cross back onto that track. This is distinct from simply continuing on the same heading or reversing along the track.

The Williamson Turn is a planned maneuver to return to your original course after spotting a risk of collision, using a two-part turn (first away from the risk, then back toward your track). The math of the two 135-degree turns puts you back on your original track but with a final heading that is 90 degrees offset from the track. In practical terms, that means you rejoin the original line of travel while your vessel is now traveling perpendicular to that line. So, you come back to the original track on a perpendicular heading.

For example, if your original track runs north–south, after completing the Williamson Turn you’ll be heading east or west when you cross back onto that track. This is distinct from simply continuing on the same heading or reversing along the track.