If the contact is so far away that I have to use my binoculars with the compass to even see him, he is probably so far away that any discernable rate of bearing change would be lost in the weeds so to speak and based on my speed of advance and changes that can occur in my speed over the time of closure there are way too many variables to try to use precise bearing. If I'm worried about closure and possible collision I'll track on m radar.
When the contact is in visual range without binoculars, I can use the handheld sighting compass to tell bearing. I can judge bearing drift and whether the contact is "drawing right" or "drawing left" to determine if it will pass ahead of me, behind me or if it is "constant bearing, decreasing range", hence a risk for collision. Use every tool in your toolbox.
When the contact is in visual range without binoculars, I can use the handheld sighting compass to tell bearing. I can judge bearing drift and whether the contact is "drawing right" or "drawing left" to determine if it will pass ahead of me, behind me or if it is "constant bearing, decreasing range", hence a risk for collision. Use every tool in your toolbox.
