Step 1: Defining Navigational Instruments:
Safe navigation requires constant monitoring of a ship's heading, speed, position, and the depth of the water to avoid running aground.
Step 2: Evaluating the Functions of the Instruments:
• Compass (A): Measures the ship's heading or direction relative to magnetic or true North.
• Sextant (C): An optical instrument used in celestial navigation to measure the angle between a celestial body (like the sun or stars) and the horizon to determine the ship's latitude and longitude.
• Log (D): A device (such as a pitometer log or electromagnetic log) used to measure the speed of the ship through the water.
• Echo Sounder (B): An acoustic device that transmits a sound pulse straight down to the seabed. It calculates the depth of the water below the ship's keel by measuring the time it takes for the echo to return.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Because the echo sounder is specifically designed for depth measurement, option (B) is the correct answer.