Question

One nautical mile is equal to how many kilometers?

• A. 1.852 kms
• B. 1.530 kms
• C. 2.382 kms
• D. 6.0 kms

Hint:

Navigation Distance Units:
1 Nautical Mile (NM) = 1.852 km (1,852 m).
1 Fathom = 6 feet = 1.8288 m.
1 Cable = 0.1 NM $\approx 185.2\text{ m}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Marine navigation and geodetic measurements: an International Nautical Mile (NM) is standardly defined as one minute of arc along any meridian of Earth, equating to exactly 1,852 meters (1.852 km).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ 1\text{ Nautical Mile (NM)} = 1\text{ Minute of Latitude } (1') = 1,852\text{ Meters} = 1.852\text{ Kilometers} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In marine navigation, nautical astronomy, and maritime boundaries:
- A Nautical Mile (M NM) is historically based on the circumference of the Earth, representing the distance spanning one minute of arc ($1' = 1/60^\circ$) of latitude along a meridian.
- By international agreement (First International Extraordinary Hydrographic Conference, Monaco, 1929; adopted universally by ISO and International Hydrographic Organization):
\[ 1\text{ International Nautical Mile} = \mathbf{1.852\text{ Kilometers (1,852 meters / 6,076.12 feet)}} \]
- (One knot is defined as a speed of 1 nautical mile per hour = $1.852\text{ km/h}$).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, one nautical mile is equal to 1.852 kms, corresponding to option (A).