From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.

html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – THE EARTH’S MAGNETISM
CONSIDER THE EARTH AS A HUGE MAGNET SURROUNDED BY LINES OF MAGNETIC FLUX CONNECTING ITS
TWO MAGNETIC POLES. THESE MAGNETIC POLES ARE NEAR, BUT NOT COINCIDENTAL WITH, THE EARTH’S
GEOGRAPHIC POLES. THE ADJACENT FIGURE SHOWS THE EARTH AND ITS SURROUNDING MAGNETIC
FIELD. THE FLUX LINES ENTER THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH AT DIFFERENT ANGLES TO THE HORIZONTAL AT
DIFFERENT MAGNETIC LATITUDES. THIS ANGLE IS CALLED THE ANGLE OF MAGNETIC DIP, Θ, AND
INCREASES FROM 0° AT THE MAGNETIC EQUATOR TO 90° AT THE MAGNETIC POLES. THE TWO
COMPONENTS OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD : H, HORIZONTAL; AND Z, VERTICAL COMPONENT CHANGE AS THE
ANGLE Θ CHANGES, SUCH THAT H IS MAXIMUM AT THE MAGNETIC EQUATOR AND DECREASES IN THE
DIRECTION OF EITHER POLE, WHILE Z IS ZERO AT THE MAGNETIC EQUATOR AND INCREASES IN THE
DIRECTION OF EITHER POLE.

Magnetic dip for the world

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 1
 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – MAGNETIC POLES & VARIATION
• SINCE THE MAGNETIC POLES OF THE EARTH DO NOT COINCIDE WITH THE GEOGRAPHIC POLES, A COMPASS
NEEDLE IN LINE WITH THE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD WILL POINT TO MAGNETIC NORTH AND NOT TRUE
NORTH.
• THE ANGULAR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRUE MERIDIAN (GREAT CIRCLE CONNECTING THE GEOGRAPHIC
POLES) AND THE MAGNETIC MERIDIAN (DIRECTION OF THE LINES OF MAGNETIC FLUX) IS CALLED
VARIATION. VARIATION HAS DIFFERENT VALUES AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON THE EARTH. THESE VALUES
OF MAGNETIC VARIATION MAY BE FOUND ON PILOT CHARTS AND ON THE COMPASS ROSE OF
NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS.
• THE MAGNETIC POLES
KEEP SHIFTING SLOWLY,
SO THAT VARIATION FOR
MOST AREAS
UNDERGOES A SMALL
ANNUAL CHANGE.
VARIATION AND THE
RATE OF CHANGE OF
VARIATION FOR A GIVEN
AREA IS NOTED ON THE
CHART AT THE COMPASS
ROSE OR ALONG
ISOGONIC LINES.

Magnetic variation for the world

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 2
 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – THE SHIP’S MAGNETISM & DEVIATION
• A SHIP UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR WILL ACQUIRE PERMANENT MAGNETISM DUE TO HAMMERING
AND VIBRATION WHILE SITTING STATIONARY IN THE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD. AFTER LAUNCHING, THE
SHIP WILL LOSE SOME OF THIS ORIGINAL MAGNETISM AS A RESULT OF VIBRATION AND POUNDING IN
VARYING MAGNETIC FIELDS, AND WILL EVENTUALLY REACH A MORE OR LESS STABLE MAGNETIC
CONDITION. THE MAGNETISM WHICH REMAINS IS THE PERMANENT MAGNETISM OF THE SHIP.
• IN ADDITION TO ITS PERMANENT MAGNETISM, A SHIP ACQUIRES INDUCED MAGNETISM WHEN PLACED IN
THE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD. THIS INDUCED MAGNETISM MAY ADD TO, OR SUBTRACT FROM, THE
PERMANENT MAGNETISM ALREADY PRESENT IN THE SHIP, DEPENDING ON HOW THE SHIP IS ALIGNED IN
THE MAGNETIC FIELD.
• THE MAGNETISM IN THE VARIOUS STRUCTURES OF A SHIP, WHICH TENDS TO CHANGE AS A RESULT OF
CRUISING, VIBRATION, OR AGING, BUT WHICH DOES NOT ALTER IMMEDIATELY SO AS TO BE PROPERLY
TERMED INDUCED MAGNETISM, IS CALLED SUB-PERMANENT MAGNETISM. THIS MAGNETISM, AT ANY
INSTANT, IS PART OF THE SHIP’S PERMANENT MAGNETISM, AND CONSEQUENTLY MUST BE CORRECTED BY
PERMANENT MAGNET CORRECTORS. IT IS THE PRINCIPAL CAUSE OF DEVIATION CHANGES ON A MAGNETIC
COMPASS.
• THE MAGNETIC COMPASS MUST BE CORRECTED FOR THE VESSEL’S PERMANENT AND INDUCED
MAGNETISM SO THAT IT BEHAVES AS THOUGH IT IS ON A COMPLETELY NONMAGNETIC VESSEL.
• SHIP’S MAGNETIC CONDITIONS CREATE MAGNETIC COMPASS DEVIATIONS AND SECTORS OF SLUGGISHNESS
AND UNSTEADINESS. DEVIATION IS DEFINED AS DEFLECTION EAST OR WEST OF THE MAGNETIC MERIDIAN
CAUSED BY MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF THE VESSEL. ADJUSTING THE COMPASS CONSISTS OF ARRANGING
MAGNETIC AND SOFT IRON CORRECTORS NEAR THE COMPASS SO THAT THEIR EFFECTS ARE EQUAL AND
OPPOSITE TO THE EFFECTS OF THE MAGNETIC MATERIAL IN THE SHIP.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 3

 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – WHY CHECK DEVIATION ANNUALLY?
• DEVIATION DUE TO PERMANENT MAGNETISM OF THE SHIP IS CORRECTED BY SETTING PERMANENT
MAGNET CORRECTORS BELOW THE COMPASS CARD SO AS TO NEUTRALIZE THE PERMANENT MAGNETIC
FIELD DUE TO THE VESSEL.
• DEVIATION DUE TO INDUCED MAGNETISM IN THE SHIPS STRUCTURE IS CORRECTED BY THE USE OF SOFT
IRON CORRECTORS SET SO AS TO NEUTRALIZE THE INDUCED MAGNETIC FIELDS. SOFT IRON SPHERES OR
“KELVINS BALLS” ARE PLACED ATHWARTSHIPS TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LARGER INDUCED MAGNETIC
FIELDS IN THE FORE AND AFT LINE OF THE SHIP. WHERE THERE IS GREATER INDUCED MAGNETISM
FORWARD OF THE COMPASS, A SOFT IRON BAR CALLED A FLINDERS BAR IS PLACED AFT OF THE COMPASS
AND VICE VERSA.
• DEVIATION DUE TO SUB-PERMANENT MAGNETISM IS TREATED AS PERMANENT MAGNETISM AND IS ALSO
CORRECTED BY THE USE OF PERMANENT MAGNETIC CORRECTORS. HOWEVER, AS THE SUB-PERMANENT
MAGNETISM FADES AWAY OR CHANGES WITH TIME, THE RESIDUAL DEVIATION AT THE COMPASS BEGINS
TO CHANGE.
• FOR THIS REASON, THE SHIP MUST BE SWUNG ANNUALLY TO VERIFY THE DEVIATION AND IF LARGE
CHANGES [OVER 5 DEGREES] ARE NOTED, THE COMPASS MUST BE RE-CALIBRATED BY A COMPETENT
COMPASS ADJUSTER AND A NEW DEVIATION CARD PREPARED TO SHOW RESIDUAL DEVIATION AFTER
CALIBRATION.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 4

 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – THE SHIP’S MAGNETISM & DEVIATION
DEVIATION AND THE EFFECT OF HEADING:
• CONSIDER A VESSEL WHOSE SELF MAGNETISM IS SUCH THAT A NORTH POLE LIES AT THE SHIPS HEAD.
• WHEN ON A NORTHERLY COURSE THE VECTOR SUM OF THE EARTH’S MAGNETISM AND THE SHIP’S WOULD
ADD UP WITH NO CHANGE IN DIRECTION AND THE COMPASS WOULD DISPLAY NORTH.
• IF THE VESSEL HEADS EAST THE VECTOR SUM OF THE EARTH’S MAGNETISM AND THE SHIP’S WOULD
PRODUCE A RESULTANT THAT LEANS TOWARD THE EAST THUS CAUSING AN EASTERLY DEVIATION
• WHEN HEADING WEST THE RESULTANT DEVIATION WOULD BE TOWARD WEST.
• WHEN HEADING SOUTH THE VECTOR SUM WOULD RESULT IN A REDUCED FORCE BUT DIRECTION WOULD
REMAIN SOUTH.
0
• THUS DEVIATION CHANGES WITH CHANGE IN HEADING. Earth’s Resultant
• FOLLOWING CALIBRATION OF THE COMPASS BY A QUALIFIED COMPASS magnetic magnetic
ADJUSTER, A CURVE INDICATING THE RESIDUAL DEVIATION OF THE field field 90
COMPASS IS PLOTTED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MASTER. THIS IS
DONE BY SWINGING THE VESSEL SLOWLY AND COMPARING THE
COMPASS BEARING AT REGULAR INTERVALS [FROM 000-359] AGAINST A 180
Ship’s
KNOWN OBJECTS TRUE BEARING [CORRECTED GYRO BEARING IS USUALLY magnetic
USED]. THE DEVIATION CARD MUST BE DISPLAYED ON THE BRIDGE. field
270
• THE DEVIATION CARD MUST ALSO BE UPDATED EVERY TWO YEARS.
• THE TOTAL ERROR OF A COMPASS IS THE ALGEBRAIC SUM OF VARIATION
AND DEVIATION. 360
• SINCE VARIATION IS CONTINUALLY CHANGING AND DEVIATION CHANGES DEVIATION
WITH HEADING IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE COMPASS ERROR BE CHECKED CARD
AND VERIFIED AT LEAST ONCE PER WATCH AND AFTER EVERY LARGE
ALTERATION OF COURSE.
PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 5
 MAGNETIC COMPASS –DEVIATION CARD & COMPASS ERROR
MAKING A DEVIATION CARD
• LOCATE A CONSPICUOUS OBJECT FROM WHICH YOU CAN TAKE A TRUE BEARING.
• SWING THE VESSEL’S HEAD UNTIL IT IS POINTING DUE NORTH.
• READ OFF THE TRUE BEARING BY GYRO AND THE MAGNETIC COMPASS AND APPLY THE VARIATION.
• THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS RESULT AND THE TRUE BEARING IS THE DEVIATION ON THIS HEADING.
IF THE TRUE BEARING IS GREATER, THE DEVIATION IS NAMED EAST, IF IT IS THE LESSER, THE DEVIATION
IS NAMED WEST.
• REPEAT THE PROCEDURE TAKING BEARINGS ON EACH OF THE CARDINAL AND INTER-CARDINAL
POINTS.
• PLOT THE RESULTS ON A GRAPH TO MAKE UP THE DEVIATION CARD.

DETERMINING COMPASS ERROR

• THE BEST AND SIMPLEST METHOD IS BY TRANSIT BEARING. COMPARED WITH COMPASS BEARING
AFTER APPLYING CORRECTION FOR VARIATION.
• CALCULATED AZIMUTH OF THE SUN, PLANETS, STARS WILL GIVE TRUE BEARING THAT CAN BE
COMPARED WITH COMPASS BEARING AFTER APPLYING CORRECTION FOR VARIATION.
• CALCULATED AZIMUTH OF POLARIS WILL GIVE TRUE BEARING THAT CAN BE COMPARED WITH
COMPASS BEARING AFTER APPLYING CORRECTION FOR VARIATION.
• BY AMPLITUDE OF THE SUN AT RISING OR SETTING. AMPLITUDE IS THE COMPLEMENT OF THE
AZIMUTH ANGLE. FROM THE TRUE BEARING SO OBTAINED, COMPASS ERROR CAN BE DETERMINED.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 6

 MAGNETIC COMPASS – REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• SOLAS CH.V REG.19 REQUIRES ALL VESSELS OVER 150 GRT TO BE FITTED WITH A PROPERLY ADJUSTED
MAGNETIC COMPASS. THEY MUST ALSO BE FITTED WITH A PELORUS, OR OTHER MEANS, TO TAKE BEARINGS
OVER AN ARC OF 360° OF THE HORIZON AND A MEANS FOR CORRECTING HEADING AND BEARINGS TO
TRUE AT ALL TIMES.
• REG.19 ALSO REQUIRES ALL SHIPS OF 150 GT AND OVER, AND ALL PASSENGER SHIPS TO CARRY A SPARE
MAGNETIC COMPASS (OR EQUIVALENT).
AS PER ANNEX 13
• MAGNETIC COMPASS MUST BE ADJUSTED WHEN THEY ARE FIRST FITTED AND A TABLE OR CURVE OF
RESIDUAL DEVIATIONS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.
• THE COMPASS SHOULD BE RE-ADJUSTED EVERY TWO YEARS IF A RECORD OF DEVIATIONS IS NOT
MAINTAINED, OR
• WHEN THEY BECOME UNRELIABLE
• WHEN STRUCTURAL CHANGES ALTER THE VESSELS PERMANENT AND/OR INDUCED MAGNETISM
• ELECTRICAL OR MAGNETIC EQUIPMENT CLOSE TO THE COMPASS IS ADDED, REMOVED OR ALTERED
• THE RECORDED DEVIATIONS ARE EXCESSIVE OR WHEN THE COMPASS SHOWS PHYSICAL DEFECTS
• THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MAGNETIC COMPASS SHOULD BE VERIFIED AFTER,
• CARRYING CARGOES THAT HAVE MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
• USING ELECTROMAGNETIC DEVICES TO LOAD/DISCHARGE
• A CASUALTY WHERE THE SHIP IS SUBJECT TO SEVERE CONTACT OR ELECTRICAL CHARGES
• THE SHIP IS LAID UP [EVEN FOR SHORT DURATIONS, SPECIALLY FOR SMALL VESSELS]
• MONITOR BY FREQUENTLY RECORDING DEVIATIONS IN THE COMPASS DEVIATION BOOK. COMPASS ERRORS
SHOULD BE DETERMINED AFTER EVERY LARGE ALTERATION OF COURSE, AND AT LEAST ONCE EVERY WATCH
WHEN THERE HAVE BEEN NO MAJOR COURSE ALTERATIONS.
PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 7
 MAGNETIC COMPASS – REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• THOUGH CALIBRATION IS REQUIRED EVERY 2 YEARS, THE COMPASS DEVIATION SHOULD BE VERIFIED YEARLY
BY SWINGING THE VESSEL AND COMPARING MEASURED DEVIATION WITH THE PREVIOUS CALIBRATION. AS
THE VESSEL PASSES THROUGH THE VARYING MAGNETIC FIELDS OF DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE EARTHS’
SURFACE THE VESSELS SUB-PERMANENT MAGNETISM IS AFFECTED AND THIS CAUSES CHANGES IN
DEVIATION. VERIFICATION IS DONE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE DEVIATION OF THE COMPASS HAS NOT
GROWN EXCESSIVE.
• IF A TRANSMITTING MAGNETIC COMPASS [TMC] IS USED OR IF EXISTING COMPASS IS MODIFIED TO
PROVIDE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT, EACH DEVICE MUST BE INDIVIDUALLY CERTIFIED WITH THE
TRANSMITTING DEVICE IN PLACE.
• IF THE TMC PROVIDES HEADING INFORMATION [I.E. READ BY THE HELMSMAN] THEN THE SPARE COMPASS
MUST BE FITTED WITH A TRANSMITTING DEVICE AND INDIVIDUALLY CERTIFIED. HOWEVER IF THE HEADING
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY THE REFLECTED IMAGE OF THE STANDARD COMPASS OF STEERING
COMPASS, THE SPARE COMPASS DOES NOT REQUIRE A SEPARATE TRANSMITTING DEVICE.
• SPARE MAGNETIC COMPASS BOWL SHOULD BE STOWED CAREFULLY, TOGETHER WITH ITS GIMBAL UNITS,
AWAY FROM THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE SO THAT THEY ARE UNAFFECTED BY ANY CASUALTY DISABLING THE
BRIDGE.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 8

 From – Sperry – Navistar Guide
MAGNETIC COMPASS – TRANSMITTING HEADING DEVICE
TRANSMITTING HEADING DEVICE

• AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROVIDING

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIPS TRUE
HEADING.
• MAY USE INPUT FROM ANY HEADING
SOURCE, E.G. GYRO, MAGNETIC,
ELECTRONIC COMPASS, GPS ETC.
• ALL OUTPUTS/DISPLAYS SHOULD
INDICATE TRUE HEADING.
• MANUALLY SET VALUES FOR ELECTRONIC
CORRECTIONS OF HEADING SHOULD BE
CLEARLY INDICATED.
• MUST MEET IMO STANDARDS REGARDING
ACCURACY.
• AT LEAST ONE OUTPUT MUST BE AS PER
INTERNATIONAL MARINE STANDARD
[NMEA].
• MUST HAVE ALARMS TO INDICATE
EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION AND POWER
FAILURE.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 9

 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – CORRECTING FOR VARIATION & DEVIATION
TO OBTAIN THE CORRECT COMPASS BEARING FROM TRUE BEARING AND VICE VERSA, WE MUST APPLY
CORRECTIONS FOR VARIATION AND DEVIATION.
THUMB RULES :
• VARIATION WEST, MAGNETIC BEST & VARIATION EAST, MAGNETIC LEAST
• DEVIATION WEST, COMPASS BEST & DEVIATION EAST, COMPASS LEAST
• TVMDC [TV MAKES DULL COMPANY] & THE REVERSE CDMVT GIVES,
• TRUE +/-VAR = MAG +/-DEV = COMPASS
• COMPASS +/-DEV = MAG +/-VAR = TRUE

EXAMPLE :
COMPASS COURSE 215C, DEV 6W, VAR 11E, Compass to True
FIND TRUE COURSE Compass Course 215 C
Deviation 6 W (Compass best, so subtract W)
Magnetic Course 209 M
Variation 11 E (Magnetic least, so add E)
TRUE COURSE 220T, VAR 11E, DEV 5W, True course 220 T

FIND COMPASS COURSE

True to Compass
True Course 220 T
Variation 11 E (Magnetic least, so subtract E)
Magnetic Course 209 M
Deviation 5 W (Compass best, so add W)
Compass course 214 C

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 10

 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramaniam
MAGNETIC COMPASS – TYPES AND CONSTRUCTION
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF MAGNETIC COMPASSES – DRY CARD AND WET CARD TYPE.
• A DRY CARD COMPASS RESPONDS QUICKLY TO CHANGES IN HEADING AND IS SUITABLE FOR TAKING
BEARINGS ETC.
• THE WET CARD COMPASS IS DAMPED BY THE LIQUID IN THE COMPASS BOWL AND RESPONDS SLOWLY AND
SMOOTHLY MAKING IT SUITABLE AS A STEERING COMPASS.

CONSTRUCTION OF A DRY CARD COMPASS :

• A LIGHT ALUMINUM RING ABOUT 254MM [10 INCHES] IS

ATTACHED TO A BRASS HUB WITH SILK CORD THREADED
THROUGH HOLES IN THE RING AND HUB.
• THE HUB HAS A CAP WITH A SAPPHIRE BEARING AND RESTS ON
A PIVOT TIPPED WITH IRIDIUM.
• SILK CORD IS USED AS IT DOES NOT SHRINK OR STRETCH WITH
CHANGE IN MOISTURE OR TEMPERATURE.
• THE COMPASS CARD IS MADE OF RICE PAPER AND STUCK OVER
THE FRAME.
• THE DIRECTIVE ELEMENT CONSISTS OF 4 OR 5 PAIRS OF NEEDLE
MAGNETS, PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER, THEIR ENDS FORMING A
CIRCLE, SUSPENDED JUST BELOW THE COMPASS CARD.
• THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY LIES BELOW
THE TIP OF THE PIVOT AND SERVES TO KEEP THE CARD
HORIZONTAL EVEN IN ROLLING AND PITCHING.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 11

 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramaniam
MAGNETIC COMPASS – TYPES AND CONSTRUCTION
Verge Ring
THE DRY CARD COMPASS BOWL : Clear
• THE COMPASS CARD IS ENCLOSED IN A BRASS BOWL
WITH A TRANSPARENT GLASS TOP AND A FROSTED Compass card
GLASS BOTTOM.
Pivot
• THE GLASS TOP IS SECURED BY A BRASS “VERGE
RING” SECURED TO THE BOWL BY EQUIDISTANT
SCREWS AND MADE WATERPROOF BY A RUBBER Magnets
WASHER. THE AZIMUTH CIRCLE FITS IN A GROOVE IN
THE VERGE RING.
• THE FROSTED GLASS BOTTOM IS ALSO SEALED OFF
WITH A RUBBER WASHER TO KEEP THE UPPER [Frosted]
CHAMBER DRY.
• THE SPACE BETWEEN THE PIVOT AND THE CLEAR
GLASS TOP IS SUCH THAT EVEN IF THE BOWL IS
INVERTED THE CARD WILL NOT COMPLETELY
DISENGAGE FROM THE PIVOT. WHEN UPRIGHT THE
CARD WILL AGAIN REST CORRECTLY ON THE PIVOT. [Glass Hemisphere]
• THE BOTTOM OF THE BOWL IS A GLASS HEMISPHERE WITH A MIXTURE
OF ALCOHOL AND WATER [LOW FREEZING POINT, ABOUT -30C]. THE
WEIGHT OF THIS FILLED BOWL LOWERS THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF
THE ASSEMBLY TO WELL BELOW THE COMPASS CARD.
• THE LUBBER LINE INDICATES THE DIRECTION OF THE SHIPS HEAD AND
IS ALIGNED WITH THE SHIPS CENTRE LINE.
PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 12
 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramaniam
MAGNETIC COMPASS – TYPES AND CONSTRUCTION
SUSPENSION OF THE COMPASS BOWL :
• TWO ATHWARTSHIPS PIVOTS HOLD THE BOWL
IN A GIMBALLED SUPPORT THAT IS ITSELF
PIVOTED ALONG THE FORE-AFT AXIS.
• THE COMPASS BOWL, HAVING A LOW CENTRE
OF GRAVITY, WILL THEREFORE TEND TO REMAIN
HORIZONTAL EVEN IN ROLLING AND PITCHING.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 13

 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramaniam
MAGNETIC COMPASS – TYPES AND CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION OF A WET CARD COMPASS :
• THE WET CARD - EARLIER MADE OF MICA, PHOTO
PRINTED. TODAY THEY ARE OF ALUMINUM WITH CUTOUTS
FOR THE MARKINGS. DIAMETER IS ABOUT 15CM.
• THE CARD IS ATTACHED TO A NICKLE-SILVER FLOAT
CHAMBER FITTED WITH A SAPPHIRE CAP THAT RESTS ON
AN IRIDIUM TIPPED PIVOT.
• THE FLOAT CHAMBER TAKES THE WEIGHT OF THE CARD
AND REDUCES THE LOAD ON THE PIVOT SO THAT
ROTATION OF THE CARD IS NEARLY FRICTION FREE.
• THE DIRECTIVE ELEMENT IS A RING MAGNET INSIDE THE
FLOAT CHAMBER. THIS REDUCES FRICTION AND
TURBULENCE.
• THE LIQUID DAMPS OSCILLATIONS OF THE CARD AND
PROVIDES A SMOOTHER AND STEADIER INDICATION. IT IS
A MIXTURE OF DISTILLED WATER AND ALCOHOL.
• IT HAS A LOW FREEZING POINT -30C, LOW DENSITY
0.93, LOW EXPANSION AND DOES NOT CAUSE DISCOLORATION OF
THE CARD.
• A PORTION OF THE SIDE OF THE BOWL MAY BE THINNED AND
CORRUGATED OR A SEPARATE BELLOWS IS FITTED AT THE BOTTOM AFT OF THE BOWL TO ALLOW FOR
EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE LIQUID. THE BOWL IS ABOUT 23 CM DIAMETER WITH A CLEAR
GLASS TOP AND FROSTED GLASS BOTTOM EXCEPT FOR CLEAR ARC BY THE LUBBER LINE. THE WHOLE
ASSEMBLY IS GIMBALLED.
PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 14
 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramaniam
MAGNETIC COMPASS – TYPES AND CONSTRUCTION
THE BINNACLE :
• THIS IS THE HOUSING FOR THE COMPASS. IT USED TO BE MADE
OF TEAK WOOD USING BRASS SCREWS AND NAILS. NO
MAGNETIC MATERIAL IS USED. TODAY MOST BINNACLES ARE OF
FIBERGLASS.
• THE COMPASS BOWL IS GIMBALLED INSIDE AT THE UPPER PART
OF THE BINNACLE. A DETACHABLE COVER/HELMET ALLOWS
ACCESS FROM TOP. THE HELMET PROTECTS THE COMPASS
FROM RAIN, SUN ETC.
• A LAMP FITTED BELOW THE COMPASS BOWL IS USED WHEN
TAKING BEARINGS. A LAMP OVER THE BOWL PROVIDES
ILLUMINATION WHEN READING THE COMPASS FROM THE
BRIDGE.
• THE MID PART IS ACCESSIBLE THROUGH A WATERTIGHT DOOR.
IT CONTAINS F-A & P-S PERMANENT MAGNETS COMPENSATE
FOR THE PERMANENT MAGNETISM OF THE VESSEL ITSELF.
• HEELING ERROR CORRECTOR PERMANENT MAGNETS ARE
PLACED IN A BUCKET AND BY MEANS OF A GRADUATED CHAIN
SET IN A HOLLOW TUBE IN THE BINNACLE.
• THE NUMBER AND POSITIONING OF THE F-A & P-S AND
HEELING CORRECTOR MAGNETS ARE SET BY A QUALIFIED
COMPASS ADJUSTER.
• THE SOFT IRON FLINDERS BAR AND QUADRANTAL SPHERES
COMPENSATE FOR INDUCED MAGNETISM IN THE VESSEL.
PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 15
 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – COMPASS BINNACLE AND CORRECTORS
CORRECTORS
1) VERTICAL PERMANENT HEELING MAGNETS IN THE
CENTRAL VERTICAL TUBE – CORRECTS FOR BOTH
PERMANENT AND INDUCED MAGNETIC ERRORS THAT
CAUSE THE CARD TO BECOME UNSTEADY WHEN THE
VESSEL ROLLS. A GRADUATED CHAIN ALLOWS PRECISE
ASJUSTMENT.
2) FORE-AND-AFT B PERMANENT MAGNETS IN THEIR TRAYS
– COMPENSATES FOR PERMANENT MAGNETIC FIELDS AT
THE COMPASS.
3) ATHWARTSHIP C PERMANENT MAGNETS IN THEIR TRAYS
– COMPENSATES FOR PERMANENT MAGNETIC FIELDS AT
THE COMPASS.
4) VERTICAL SOFT IRON FLINDERS BAR IN ITS EXTERNAL
TUBE – COMPENSATES FOR INDUCED MAGNETISM. IF
MORE SHIP STRUCTURE LIES AFT OF THE COMPASS,
FLINDERS BAR IS PLACED FORWARD OF THE BINNACLE
AND VICE VERSA. TOTAL LENGTH OF BAR IS ADJUSTED AT
INITIAL CALIBRATION.
5) SOFT IRON QUADRANTAL SPHERES OR KELVINS BALLS –
COMPENSATES FOR INDUCED MAGNETISM IN
SYMMETRICAL HORIZONTAL SOFT IRON IN THE VESSEL
THAT CAUSES DEVIATION IN THE FOUR QUADRANTS
VARYING AS A SINE CURVE.
PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 16
 From - http://geomag.usgs.gov/dod.html
MAGNETIC COMPASS – THE COMPASS PROJECTOR
• THE OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING THE COMPASS
READING TO THE HELMSMAN IS FITTED IN A BRASS TUBE OF
ABOUT 15CM DIAMETER MOUNTED AT THE FORE PART OF
THE BINNACLE. IT EXTENDS FROM JUST BELOW THE COMPASS
BOWL TO BELOW THE DECK-HEAD IN THE WHEELHOUSE.
• LIGHT FROM THE LAMP IS CONCENTRATED BY THE
CONDENSER, PASSES THROUGH THE COMPASS CARD/LUBBER Lower
LINE TO THE TUBE. section is
adjustable
• THE OBJECTIVE AND FIELD LENSES MAGNIFY THE IMAGE BUT in height
INVERT IT [LUBBER LINE AFT]. and can be
• THE ERECTING LENS CORRECTS AND PROJECTS THE IMAGE rotated
from
ONTO A GREY GLASS SCREEN [LUBBER LINE FWD BUT centre to
NUMBERS LATERALLY INVERTED [RIGHT TO LEFT]. sides
• THE PLANE MIRROR AT THE BOTTOM CORRECTS THE
INVERSION AND DISPLAYS THE UPRIGHT IMAGE.
Adjustable
THE MIRROR DISPLAYS
AN ARC ABOUT 25O ON
EITHER SIDE OF THE
LUBBER LINE AS IF
VIEWED FROM THE TOP
OF THE COMPASS.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 17

 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramanian
MAGNETIC COMPASS – MAINTENANCE
• SPARE MAGNETIC COMPASS BOWL SHOULD BE STOWED CAREFULLY, TOGETHER WITH ITS GIMBAL UNITS,
AWAY FROM THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE SO THAT THEY ARE UNAFFECTED BY ANY CASUALTY DISABLING THE
BRIDGE.
• SPARE DRY CARDS MUST BE STOWED ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER WITH OPPOSITE POLES TOGETHER,
AWAY FROM OTHER MAGNETIC OR ELECTRIC FIELDS AND SOURCES OF VIBRATION.
• WHEN NEW CARDS ARE PUT INTO SERVICE THEIR DETAILS AND THE DATE TAKEN INTO SERVICE MUST BE
RECORDED IN THE AZIMUTH LOG, MATES LOG AND THE STORAGE BOX.
• CLEAN AND PAINT THE EXPOSED PARTS OF THE BINNACLE, SOFT IRON SPHERES ETC AS REQUIRED.
• BRASS PARTS MUST BE POLISHED REGULARLY.
• CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE BINNACLE INCLUDING THE COMPASS BOWL AND ACCESSIBLE OPTICS.
• IF BUBBLES FORM IN THE BOWL, REMOVE IT BY INJECTING A LITTLE ETHYL ALCOHOL OR DISTILLED WATER
THROUGH THE FILLING HOLE. SOME BOWLS HAVE A BUBBLE TRAP FOR TINY BUBBLES. TILT THE BOWL AND
GET THE BUBBLE TO ENTER THE TRAP.
• IF THE LAMPS IN THE BINNACLE GET FUSED, REPLACE THEM WITH THE EXACT SAME TYPE. FROSTED LAMPS
ARE NORMALLY USED TO REDUCE GLARE. MAKE SURE THE DIMMERS ARE WORKING WELL.
• ALL OPENINGS TO THE BINNACLE, INCLUDING THE HOOD MUST BE KEPT TIGHTLY SHUT WHEN NOT
REQUIRED TO BE OPEN.
• DO NOT USE MAGNETIC MATERIAL OR IRON/STEEL TOOLS OR BRING ELECTRICAL FIELDS NEAR THE
COMPASS.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 18

 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramanian
MAGNETIC COMPASS – ERROR IN AZIMUTH MIRROR
CHECKING THE ERROR OF THE AZIMUTH MIRROR
• TAKE TWO BEARINGS OF THE SAME OBJECT, ONE WITH ARROW UP AND ONE WITH ARROW DOWN
• COMPARE BEARINGS. BOTH SHOULD BE THE SAME.
• IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE AN ERROR EXISTS AND THE PRISM SHOULD BE ADJUSTED TO REMOVE THIS
ERROR.

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 19

 From – Magnetic Compass by Capt. Subramanian
MAGNETIC COMPASS – PELORUS

PELORUS

AZ CIRCLE WITH
PRISM AND
ARROW UP/DOWN
INDICATION FOR
TERRESTRIAL AND
CELESTIAL
BEARINGS
STANDARD
AZ CIRCLE

PREP.BY. CAPT.S.F. GOMEZ DATE: 22NOV16 REV. 1 OF 14APR20 SM, NCV 20