SHORT NOTES ON

MAGNETIC COMPASS

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

Wickramahewage

Rajeewa

Magnetic Compass
There's nothing wrong with your compass. It is aligning the "needle" with the magnetic
fields it finds itself in. It can be influenced by three facts:
1. The magnetic fields of the earth.
2. The magnetic fields generated on the Ship.
3. Nonmagnetic reasons
The whole compensation exercise is to remove the influence of 2 and 3, so that only the
magnetic fields of the earth operate on the compass. If we do that, the compass will
display the correct magnetic directions.
General Definitions
Pole Strength
A magnetic field can be represented by lines of magnetic fluxes. The unit for measure the
magnetic flux is Weber.
Magnetic Induction (flux Density)
Unit to measure is Weber per square meter. Or Teslas
British admiralty charts give the intensity of the earths magnetic field by Micro teslas
(10-6)
Annual changes given in Nano teslas (10-9)
Magnetic field strength
Unit is ampere per meter
When current follow through a coil of a wire a magnetic field is produced which directly
proportional to the current and to the number of turns per unit length of the coil.
Newton can be defined as the force required giving a mass of 1kg an acceleration of 1
meter per second.
Poles of the Earth
A red pole is the north seeking end of compass needle. North Pole of the earth is a blue
pole and South Pole is a red pole. Line of force leave red pole and enter from blue pole.
Soft Iron and Hard iron
Soft iron can be magnetizing when under the influence of magnetic field. When remove
the field and iron ceased to be magnetized. Such magnetism is referred to as Induced
Magnetism. The Spheres and Flinders bars are made of soft iron.
Hard Iron once magnetizes it retains its magnetism even magnetizing force is removed.
Such magnetism is referred to as Permanent Magnetism. Permanent magnets are made
of hard irons.
Vertical soft Iron
VSI will be induced blue on top in north magnetic pole and red in south magnetic pole.
Horizontal soft iron
When placed in the earth magnetic field the northerly end will be induced red and
southern end will be blue.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

Wickramahewage

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Max: induction
Less induction
Magnetic field
No induction

The material will acquire a blue pole where the lines of force enter the material and red
pole where they leave the material.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

Wickramahewage

Rajeewa

Angle of Dip

The angle at which the magnetic field of the earth act with respect to the horizontal at
any place. The earth fields has a northward and a downward component in the north
hemisphere. In the south hemisphere has a northward and upward component.
Dip is +90 at North Pole
Dip is 0 at Magnetic equator
Dip is -90 at South Pole
Dip is at intermediate latitudes between 0-90
Magnetic Equator
Then magnetic equator means a line joining of zero dips. It lies near the Geographical
equator.
Variation
The angle between the true meridian and the magnetic meridian is the variation at that
place.
Deviation
The angle between the magnetic meridian and the compass course.
Total force
The total force at any place is magnetic field strength of the earth at that place.
Maximum in the magnetic poles and reduces as the latitude reduce. It is minimum at the
magnetic equator.
Isogonic lines
Lines joining places having equal magnetic variations
Isallogonic lines

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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Lines joining places having equal change of magnetic variations.

Aclinic lines
A line joining places with zero dips
Isoclinic lines
Line joining places having equal dips
Isalloclinic lines
Line joining having equal change of dips
Isodynamic lines
Lines joining places having equal force. Ex: Z, H, and T
(Z=Earth Vertical Force
H= Earth horizontal Force
T= Earth Total Force)
Isallodynamic Lines
Lines joining places having equal change of magnetic force.
Horizontal Component of the Earth (H)
It is the horizontal force which giving the directive property to the magnetic compass. It
is called the directive force of the compass. H is maximum at the magnetic equator and
minimum at poles.
There for it is inversely proportional to the latitude.
So directive force of the compass is highest at the equator.
H also governs the extent to which HIS structures on the ship are magnetizing by
induction due to the earth magnetic field.
Vertical Component of the Earth (Z)
Z acts downward in the northern hemisphere and upward in the S.hemisphere.
It does not contribute to the directive property of the compass. It only tends to dip the
compass card.
Z is maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator.
It is inversely proportional to latitude.
Z governs the extent to which VSI structure are magnetize by induction due to earth
magnetic field.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

Wickramahewage

Rajeewa

Ships Magnetism
1-Permanent magnetism
Is magnetic material which is difficult to magnetize, but once magnetize retains the magnetism.
It is difficult to demagnetize.
Examp: Hull, Deck, Bulkhead, tank top ect..
2-Induced magnetism
Is magnetic material which is easy to magnetize but also loses its magnetism easily. As soon as
the magnetic field is removed soft iron loses its magnetism.
Examp: beams, girders, masts, funnel ect..
Ships Permanent magnetism

This is magnetism accrued permanently by the hard iron structures of the ship when
she is built.

The vessel thus attains permanent magnetism both in the horizontal and vertical
planes.

Magnetic materials acquire a blue pole where the line of forces enter the material and a
red pole where they leave the material.

The horizontal position of the pole will depend on the heading of the vessel during
building

The vertical position of the pole will depend on the hemisphere in which she is built.
Permanent poles (In horizontal Plane)

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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In Northern Hemisphere = Blue deck and Red keel

In southern Hemisphere =Red deck and Blue Keel

Ships Permanent Magnetic field

F/A Horizontal component

Athwart ship Horizontal

Vertical Component

Force-P

Component

Force-R

Force-Q

These three forces are perpendicular to each other

P=Horizontal F/A Component

Q=Horizontal Athwart ship component (resultant of P/Q is known as force O)

R=Vertical Component of the ship

They are constant forces due to ships permanent magnetism

They are not affected by ships head or change of magnetic latitude of ship.

Their effect in producing deviation of the compass is not constant. It changes with
change of ships head and with change of magnetic latitude.

Ships induced Magnetism

Horizontal Soft Iron

Vertical Soft Iron

(Induced by H=Earth horizontal magnetic

(Induces by Z= Earth vertical magnetic force)

force)

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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Magnetism is induced either by H or Z; the strength of the induced magnetism will

depend on the latitude the ship in presently.

As H and Z if varying with the latitude inversely.

Horizontal soft irons will be induced by only H, not by Z

HSI receives maximum induction near magnetic equator where H is largest and nil at
the poles where H is nil.
Horizontal Soft Iron Induced by H

Athwart ship SI

F/A SI

No

Max Induction

Induction

Max Induction

No Induction

Red FWD & Blue Aft

No Induction

Max Induction
Blue Fwd/Red Aft

Since H act with the magnetic meridian, the induction in the HIS whether F and A or
athwart ship will depend on the ships head presently, relative to the magnetic meridian,
there for the strength of induced magnetism in H.S.I. changes with the ship head.

It is maximum when its length is N-S (in the direction of H) and nil when its length is
E-W.

Note: the position of the poles and the strength of the induced magnetism in the HSI will
depend upon the alignment of the soft iron with respect to earth field. i.e. They will change
with the ship head. The northward end of the HSI acquires a RED pole and the southward
end acquires a blue pole.

Entering point always

Blue

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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Vertical Soft Iron

These are induced by Z. H does nit induce magnetism in V.S.I.

North

South

They receive maximum induction at the magnetic pole where Z is largest and the zero
induction at the magnetic equator where Z is Nil.

The position of the poles will depend on the hemisphere the vessel in in currently and it
is not effected by the ships course.

They will acquire a Blue on top and red bottom in Northern Hemisphere and vice versa
in South Hemisphere.

Nine imaginary soft iron rods

The entire ship soft iron whether horizontal or vertical can be represented by
combination of nine soft iron rods.

Rules for Nine Rods

When a rod is induced; it acquires a red pole at one end and a blue pole at the other
end. Only the pole of the rod near the compass is considered effective when considering
deviation they caused.

The pole of a rod near the compass is considered positive (+) if it is forward, to
Starboard or below the compass.

The pole of a rod near the compass is considered negative (-) if it is abaft,
to port or above the compass.

Sign Convention for rods

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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If both poles of a rod are positive, the rod is positive

If both poles of a rod are negative, the rod is positive

If one pole is positive and the other one is negative, the rod is negative.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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Rajeewa

10

The rods are imaginary soft iron around the compass

Many of them may not be present

At a well sited compass (properly placed) the following rods are usually present.

-a (fwd and aft girders)

-c (funnel)

-e (athwart ship beams)

+k (pillars)

-a (fwd and aft girders)

-c (funnel)

-e (athwart ship beams)

+k (pillars)

Disposition of S.I. on the ship

Introduction to compass work

Deviation due to

Permanent Magnetism

Induced magnetism in horizontal

F/A, Horizontal Athwart ship &

F/A Component (Force P)

Vertical S.I.

Athwart ship component (Force Q)

Vertical Component (Force R)
F/A Component

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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11

Athwart ship component

Vertical component

Note-1

Each of above components has to be treated separately.

As deviations they produce vary differently with change of ships head, change of
magnetic Latitude and change of hemisphere the ship is in.

Correction for each have to done separately

Note-2

When the ship is up right the total deviation of the compass is a algebraic sum of all or
sum of 5 component deviations.

They may change with ships head, latitude and hemisphere the ship in

The maximum value of these 5 component deviations are the coefficients. A.B.C.D.and
E

The Coefficients
A coefficient is a maximum deviation caused by one or more of the ships force acting at the
compass position.
There are three types of deviations caused by coefficients.
1=Constant

Deviation of same sign and value on all headings

2=Semi Circular

Deviations of same sign over one continuous half of the compass courses and of the
opposite sign for the other continuous half of the compass course.

3=Quadrantal

Deviation of one sign over continuous opposite quarters of the ships head and of the
opposite sigh over the other two continuous opposite quarters of the ships heading.

Note:

Deviations are considered positive when Easterly and negative when westerly.

The total deviation for any course is obtained as

Dev = A + B sin Co +C cos Co + D sin 2Co + E cos 2Co

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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If the values of the coefficients are known, using the above equation we can find the total
deviation on any particular heading.
The coefficients are the mathematical representation of the deviation caused in the compass
due to permanent and induced magnetism.

Coefficient A:
Real A and Apparent A:
Real A
Coefficient A is caused by b & d rod
is the deviation caused by the Magnetism induced in the unsymmetrical horizontal soft
iron
+A produced by b and +d rods
-A produced by +b and d rods
+A

-b,+d

-b,+d

-b,+d

-b,+d

Since d is +ve, +A (east)

-A

+b,-d

+b,-d

+b,-d

+b,-d

Sum of field caused by b and d rods is constant on all heading

Field always directed toward E and W
Easterly Deviation = All Heading =+A
Westerly Deviation = All Heading = -A
No N/S Component
DF not effected

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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13

2x
F (Disturbing Force)
y

F
2y

Effect of change of latitude

Deviation remain same both H and F increase in the same proportion
Correction
Real a generally not attempted. it is very rare that a coefficient A exist.
Even when present it is likely to be very small.
It will be constant for all heading
It is like gyro error can be applied easily.
Apparent A
The deviation caused due to various physical factors like:
The magnetic axis of the needle not aligned on the north south line of the card,
The lubber line not on the centre line of the vessel
The compass not set in the F/A line and on the F/A line
Variation application error
Calculation error when calculating the LHA of the sun.
Prismatic errors by the observer
Correction: Not corrected and generally allowed for. In case of lubber line misalignment
shifts the lubber line.
Example:
Calculate the vague of coefficient A if the following deviation were known to exit.
Compass heading
Deviation

N NE E SE S SW W NW

8E 3E 2W 5W 1W 5E 2E 8W

Coefficent A = 18E+16W
8

2E

= 0,25E
We have coefficient +A of 0.25

NOTE;

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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Note: See page 24 for more info: regarding correction of compass

Coefficient B: the algebraic sum of Bi and Bp.

Is the maximum semi-circular deviation due to,
1-The F/A component of the ships magnetism (Force Q), and
2-Z induction in to vertical soft iron located in the fore and aft line, either fwd or abaft the
Compass.
Induced B (Bi) = is the component due to force Z (induced magnetism)
Permanent (Bp) = is the component due to force P (permanent Magnetism)
Induced B (Bi)
Caused by magnetism induced in the vertical soft iron components around the compass
Varies with the latitude as the vertical component of the earths field
Maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator.
Changes signs with the hemisphere
Deviation is Maximum on the East west courses.
Deviation is nil on N/S course
Correction:
Corrected by using the Flinders bar either forward or aft of the compass (depends on the ship
construction)
The height is adjusted using wooden supports to place the pole in line with pole of magnetic
needle.
Permanent B (Bp)

Caused by the permanent magnetism displayed by the vessels permanent structure in

the Fore and Aft direction

Polarity depends on the direction where the vessel was headed when being built.

Remains permanent and does not change signs with change of hemisphere

The value remains same in all latitude and compass course

But deviation will change due to this force both with latitude and course

Maximum deviation is caused at the E/W headings.

Nil deviation on N/S headings

DF not effected

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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15

+B

-B

Correction:
Corrected using the permanent magnets in Fore and Aft direction (Like for like principle use
and equal and opposite pole)
An easterly deviation indicates that the ship has a blue pole attracting the red needle (+Bp)
hence this is corrected by using a Fore and Aft magnets with red pole facing forward.
Correction can be effected by using as many magnets required to nullify the deviation.
Use of single magnets is not advisable and better correction by uniform field can be achieved by
the use of a number of magnets placed at varying distance from the needle.
The F/A correctors are placed in two lines on port and starboard side due to the presence of
the Heeling error magnet bucket in the centre ( in order to maintain symmetry on both sides
The corrector magnets are not to be placed nearer than twice their length to enable uniform
magnetic field.
Correction procedure for B
Split the components in to Bp and Bi.
Following methods can be used:
Magnetic equator method:
This is the easiest and practical method and can be carried out every time the vessel is in
magnetic equator.
At the equator the Bi is nil since the vertical component of the earths field does not exist and
all deviation of B is due to Bp only.
Take a magnetic bearing by observing a distant object (15-16 miles) and obtain bearings on 8
cardinal points and average the values to obtain the magnetic bearing. Take a bearing on East
and west and determine the value of Bp. Head the ship on the east or west direction and adjust
the position /number of the Fore aft and magnets to nullify the deviation.
Once the vessel is back in higher latitudes, Repeat the above procedure to eliminate and
calculate the deviation due to Bi but eliminate the deviation by adjusting the Flinder bars
position and numbers (Having corrected the Bp at the equator, all the deviation being caused
at the East/West headings is due to Bi only)
Compass adjuster method:
With his experience on similar vessel the adjuster allots a value of deviation for Bi and corrects
eliminates that amount if deviation caused by Bi by adjusting the position of Flinder bars.
Then the Bp is eliminated by adjusting the fore aft permanent magnet position and numbers.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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16

Home coaster method: Since the vessel is going to be on the coast and there will be no
appreciable change of latitude and all the deviation caused on the E/W courses is corrected by
the use of F/A method. Since the Latitude is not changing the Bi will also not change and has
been eliminated by the F/A method.
Two different latitude method:
The coefficient of B is noted at 2 different latitude that are widely separated. No correction or
adjustment is made to the corrector magnets. A calculation is made and then Bp and Bi values
found are eliminated separately using Flinder bars and F/A magnets

Co-efficient C:
+C

-C

This is the algebraic sum of Ci (Induced) and C(p).

Ci is the deviation caused due to magnetism induced in the vertical symmetrical soft iron on
the port and starboard side of the compass.
Usually Ci gets cancelled out if the compass is situated in the centre. In case where the
symmetry is disturbed or if the compass is not lying at the center the Ci can cause deviation.
Correction:
This is eliminated by the use of Flinder bar which is slewed out to cancel the effects of
asymmetry.
Co-efficient Cp:
This is the deviation caused by the permanent magnetism of the ships athwart ship
component. This is formed during the ships construction.
This value is maximum on north south courses
Does not change value with latitude or Hemisphere
Correction:
This deviation is corrected by the use of Athwartship permanent magnets.
An equal and opposite pole to that of the ships pole is used to nullify the deviation.

Coefficient D:

W E
+D

E W

E W
-D

W E
W

This is has 2 components the Fore / Aft and Athwartship component but the deviation is
mainly caused by the athwart ship soft iron only. The proximity of the compass in the usual

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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17

construction of vessels results in the athwartship component causing the deviation. (ICHAS
Induced continuous horizontal athwartship soft iron).
This deviation is maximum on quadrantal courses and nil on cardinal courses. Thus it is called
a quadrantal error. Change in latitude/hemisphere does not change the net deviation since
both the horizontal and athwartship components change proportionately.
Correction:
Quadrantal error corrector sphere are used (Soft iron spheres also called the Kelvins sphere)
The vessels construction results in +D (Easterly deviation in NE course)

Coefficient E:
Is the maximum value of quadrantal deviation
This is caused due to induced magnetism in the horizontal soft iron located
symmetrically about 45 deg from the compass position.
+E

-E

Correction
Normally not existing in merchant vessels as SI running diagonally is seldom present.
This is corrected by the slewing of Kelvins spheres at their athwartship position to
cancel this deviation.
If +E present a E created by pacing the SI sphere on port bow and stbd quarter
If E present a +E created by placing the SI sphere on starboard bow and port quarter

Correction of D & E together

When both D & E present, both them are corrected by a single set of spheres slew to
some intermediate angle M0 from the position they correct D alone.
Angle of slew M0 is found from the relationship
Tan 2 M = E/D
Tan twice angle of slew = E/D
The spheres are initially placed in the direction necessary to correct the D of the ship.
(Athwertship to correct +D and F/A to correct D)
There are then slewed through the angle M.
The direction to slew
If the both D & E are same signs-slew the sphere clockwise
If the both D & E are opposite sign-slew the sphere anti clockwise.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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18

Coefficient J (Heeling error)

This is the mathematical representation of the deviation caused when the vessel is heeled to
port or stbd by 1 deg at the same course.
This has 5 components:
1. (Permanent heeling error due to force R) Deviation due to Vertical component of the ships
permanent magnetic field. Maximum deviation in the north and south courses and does not
change with latitude or hemisphere. (Corrected by permanent heeling error magnets)
2. (K rod heeling error, induced by Z) -Deviation due to induced magnetism in the vertical soft
iron component below or above the compass. Maximum on North and South courses but
changes in strength and polarity with latitude and Hemisphere (Corrected by Heeling error
magnets)
3. (e-Rod heeling error, induced by Z) Vertical induction of Horizontal athwartship soft iron as
the vessel rolls. Changes in polarity with the hemisphere. In southern hemisphere it will be low
sided deviation and in the northern hemisphere it will be high sided deviation. This is corrected
by the presence of Kelvins spheres. Maximum deviation on North and South courses.
These are very insignificant,
4. (g-Rod heeling error, induced by H) Horizontal induction of Fore and Aft soft iron,
terminating below the compass position. Maximum on North south courses and nil on
East/West courses.
5. (c-Rod heeling error, induced by H) caused due to induced magnetism in vertical soft iron
forward or abaft the compass.
Correction
Heeling error is corrected by the use of Vertical permanent magnets, Heeling error magnets in a
bucket placed below the compass.
The bucket is attached to a chain and its position can be adjusted by adjusting the chain. The
bucket has holes to vary the number of magnets.
At the equator the bucket is placed at its lowest position and farthest from the compass. As the
latitude increase the bucket is placed closer to the compass by adjusting the bucket.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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19

Pitching Error
The forces causing heeling error will also cause pitching error.
The error will be zero on N/S direction
Maximum on the E/W heading
No corrections to be applied

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20

Additional information,
How to correct heeling error if no VFI available
Head the vessel on the North/South course and Heel the vessel and adjust the heeling
error magnets and bucket position to correct deviation due to heeling error.
What is the distance of the corrector from the compass needle?
Not less than twice the length of the correctors in order to have a uniform correcting
magnetic field.
Vessel heading east Deviation is 9 degrees, you found the Blue end of the
corrector in forward position, how will you correct
This ship has a Red forward hence has been corrected by using the blue end forward.
But too much of Blue corrector so either reduce the Magnet or increase the distance to
reduce the deviation by 8 degrees
Vessel heading SE- westerly deviation how to correct
Bring the quadrantal error correctors (Kelvins spheres) more close as they are
supposed to produce +E correction
Why is the ship swung slowly?
To avoid gaussing error
How you determine that F/B got hard iron properties?
Head the vessel in East or west heading. Check the deviation with normal bar in
position. Then Invert the bar and wait for a while. The deviation should come back to
the same value if it does not then the Flinder bars is exhibiting hard iron properties and
needs to be annealed to bring back its soft iron properties.
How you determine that spheres got hard iron properties?
Head on quadrantal course and check the deviation. Then Slew the spheres through 90
degrees and 180 degrees and wait for some time after which recheck the deviation if not
same then the spheres have lost their soft iron properties and needs to be annealed.
Explain, how you removing permanent magnetism from the soft iron.
The process of annealing removes the permanent magnetism and returns them to their
original state of soft iron. Furthermore, it is a heating process whereby a metal is
heated to a specific temperature /color then allow cooling slowly in the air.

Short Notes on Magnetic Compass

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21

 Examination and Adjustment of Compass required when,

When the new vessel has just been delivered from the yard

After one voyage of the new vessel where the magnetic characteristics have settled
down

When in an old vessel the deviations begin to be large and unsymmetrical etc

At least once every two a year to check the total deviation on all headings

When the vessel has been laid upon one heading for a long time

When considerable alteration has been done to the ships steel work

When the vessel has suffered severe force by way of collision or contact with
structures or the vessel was on fire or struck by lightening

When the ship has loaded magnetic cargo

What are the precautions to be taken before turn the vessel for correcting the
compass

About 10 miles from a conspicuous object if the vessel under way to reduce parallax
errors caused by the radius of turning.

Free from traffic

Away from metal structures, outfalls etc

Deep water (UKC / Turning circle)

No Magnetic anomalies

The vessel should be in sea going condition with all her equipments in place and
secured (Cranes etc)

The vessel should be upright and possible on even keel

Any unnecessary metal/magnetic materials to be removed from the vicinity of the

compass

Check the initial position of all correctors as per the deviation card

Check the condition of the compass (binnacles, lights, movement of card, Bubbles
etc)

Ensure that a good swinging area free from traffic, magnetic anomaly, having good
under keel clearance, devoid of obstructions (magnetic materials), away from off
shore structures is used

Ensure all spare correctors, binnacles etc is stowed away.

Check for apparent A error causes (Lubber line, Magnetic compass positioning,
Prism errors etc)

What are the liquids using to fill Magnetic compass bowl.

This is a combination of alcohol and distilled or Bayol. The alcohol is used to prevent
the water from freezing and the water is added to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
In case of Bayol it is a special liquid and has the R.D to give horizontal stability to the
card movement and also the buoyancy for the card itself to reduce friction at the pivot
point.

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22

Explain the Analysis Method

Analysis method:
Analysis of the various deviations are carried out and correctors placed. A magnetic bearing is
obtained and used as a reference to correct the deviation. If vessels position is exactly known
the true bearing can be obtained and taken out from the variation gives the Magnetic bearing.
A true bearing of the astronomical object should be continuously taken to ascertain the True
bearing and subsequently the magnetic bearing can be obtained by taking off the variation.
The order of correction as per Analyse method,
Co-efficient Bi Flinder Bars
Flinder bar is first placed to adjust the Bi. An approximated value is corrected for 3-4 degrees
when the compass is heading east or west.
On ships with +ve Bi (usually) the Flinder bar is placed Forward of the binnacle.
In cases where there is ve Bi (Funnel /Mast forward of the binnacle) the Flinder bar is placed
aft of the Binnacle.
Coefficient D Kelvins spheres
Take a bearing on the cardinal heading (all four) and average out the magnetic bearing.
Now obtain bearing on Inter cardinal headings and average out the magnetic bearing.
The difference in bearing is the deviation due to D. Correct it by adjusting the Spheres. Move
the spheres closer till the deviation is removed.
Heeling error correction: Co-efficient J
Obtain the value of ships multiplier and adjust the shore to ship Hf ration using the VFI
(Vertical force instrument). Use the VFI instrument and adjust the heeling error bucket position
to cancel out the heeling error.
The VFI is calibrated ashore. Vessel is steadied on the east west course and the bowl removed
and replaced with the VFI in the same position as the compass needle would be. The Heeling
error magnets are adjusted in number and position of buckets adjusted so as to make the VFI
needle horizontal. Thus the heeling error is removed for that latitude.
The Larger of the B or C should be corrected first.
Permanent Bp
Head the vessel in East west direction obtain the Bearing and compare with the magnetic
bearing obtain the deviation and using F/A magnets correct it.
Permanent Cp Head the vessel on North / South heading and obtain Bearing compare with magnetic bearing
and obtain deviation. Using athwartship magnets correct it.
Now corrections should be made for Ci and E and A if any. These are best left uncorrected and
applied for.

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23

Carry out a complete swing and obtain deviation card. Confirm the low value of deviation and
also the symmetry.
Record all the position of the correctors. (Number and color), The Position of carrying out the
swing.
Order of placing magnetic correctors:
1. Flinder bars: These should be placed first since they will correct Bi but create a D
error which has to be corrected by the spheres.
2. The Kelvins spheres are to be used to correct D and they will also be correcting the
3rd cause of Heeling Error (Athwartship horizontal). Their presence increase the directive
force hence the bearings are better in quality and accuracy.
3. The heeling error corrector bucket for correcting (J)
4. Bp and Cp whichever of them is the largest
Explain the Tentative Method
Tentative swing:
This method can be used in a ship at least a year old and which the magnetism becomes fairly
stable. There coefficient are not calculated but deviations on various heading are observed and
removed.
Decide on the direction of swing
Commence the swing (Tight turning circle)
Obtain magnetic bearing of a distant object at all cardinals and get the average of this value
which is the magnetic bearing.
Head East take bearing and remove all deviation using F/A correctors (Bp)
Head South take bearing and remove all deviation using Athwartship correctors (cp)
Head West take bearing and remove Half of Deviation using F/A correctors
Head North take bearing and remove Half of Deviation using athwartship correctors (cp)
Head in NE (inter cardinal) heading take a bearing and remove half of the deviation using
Spheres
Head in SE take bearing and remove half of the deviation using F/A correctors (Bp)
Make a full swing and get a deviation curve and see if the deviation observed is symmetrical
and of low value.
What are areas to check before proceeding to compass adjusting?
Check deviation card details
Ascertain if all the details in the card and the correctors are in place.
Check the condition of the compass bowl and the glass
Check for any bubbles
Check for the free movement of the gimbals
Check for the free movement of the card by using a magnet to deflect the card
Check the Flinder bars and the spheres for any signs of Permanent magnetism

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Check if the binnacle is in the F/A line and on the fore aft line
Check the accuracy of the mirror by taking one celestial bearing and one terrestrial bearing.

Pro-Forma for calculating Coefficients A, B, C, D and E from eight compass

bearings
SHC

C. Brg

M. Brg

Dev.

N
NE
E

SE

SW
W

NW

Sum
Divide

Coef.
East deviation is +, West deviation is -, Reverse sign of deviation
What is deviation and what is the cause of it?
The angle between the Earths field and the directive field is the angle of deviation.
The directive system of a magnetic compass aligns itself with its North-South axis
parallel to external field which surrounds it at the compass position.
Directive field at the compass position is the vector sum of the Earths magnetic field
and the ships magnetic field at the compass at the compass position.
Explain what is meant by the terms: ships permanent and induced magnetic
fields.
The ships permanent field which is constant in magnitude and direction irrespective of
time, course or position on the earth.
An induced field, the magnitude and direction of which is dependent completely on
course and position.
Explain why maximum deviation due to force P occurs on E & W by compass and
not E & W magnetic?
Force P is the fore & aft component of ships permanent field. The maximum deviation is
caused, when force is acting at right angles to the deflected needle, on E & W headings.

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 On which headings does maximum deviation due to force Q occur?

Maximum deviation due to force P occurs when the ships head is North or South by
compass.
With regard to their magnetic properties, define the terms hard iron and Soft
iron?
The term hard iron is used to describe a material with high coercivity and consequently
is one which is hard to demagnetize and retains its magnetism.
The term Soft iron is used to describe a material with low coercivity and consequently is
demagnetized easily and retains very little magnetism.

Mechanics of magnetic compass adjustment.

Fore-and-aft magnets (+B/-B)
Deviation

Easterly on east and

Westerly on east and easterly

Magnets

westerly on West.

on West.

(+B error)

(-B error)

No fore and aft magnets in

Place magnets red

Place magnets red

Binnacle.

Forward.

Aft.

Lower
magnets.
Easterly
on north and
westerly on
South.
(+C error)
Place athwartship magnets
red
Starboard.
Raise magnets

Raise
magnets
Westerly
on north and
easterly on
South.
(-C error)
Place athwartship magnets
red port

Lower magnets.

Raise magnets

Fore and aft magnets red

Athwartship
magnets (+C/-C)
Raise magnets
Lower magnets.

Forward.
Fore
and aft magnets red aft.
Deviation
Magnets
No Athwartship magnets in
Binnacle.
Athwartship magnets red
Starboard.
Athwartship magnets red
Port

Lower magnets.

Quadrantial spheres (+D/-D)

Deviation

E. on NE, E. on SE, W. on

W. on NE, E. on SE, W. on

Spheres

SW,

SW,

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And W. on NW.

And E. on NW.

(+D error)

(-D error)

No spheres on binnacle.

Place spheres athwartship.

Place spheres fore and aft.

Spheres at athwartship

Move spheres toward

Move spheres

position.

compass or use

outwards or remove

Larger spheres.
Spheres at fore and aft

Move spheres

Move spheres toward

position

Outward or remove.

compass or use
Larger spheres.

Quadrantial spheres (+E/-E)

Deviation

E. on N, W. on E, E. on S,

W. on N, E. on E, W. on S,

Spheres

And W. on W.

And E. on W.

(+E error)

(-E error)

Place spheres at port

Place spheres at

forward and starboard

starboard forward

aft intercardinal

and port aft

Positions.

intercardinal

No spheres on binnacle.

Positions.
Spheres at athwartship

Slew spheres

Slew spheres

position.

clockwise through

counter-clockwise

Required angle.

through required
Angle.

Spheres at fore and aft

Slew spheres counter-

Slew spheres

position

clockwise

clockwise through

through

Required angle.

Required angle.

Flinders bar
Deviation change

E. on E. and W. on W

W. on E. and E. on W

with latitude change

when sailing toward

when sailing toward

equator from north

equator from north

latitude or away from

latitude or away from

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Bar

No bar in holder.
Bar forward of binnacle.
Bar aft of binnacle.

Bar

equator to south

equator to south

latitude.

latitude.

Place required of bar

Place required amount

forward.

of bar aft.

Increase amount of bar

Decrease amount

forward.

of bar forward.

Decrease amount of

Increase amount of

bar aft.

bar aft.

W. on E. and E. on W.

E. on E. and W. on W.

when sailing toward

when sailing toward

equator from south

equator from south

latitude or away from

latitude or away from

Deviation change

equator to north

equator to south latitude

with latitude change

latitude.

Heeling magnet
(Adjust with changes in magnetic latitude)
If compass north is attracted to high side of ship when rolling, raise the
Heeling magnet if red end is up and lower the heeling magnet if blue end is up.
If compass north is attracted to low side of ship when rolling, lower the
Heeling magnet if red end is up and raise the heeling magnet if blue end is up.
NOTE: Any change in placement of the heeling magnet will affect the
Deviations on all headings.
Gaussin error.
This error is caused by eddy currents set up by a changing number of magnetic lines of force
through soft iron as the ship changes heading. Due to these eddy currents, the induced
magnetism on a given heading does not arrive at its normal value until about 2 minutes after
changing to the heading. To avoid Gaussin error, when adjusting and swinging ship for
residuals, the ship should be steady on the desired heading for at least 2 minutes prior to
observing the deviation.
Retentive error
Another source of transient (a momentary variation in) deviation is the retentive error.
This error results from the tendency of a ships structure to retain some of the induced
magnetic effects for short periods of time. For example, a ship traveling north for several

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days, especially if pounding in heavy seas, will tend to retain some fore-and-aft
magnetism hammered in under these induction conditions. Although this effect is
transient, it may cause incorrect observations or adjustments. This same type of error
occurs when ships are docked on one heading for long periods of time
Induced Magnetism And Its Effects On The Compass

Regulations involving carriage of magnetic compass on board

1-SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19
2-IMO Resolution A382(X) , Magnetic compass carriage and performance standards
Annex-I&II
3-MSA Marine guidance notice (MGN) 57, operating maintaining and testing MC
4-Respective flag administration requirements

Q=what is the causes of permanent coefficient B (Bp)?

A= it will cause due to ships permanent magnets which lies on the fore and aft
direction. It will be due to force P. They are permanent magnets and nearly constant.

Q=show the deviation due to Bp varies with

1-the sine of compass course

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2-the mean directive force at the compass

A=1 & 2

Q= show the effect of change of latitude on the deviation due to Bp

H<P

High Latitude on easterly heading

Higher Deviation

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P= constant
H
Low latitude on easterly heading
H>P

Smaller Deviation

Magnetic equator
1 > 2

Dev 1/H

1/2 = H1/H2 x son comp Co2/sin comp Co1

Q= What is caused the Bi
Is cause by a horizontal fore and aft magnetic field at the compass due to the induced
magnetism in the VSI. Forward or abaft of the compass (due to c rod)

Q= show the effect of change of latitude on the deviation due to iB

H
Tan Dip
Z

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High Latitude
H
H
Z

Tan Dip

Low latitude
Magnetic equator (NH)
Q= PC and iC+ and iC( For more information about Coefficients see above elaborated informations regarding COE.)

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Q= show the effect of change of latitude on the deviation due to Bp

H<Q

High Latitude on easterly heading

Higher Deviation,
Q

H become less, Q is constant, Ely higher as H reduces

Q= constant
H
Low latitude on easterly heading
H>Q

Smaller Deviation
Q

H become high, Q is constant, Ely low as H is high

Magnetic equator

Note: Well sighted compasses iC not present.

Q= +D and D

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Q= +E and E

EE

Q=heeling error

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