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FUNCTION OF A COMPASS
The magnetic compass is used for the purpose of
showing the direction toward
the Earth's magnetic poles from where the
compass is located.
A Magnetic compass is a critical piece of marine
navigational equipment.
Simply put, a magnetised needle, suspended
freely, points North because of the forces caused
by the Earths magnetic field. Once North is
known, the other directions are easily found.
DIFFERENT MAGNETIC
COMPASSES USED
Gimbal system to
keep card level when
boat heels and
pitches.
Compensation system
to reduce deviation
error.
ADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC
COMPASSES
Little maintenance required
No power source required
Durability
DISADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC
COMPASSES
Does not seek True North
Affected by surrounding materials.
Cannot be used near the poles
DIFFERENT ERRORS IN
SHIPS(CONTENTS)
Variation
Deviation
Variation
DEVIATION:
BOAT-SPECIFIC ERROR
Deviation is caused by the interaction of the ships metallic