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600. Introduction f. Alignment of magnets in binnacle.

g. Alignment of heeling magnet tube under pivot
This chapter presents information and procedures point of compass.
for magnetic compass adjustment. Sections 601 and 613 h. See that corrector magnets are available.
cover procedures designed to eliminate compass errors
satisfactorily. Refer to Figure 607 for condensed infor- 2. Physical checks of gyro, azimuth circle, and peloruses.
mation regarding the various compass errors and their a. Alignment of peloruses with fore-and-aft line of
correction. ship (section 610).
The term compass adjustment refers to any change of b. Synchronize gyro repeaters with master gyro.
permanent magnet or soft iron correctors to reduce normal c. Ensure azimuth circles and peloruses are in good
compass errors. The term compass compensation refers to condition.
any change in the current slupplied to the compass compen-
sating coils to reduce degaussing errors. 3. Necessary data.
a. Past history or log data which might establish
601. Adjustment Check-Off List length of Flinders bar (sections 610 and 623).
b. Azimuths for date and observer’s position (section
If the magnetic adjustment necessitates (a) movement 633 and Chapter 17).
of degaussing compensating coils, or (b) a change of c. Ranges or distant objects in vicinity if needed (lo-
Flinders bar length, check also the coil compensation per cal charts).
section 646. d. Correct variation (local charts).
Expeditious compass adjustment depends on the appli- e. Degaussing coil current settings for swing for resid-
cation of the various correctors in an optimum sequence ual deviations after adjustment and compensation
designed to minimize the number of correction steps. Cer- (ship’s Degaussing Folder).
tain adjustments may be made conveniently at dockside,
simplifying the at sea adjustment procedures. 4. Precautions.
Moving the wrong corrector wastes time and upsets all a. Determine transient deviations of compass from
previous adjustments, so be careful to make the correct ad- gyro repeaters, doors, guns, etc. (sections 636 and
justments. Throughout an adjustment, special care should 639).
be taken to pair off spare magnets so that the resultant field b. Secure all effective magnetic gear in normal seagoing
about them will be negligible. To make doubly sure that the position before beginning adjustments.
compass is not affected by a spare magnet’s stray field, c. Make sure degaussing coils are secured before be-
keep them at an appropriate distance until they are actually ginning adjustments. Use reversal sequence, if
inserted into the binnacle. necessary.
d. Whenever possible, correctors should be placed
A. Dockside tests and adjustments. symmetrically with respect to the compass.

1. Physical checks on the compass and binnacle. 5. Adjustments.

a. Remove any bubbles in compass bowl (section a. Place Flinders bar according to best available infor-
610). mation (sections 610, 622 through 625).
b. Test for moment and sensibility of compass nee- b. Set spheres at mid-position, or as indicated by last
dles (section 610). deviation table.
c. Remove any slack in gimbal arrangement. c. Adjust heeling magnet, using balanced dip needle
d. Magnetization check of spheres and Flinders bar if available (section 637).
(section 610).
e. Alignment of compass with fore-and-aft line of B. Adjustments at sea. Make these adjustments with the ship
ship (section 610). on an even keel and steady on each heading. When using


the gyro, swing slowly from heading to heading and check

Fore-and-aft and athwartship magnets Quadrantial spheres Flinders bar

Deviation Easterly on east Westerly on east Deviation E. on NE, W. on NE, Deviation change E. on E. and W. on W W. on E. and E. on W
and westerly on and easterly on E. on SE, E. on SE, with latitude when sailing toward when sailing toward
west. west. W. on SW, W. on SW, change equator from north equator from north
and andE. on NW. latitude or away from latitude or away from
Magnets Spheres
(+B error) (-B error) W. on NW. (-D error) equator to south equator to south latitude.
(+D error) latitude.

No fore and aft Place magnets red Place magnets red No spheres on Place spheres Place spheres fore Place required of bar Place required amount
magnets in forward. aft. binnacle. athwartship. and aft. No bar in holder. forward. of bar aft.
Fore and aft Raise magnets. Lower magnets. Spheres at Move spheres toward Move spheres Increase amount of bar Deacrease amount
magnets red athwartship compass or use outwards or remove. Bar forward of binnacle. forward. of bar forward.
forward. position. larger spheres.
Fore and aft Lower magnets. Raise magnets. Spheres at fore and Move spheres Move spheres toward Decrease amount of Increase amount of
magnets red aft. aft position. outward or remove. compass or use Bar aft of binnacle. bar aft. bar aft.
larger spheres.
Deviation Easterly on north Westerly on north Deviation E. on N, W. on N, W. on E. and E. on W. E. on E. and W. on W.
and westerly on and easterly on W. on E, E. on E, when sailing toward when sailing toward
south. south. E. on S, W. on S, Bar equator from south equator from south
Magnets Spheres and and latitude or away from latitude or away from
(-C error) W. on W. E. on W. Deviation change equator to north equator to south latitude
(+C error) (+E error) (-E error) with latitude latitude.
No athwartship Place athwartship Place athwartship No spheres on Place spheres at port Place spheres at Heeling magnet
magnets in magnets red magnets red port. binnacle. forward and starboard starboard foreward (Adjust with changes in magnetic latitude)
binnacle. starboard. aft intercardinaland port aft If compass north is attracted to high side of ship when rolling, raise
positions. intercardinal the heeling magnet if red end is up and lower the heeling magnet if blue
positions. end is up.
Athwartship Raise magnets. Lower magnets. Spheres at Slew spheres Slew spheres If compass north is attracted to low side of ship when rolling, lower
magnets red athwartship clockwise through counter-clockwise
the heeling magnet if red end is up and raise the heeling magnet if blue
starboard. position. required angle. through required
end is up.
NOTE: Any change in placement of the heeling magnet will affect the
Athwartship Lower magnets. Raise magnets. Spheres at fore and Slew spheres counter- Slew spheres deviations on all headings.
magnets red port. aft position. clockwise through clockwise through
required angle. required angle.

Figure 601. Mechanics of magnetic compass adjustment.

gyro error by sun’s azimuth or ranges on each heading to half of any observed deviation by moving the
ensure a greater degree of accuracy (section 631). Be sure C magnets.
gyro is set for the mean speed and latitude of the vessel. The cardinal heading adjustments should now be
Note all precautions in section A-4 above. Fly the “OSCAR complete.
QUEBEC” international code signal to indicate such work 6. Come to any intercardinal magnetic heading, e.g.,
is in progress. Section 631 discusses methods for placing northeast (045°). Correct any observed deviation
the ship on desired headings. by moving the spheres in or out.
7. Come to the next intercardinal magnetic heading,
1. Adjust the heeling magnet while the ship is rolling e.g., southeast (135°). Correct half of any ob-
on north and south magnetic headings until the os- served deviation by moving the spheres.
cillations of the compass card have been reduced
to an average minimum. This step is not required The intercardinal heading adjustments should now be
if prior adjustment has been made using a dip nee- complete, although more accurate results might be ob-
dle to indicate proper placement of the heeling tained by correcting the D error determined from the
magnet. deviations on all four intercardinal headings, as discussed
2. Come to a cardinal magnetic heading, e.g., east in section 615.
(090°). Insert fore-and-aft B magnets, or move the
existing B magnets, to remove all deviation. 8. Secure all correctors before swinging for residual
3. Come to a south (180°) magnetic heading. Insert deviations.
athwartship C magnets, or move the existing 9. Swing for residual undegaussed deviations on as
C magnets, to remove all deviation. many headings as desired, although the eight car-
4. Come to a west (270°) magnetic heading. Correct dinal and intercardinal headings should be
half of any observed deviation by moving the sufficient.
B magnets. 10. Should there still be any large deviations, analyze
5. Come to a north (000°) magnetic heading. Correct the deviation curve to determine the necessary

corrections and repeat as necessary steps 1 the unlike poles will attract each other.
through 9 above. Magnetism can be either permanent or induced. A
11. Record deviations and the details of corrector positions bar having permanent magnetism will retain its magnetism
on the deviation card to be posted near the compass. when it is removed from the magnetizing field. A bar hav-
12. Swing for residual degaussed deviations with the ing induced magnetism will lose its magnetism when
degaussing circuits properly energized. removed from the magnetizing field. Whether or not a bar
13. Record deviations for degaussed conditions on the will retain its magnetism on removal from the magnetizing
deviation card. field will depend on the strength of that field, the degree of
hardness of the iron (retentivity), and also upon the amount
The above check-off list describes a simplified method of physical stress applied to the bar while in the magnetiz-
of adjusting compasses, designed to serve as a workable ing field. The harder the iron, the more permanent will be
outline for the novice who chooses to follow a step-by-step the magnetism acquired.
procedure. The dockside tests and adjustments are essential
as a foundation for the adjustments at sea. Neglecting the 603. Terrestrial Magnetism
dockside procedures may lead to spurious results or need-
less repetition of the procedures at sea. Give careful
Consider the earth as a huge magnet surrounded by
consideration to these dockside checks prior to making the
magnetic flux lines connecting its two magnetic poles.
final adjustment. This will allow time to repair or replace
faulty compasses, anneal or replace magnetized spheres or These magnetic poles are near, but not coincidental with,
Flinders bars, realign the binnacle, move a gyro repeater if the earth’s geographic poles. Since the north seeking end of
it is affecting the compass, or to make any other necessary a compass needle is conventionally called the north pole,
preliminary repairs. or positive pole, it must therefore be attracted to a south
Expeditious compass adjustment depends upon the ap- pole, or negative pole.
plication of the various correctors in a logical sequence so Figure 603a illustrates the earth and its surrounding mag-
as to achieve the final adjustment with a minimum number netic field. The flux lines enter the surface of the earth at
of steps. The above check-off list accomplishes this pur- different angles to the horizontal, at different magnetic ati-
pose. Figure 607 presents the various compass errors and tudes. This angle is called the angle of magnetic dip, θ, and
their correction in condensed form. Frequent, careful obser-
vations should be made to determine the constancy of
deviations, and results should be systematically recorded.
Significant changes in deviation will indicate the need for
To avoid Gaussin error (section 636) when adjusting
and swinging ship for residuals, the ship should be steady
on the desired heading for at least 2 minutes prior to observ-
ing the deviation.

602. The Magnetic Compass And Magnetism

The principle of the present day magnetic compass is

no different from that of the compasses used by ancient
mariners. It consists of a magnetized needle, or an array of
needles, allowed to rotate in the horizontal plane. The supe-
riority of the present day compasses over ancient ones
results from a better knowledge of the laws of magnetism
which govern the behavior of the compass and from greater
precision in construction.
Any piece of metal on becoming magnetized will de-
velop regions of concentrated magnetism called poles. Any
such magnet will have at least two poles of opposite polar-
ity. Magnetic force (flux) lines connect one pole of such a
magnet with the other pole. The number of such lines per
unit area represents the intensity of the magnetic field in
that area. If two such magnetic bars or magnets are placed
close to each other, the like poles will repel each other and Figure 603a. Terrestrial magnetism.

Figure 603b. Magnetic dip chart, a simplification of chart 30.

Figure 603c. Magnetic variation chart, a simplification of chart 42.


increases from 0°, at the magnetic equator, to 90° at the mag- A ship, then, has a combination of permanent, subperma-
netic poles. The total magnetic field is generally considered as nent, and induced magnetism. Therefore, the ship’s apparent
having two components: H, the horizontal component; and Z, permanent magnetic condition is subject to change from dep-
the vertical component. These components change as the angle erming, excessive shocks, welding, and vibration. The ship’s
θ, changes, such that H is maximum at the magnetic equator induced magnetism will vary with the earth’s magnetic field
and decreases in the direction of either pole; Z is zero at the strength and with the alignment of the ship in that field.
magnetic equator and increases in the direction of either pole.
The values of magnetic dip may be found on Chart 30 (shown 605. Magnetic Adjustment
simplified in Figure 603b). The values of H and Z may be
found on charts 33 and 36. A rod of soft iron, in a plane parallel to the earth’s hor-
Since the magnetic poles of the earth do not coincide izontal magnetic field, H, will have a north pole induced in
with the geographic poles, a compass needle in line with the the end toward the north geographic pole and a south pole
earth’s magnetic field will not indicate true north, but mag- induced in the end toward the south geographic pole. This
netic north. The angular difference between the true meridian same rod in a horizontal plane, but at right angles to the hor-
(great circle connecting the geographic poles) and the mag- izontal earth’s field, would have no magnetism induced in it,
netic meridian (direction of the lines of magnetic flux) is because its alignment in the magnetic field is such that there
called variation. This variation has different values at differ- will be no tendency toward linear magnetization, and the rod
ent locations on the earth. These values of magnetic variation is of negligible cross section. Should the rod be aligned in
may be found on Chart 42 (shown simplified in Figure 603c), some horizontal direction between those headings which
on pilot charts, and, on the compass rose of navigational create maximum and zero induction, it would be induced by
charts. The variation for most given areas undergoes an an- an amount which is a function of the angle of alignment. If
nual change, the amount of which is also noted on charts. a similar rod is placed in a vertical position in northern lati-
tudes so as to be aligned with the vertical earth’s field Z, it
604. Ship’s Magnetism will have a south pole induced at the upper end and a north
pole induced at the lower end. These polarities of vertical in-
A ship under construction or major repair will acquire duced magnetization will be reversed in southern latitudes.
permanent magnetism due to hammering and jarring while The amount of horizontal or vertical induction in such
sitting stationary in the earth’s magnetic field. After launch- rods, or in ships whose construction is equivalent to combi-
ing, the ship will lose some of this original magnetism as a nations of such rods, will vary with the intensity of H and
result of vibration and pounding in varying magnetic fields, Z, heading and heel of the ship.
and will eventually reach a more or less stable magnetic The magnetic compass must be corrected for the ves-
condition. The magnetism which remains is the permanent sel’s permanent and induced magnetism so that its
magnetism of the ship. operation approximates that of a completely nonmagnetic
The fact that a ship has permanent magnetism does not vessel. Ship’s magnetic conditions create magnetic com-
mean that it cannot also acquire induced magnetism when pass deviations and sectors of sluggishness and
placed in the earth’s magnetic field. The magnetism in- unsteadiness. Deviation is defined as deflection right or left
duced in any given piece of soft iron is a function of the of the magnetic meridian. Adjusting the compass consists
field intensity, the alignment of the soft iron in that field, of arranging magnetic and soft iron correctors about the
and the physical properties and dimensions of the iron. This binnacle so that their effects are equal and opposite to the
induced magnetism may add to, or subtract from, the per- effects of the magnetic material in the ship.
manent magnetism already present in the ship, depending The total permanent magnetic field effect at the com-
on how the ship is aligned in the magnetic field. The softer pass may be broken into three components, mutually 90°
the iron, the more readily it will be magnetized by the apart, as shown in Figure 605a.
earth’s magnetic field, and the more readily it will give up The vertical permanent component tilts the compass
its magnetism when removed from that field. card, and, when the ship rolls or pitches, causes oscillating
The magnetism in the various structures of a ship, deflections of the card. Oscillation effects which accompa-
which tends to change as a result of cruising, vibration, or ny roll are maximum on north and south compass headings,
aging, but which does not alter immediately so as to be and those which accompany pitch are maximum on east and
properly termed induced magnetism, is called subperma- west compass headings.
nent magnetism. This magnetism, at any instant, is part of The horizontal B and C components of permanent mag-
the ship’s permanent magnetism, and consequently must be netism cause varying deviations of the compass as the ship
corrected by permanent magnet correctors. It is the princi- swings in heading on an even keel. Plotting these deviations
pal cause of deviation changes on a magnetic compass. against compass heading yields the sine and cosine curves
Subsequent reference to permanent magnetism will refer to shown in Figure 605b. These deviation curves are called
the apparent permanent magnetism which includes the ex- semicircular curves because they reverse direction by 180°.
isting permanent and subpermanent magnetism. A vector analysis is helpful in determining deviations or

Figure 605a. Components of permanent magnetic field.

the strength of deviating fields. For example, a ship as would be maximum on a north heading and minimum on a
shown in Figure 605c on an east magnetic heading will sub- south heading because the deviations for both conditions are
ject its compass to a combination of magnetic effects; zero.
namely, the earth’s horizontal field H, and the deviating
The magnitude of the deviation caused by the perma-
field B, at right angles to the field H. The compass needle
will align itself in the resultant field which is represented by nent B magnetic field will vary with different values of H;
the vector sum of H and B, as shown. A similar analysis will hence, deviations resulting from permanent magnetic fields
reveal that the resulting directive force on the compass will vary with the magnetic latitude of the ship.

Figure 605b. Permanent magnetic deviation effects.


rounding field, the mass of metal, and the alignment of the metal
in the field. Since the intensity of the earth’s magnetic field var-
ies over the earth’s surface, the induced magnetism in a ship will
vary with latitude, heading, and heel of the ship.
With the ship on an even keel, the resultant vertical induced
magnetism, if not directed through the compass itself, will create
deviations which plot as a semicircular deviation curve. This is
true because the vertical induction changes magnitude and po-
larity only with magnetic latitude and heel, and not with heading
of the ship. Therefore, as long as the ship is in the same magnetic
latitude, its vertical induced pole swinging about the compass
will produce the same effect on the compass as a permanent pole
swinging about the compass.
The earth’s field induction in certain other unsymmetrical
arrangements of horizontal soft iron create a constant A devia-
tion curve. In addition to this magnetic A error, there are
constant A deviations resulting from: (1) physical misalign-
ments of the compass, pelorus, or gyro; (2) errors in calculating
Figure 605c. General force diagram. the sun’s azimuth, observing time, or taking bearings.
The nature, magnitude, and polarity of all these in-
606. Induced Magnetism And Its Effects On The duced effects are dependent upon the disposition of metal,
Compass the symmetry or asymmetry of the ship, the location of the
binnacle, the strength of the earth’s magnetic field, and the
Induced magnetism varies with the strength of the sur- angle of dip.

Magnetic or compass
Type deviation headings of
Coefficient Causes of such errors Correctors for such errors headings on which to
curve maximum apply correctors
Human-error in calculations _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Check methods and calculations _ _ _
A Constant. Same on all. Physical-compass, gyro, pelorus alignment _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Check alignments _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Any.
Magnetic-unsymmetrical arrangements of horiz. soft iron. Rare arrangement of soft iron rods.

Semicircular Fore-and-aft component of permanent magnetic field_ _ _ Fore-and-aft B magnets _ _ _ _ _ _

B sin φ . 270˚
Induced magnetism in unsymmetrical vertical iron forward or Flinders bar (forward or aft) _ _ _ _ 090˚ or 270˚.
aft of compass.
Semicircular Athwartship component of permanent magnetic field- - - - - - - Athwartship C magnets _ _ _ _ _ _
C cos φ . 180˚
Induced magnetism in unsymmetrical vertical iron port or Flinders bar (port or starboard) _ _ _ 000˚ or 180˚.
starboard of compass.

Quadrantral 045˚ Spheres on appropriate axis.

135˚ Induced magnetism in all symmetrical arrangements of (athwartship for +D)
D sin 2φ . 225˚ horizontal soft iron. (fore and aft for -D) 045˚, 135˚, 225˚, or 315˚.
315˚ See sketch a

000˚ Spheres on appropriate axis.

090˚ Induced magnetism in all unsymmetrical arrangements of (port fwd.-stb’d for +E)
E cos 2φ . 180˚ horizontal soft iron. (stb’d fwd.-port aft for -E) 000˚, 090˚, 180˚, or 270˚.
270˚ See sketch b

Oscillations with roll

or pitch.
Change in the horizontal component of the induced or permanent
magnetic fields at the compass due to rolling or pitching of the
Heeling magnet (must be readjusted for
latitude changes).
090˚ or 270˚ with dip needle.
000˚ or 180˚ while rolling.
Heeling Deviations with 090˚ }
pitc ship.
constant list. 270˚ h

Deviation = A + B sin φ + C cos φ + D sin 2φ + E cos 2φ ( φ = compass heading )

Figure 607. Summary of compass errors and adjustments.


Certain heeling errors, in addition to those resulting vertical tube.

from permanent magnetism, are created by the presence of 2. Fore-and-aft B permanent magnets in their trays.
both horizontal and vertical soft iron which experience 3. Athwartship C permanent magnets in their trays.
changing induction as the ship rolls in the earth’s magnetic 4. Vertical soft iron Flinders bar in its external tube.
field. This part of the heeling error will naturally change in 5. Soft iron quadrantal spheres.
magnitude with changes of magnetic latitude of the ship.
Oscillation effects accompanying roll are maximum on The heeling magnet is the only corrector which cor-
north and south headings, just as with the permanent mag- rects for both permanent and induced effects. Therefore, it
netic heeling errors. must be adjusted occasionally for changes in ship’s latitude.
However, any movement of the heeling magnet will require
607. Adjustments And Correctors readjustment of other correctors.
Figure 607 summarizes all the various magnetic condi-
Since some magnetic effects are functions of the ves- tions in a ship, the types of deviation curves they create, the
sel’s magnetic latitude and others are not, each individual correctors for each effect, and headings on which each cor-
effect should be corrected independently. Furthermore, to rector is adjusted. Apply the correctors symmetrically and
make the corrections, use (1) permanent magnet correctors as far away from the compass as possible. This preserves
to compensate for permanent magnetic fields at the com- the uniformity of magnetic fields about the compass needle
pass, and (2) soft iron correctors to compensate for induced array.
magnetism. The compass binnacle provides support for Fortunately, each magnetic effect has a slightly differ-
both the compass and such correctors. Typical binnacles ent characteristic curve. This makes identification and
hold the following correctors: correction convenient. Analyzing a complete deviation
curve for its different components allows one to anticipate
1. Vertical permanent heeling magnet in the central the necessary corrections.


608. Effects Of Errors On The Compass ple, a ship whose compass is frozen to a north reading would
require fore-and-aft B corrector magnets with the positive
An uncorrected compass suffers large deviations and ends forward in order to neutralize the existing negative pole
sluggish, unsteady operation. These conditions may be as- which attracted the compass. If made on an east heading,
sociated with the maximum and minimum directive force such an adjustment would be practically complete when the
acting on the compass. The maximum deviation occurs at compass card was freed to indicate an east heading.
the point of average directive force; and the zero deviations
occur at the points of maximum and minimum directive 609. Reasons For Correcting Compass
Applying correctors to reduce compass deviation ef- There are several reasons for correcting the errors of
fects compass error correction. Applying correctors to the magnetic compass:
equalize the directive forces across the compass position
could also effect compass correction. The deviation method 1. It is easier to use a magnetic compass if the devia-
is most often used because it utilizes the compass itself as tions are small.
the correction indicator. Equalizing the directive forces
would require an additional piece of test and calibration 2. Even known and compensated for deviation intro-
equipment. duces error because the compass operates
Occasionally, the permanent magnetic effects at the lo- sluggishly and unsteadily when deviation is
cation of the compass are so large that they overcome the present.
earth’s directive force, H. This condition will not only create
sluggish and unsteady sectors, but may even freeze the com- 3. Even though the deviations are compensated for,
pass to one reading or to one quadrant, regardless of the they will be subject to appreciable change as a
heading of the ship. Should the compass become so frozen, function of heel and magnetic latitude.
the polarity of the magnetism which must be attracting the
compass needles is indicated; hence, correction may be ef- Once properly adjusted, the magnetic compass devia-
fected simply by the application of permanent magnet tions should remain constant until there is some change in
correctors, in suitable quantity to neutralize this magnetism. the magnetic condition of the vessel resulting from magnetic
Whenever such adjustments are made, it would be well to treatment, shock from gunfire, vibration, repair, or structural
have the ship placed on a heading such that the unfreezing of changes. Frequently, the movement of nearby guns, doors,
the compass needles will be immediately evident. For exam- gyro repeaters, or cargo affects the compass greatly.


610. Dockside Tests And Adjustments section 611.

Adjust the Flinders bar first because it is subject to
Section 601, the Adjustment Checkoff List, gives the induction from several of the correctors and its adjust-
physical checks required before beginning an adjustment. ment is not dependent on any single observation. To
The adjustment procedure assumes that these checks have adjust the Flinders bar, use one of the following
been completed. The navigator will avoid much delay by methods:
making these checks before starting the magnet and soft
iron corrector adjustments. The most important of these 1. Use deviation data obtained at two different mag-
checks are discussed below. netic latitudes to calculate the proper length of
Should the compass have a small bubble, add compass Flinders bar for any particular compass location.
fluid through the filling plug on the compass bowl. If an ap- Sections 622 through 624 contain details on acquir-
preciable amount of compass liquid has leaked out, check ing the data and making the required calculations.
the sealing gasket and filling plug for leaks.
Take the compass to a place free from all magnetic in- 2. If the above method is impractical, set the Flinders
fluences except the earth’s magnetic field for tests of bar length by:
moment and sensibility. These tests involve measurements
of the time of vibration and the ability of the compass card a. Using a Flinders bar length determined by
to return to a consistent reading after deflection. These tests other ships of similar structure.
will indicate the condition of the pivot, jewel, and magnetic
strength of the compass needles. b. Studying the arrangement of masts, stacks,
Next, check the spheres and Flinders bar for residual and other vertical structures and estimating the
magnetism. Move the spheres as close to the compass as Flinders bar length required.
possible and slowly rotate each sphere separately. Any ap-
preciable deflection (2° or more) of the compass needles If these methods are not suitable, omit the Flinders bar
resulting from this rotation indicates residual magnetism in until the required data are acquired.
the spheres. The Flinders bar magnetization check is pref- The iron sections of Flinders bar should be continu-
erably made with the ship on an east or west compass ous and placed at the top of the tube with the longest
heading. To make this check: (a) note the compass reading section at the top. Wooden spacers are used at the bottom
with the Flinders bar in the holder; (b) invert the Flinders of the tube.
bar in the holder and again note the compass reading. Any Having adjusted the length of Flinders bar, place the
appreciable difference (2° or more) between these observed spheres on the bracket arms at an approximate position.
readings indicates residual magnetism in the Flinders bar. If the compass has been adjusted previously, place the
Spheres or Flinders bars which show signs of such residual spheres at the position indicated by the previous devia-
magnetism should be annealed, i.e., heated to a dull red and tion table. In the event the compass has never been
allowed to cool slowly. adjusted, place the spheres at the midpoint on the bracket
Correct alignment of the lubber’s line of the com- arms.
pass, gyro repeater, and pelorus with the fore-and-aft The next adjustment is the positioning of the heeling
line of the ship is important. Any misalignment will pro- magnet using a properly balanced dip needle. Section 637
duce a constant error in the deviation curve. All of these discusses this procedure.
instruments may be aligned correctly with the fore-and- These three dockside adjustments (Flinders bar, qua-
aft line of the ship by using the azimuth circle and a met- drantal spheres, and heeling magnet) will properly establish
al tape measure. Should the instrument be located on the the conditions of mutual induction and shielding of the
centerline of the ship, a sight is taken on a mast or other compass. This minimizes the steps required at sea to com-
object on the centerline. If the instrument is not on the plete the adjustment.
centerline, measure the distance from the centerline of
the ship to the center of the instrument. Mark this dis- 611. Expected Errors
tance off from the centerline forward or abaft the
compass and place reference marks on the deck. Take Figure 607 lists six different coefficients or types of de-
sights on these marks. viation errors with their causes and corresponding
Align the compass so that the compass’ lubber’s line is correctors. A discussion of these coefficients follows:
parallel to the fore-and-aft line of the ship. Steering com- The A error is caused by the miscalculation of azimuths
passes may occasionally be deliberately misaligned in order or by physical misalignments rather than magnetic effects of
to correct for any magnetic A error present, as discussed in unsymmetrical arrangements of horizontal soft iron. Thus,

checking the physical alignments at dockside and making The B error results from both the fore-and-aft perma-
careful calculations will minimize the A error. Where an azi- nent magnetic field across the compass and a resultant
muth or bearing circle is used on a standard compass to unsymmetrical vertical induced effect forward or aft of the
determine deviations, any observed A error will be solely mag- compass. The former is corrected by the use of fore-and-aft
netic A error because such readings are taken on the face of the B magnets, and the latter is corrected by the use of the
compass card rather than at the lubber’s line of the compass. Flinders bar forward or aft of the compass. Because the
On a steering compass where deviations are obtained by a Flinders bar setting is a dockside adjustment, any remaining
comparison of the compass lubber’s line reading with the B error is corrected by the use of fore-and-aft B magnets.
ship’s magnetic heading, as determined by pelorus or gyro, The C error results from the athwartship permanent
any observed A error may be a combination of magnetic A and magnetic field across the compass and a resultant unsym-
mechanical A (misalignment). These facts explain the proce- metrical vertical induced effect athwartship of the compass.
dure in which only mechanical A is corrected on the standard The former is corrected by the use of athwartship C mag-
compass, by realignment of the binnacle, and both mechanical nets, and the latter by the use of the Flinders bar to port or
A and magnetic A errors are corrected on the steering compass starboard of the compass. Because the vertical induced ef-
by realignment of the binnacle. On the standard compass, the fect is very rare, the C error is corrected by athwartship
mechanical A error may be isolated from the magnetic A error C magnets only.
by making the following observations simultaneously: The D error is due only to induction in the symmetrical
arrangements of horizontal soft iron, and requires correction
1. Record a curve of deviations by using an azimuth by spheres, generally athwartship of the compass.
(or bearing) circle. Any A error found will be solely
E error of appreciable magnitude is rare, since it is
magnetic A.
caused by induction in the unsymmetrical arrangements of
horizontal soft iron. When this error is appreciable it may be
2. Record a curve of deviations by comparison of the
corrected by slewing the spheres, as described in section 620.
compass lubber’s line reading with the ship’s mag-
As stated previously, the heeling error is adjusted at
netic heading as determined by pelorus or by gyro.
dockside with a balanced dip needle (see section 637).
Any A error found will be a combination of me-
chanical A and magnetic A. As the above discussion points out, certain errors are
rare and others are corrected at dockside. Therefore, for most
3. The mechanical A on the standard compass is then ships, only the B, C, and D errors require at sea correction.
found by subtracting the A found in the first in- These errors are corrected by the fore-and-aft B magnets,
stance from the total A found in the second athwartship C magnets, and quadrantal spheres respectively.
instance, and is corrected by rotating the binnacle
in the proper direction by that amount. It is neither 612. Study Of Adjustment Procedure
convenient nor necessary to isolate the two types of
A on the steering compass and all A found by using Inspecting the B, C, and D errors pictured in Figure
the pelorus or gyro may be removed by rotating the 612a demonstrates a definite isolation of deviation effects
binnacle in the proper direction. on cardinal compass headings.

Figure 612a. B, C, and D deviation effects.


Figure 612b. A and B deviation.

For example, on 090° or 270° compass headings, the the 090° heading would then be 4° E due to B undercorrec-
only deviation which is effective is that due to B. This iso- tion. To eliminate this endlessly iterative process and
lation, and the fact that the B effect is greatest on these two correct the B error to the best possible flat curve, split this
headings, make these headings convenient for B correction. 4° E difference, leaving 2° E deviation on each opposite
Correction of the B deviation on a 090° heading will correct heading. This would, in effect correct the B error, leaving
the B deviation on the 270° heading by the same amount but only the A error of 2° E which must be corrected by other
in the opposite direction and naturally, it will not change the means. It is for this reason that, (1) splitting is done between
deviations on the 000° and 180° headings, except where B the errors noted on opposite headings, and (2) good adjust-
errors are large. However, the total deviation on all the in- ments entail checking on all headings rather than on the
tercardinal headings will be shifted in the same direction as fundamental three.
the adjacent 090° or 270° deviation correction, but only by
seven-tenths (0.7) of that amount, since the sine of 45° 613. Adjustment Procedures At Sea
equals 0.707. The same convenient isolation of effects and
corrections of C error will also change the deviations on all Before proceeding with the adjustment at sea the fol-
the intercardinal headings by the seven-tenths rule. lowing precautions should be observed:
Note that only after correcting the B and C errors on the
cardinal headings, and consequently their proportional val- 1. Secure all effective magnetic gear in the normal
ues of the total curve on the intercardinal headings, can the seagoing position.
D error be observed separately on any of the intercardinal
headings. The D error may then be corrected by use of the 2. Make sure the degaussing coils are secured, using
spheres on any intercardinal heading. Correcting D error the reversal sequence, if necessary (See section
will, as a rule, change the deviations on the intercardinal 643).
headings only, and not on the cardinal headings. Only when
the D error is excessive, the spheres are magnetized, or the The adjustments are made with the ship on an even
permanent magnet correctors are so close as to create ex- keel, swinging from heading to heading slowly, and after
cessive induction in the spheres will there be a change in the steadying on each heading for at least 2 minutes to avoid
deviations on cardinal headings as a result of sphere adjust- Gaussin error.
ments. Although sphere correction does not generally Most adjustments can be made by trial and error, or by
correct deviations on cardinal headings, it does improve routine procedure such as the one presented in section 601.
compass stability on these headings. However, the procedures presented below provide analyti-
If it were not for the occasional A or E errors, adjusting cal methods in which the adjuster is always aware of the
observed deviations to zero on two adjacent cardinal head- errors’ magnitude on all headings as a result of his move-
ings and then on the intermediate intercardinal heading ment of the different correctors.
would be sufficient. However, Figure 612b, showing a Analysis Method. A complete deviation curve can be
combination of A and B errors, illustrates why the adjusting taken for any given condition, and an estimate made of all
procedure must include correcting deviations on more than the approximate coefficients. See section 615. From this es-
the three essential headings. timate, the approximate coefficients are established and the
Assuming no A error existed in the curve illustrated in appropriate corrections are made with reasonable accuracy
Figure 612b, and the total deviation of 6° E on the 090° on a minimum number of headings. If the original deviation
heading were corrected with B magnets, the error on the curve has deviations greater than 20°, rough adjustments
270° heading would be 4° E due to B overcorrection. If this should be made on two adjacent cardinal headings before
4° E error were taken out on the 270° heading, the error on recording curve data for such analysis. The mechanics of

1 2 3 4 5 6
Anticipated Anticipated Anticipated Anticipated Anticipated
Original curve after curve after curve after curve after curve after
Heading by
deviation first next next next next
curve correcting correcting correcting correcting correcting
A = 1.0° E B = 12.0° E C = 8.0° E D = 5.0° E E = 1.5° E
Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees
000 10.5 E. 9.5 E. 9.5 E. 1.5 E. 1.5 E. 0.0
045 20.0 E. 19.0 E. 10.6 E. 5.0 E. 0.0 0.0
090 11.5 E. 10.5 E. 1.5 W. 1.5 W. 1.5 W. 0.0
135 1.2 W. 2.2 W. 10.6 W. 5.0 W. 0.0 0.0
180 5.5 W. 6.5 W. 6.5 W. 1.5 E. 1.5 E. 0.0
225 8.0 W. 9.0 W. 0.6 W. 5.0 E. 0.0 0.0
270 12.5 W. 13.5 W. 1.5 W. 1.5 W. 1.5 W. 0.0
315 6.8 W. 7.8 W. 0.6 E. 5.0 W. 0.0 0.0

Figure 613a. Tabulating anticipated deviations.

applying correctors are presented in Figure 601. A method record of deviations is available at all times during the
of tabulating the anticipated deviations after each correc- swing. Arrows indicate where each change is made.
tion is illustrated in Figure 613a. The deviation curve used Since the B error is generally greatest, it is corrected
for illustration is the one which is analyzed in section 615. first. Therefore, on a 090° heading the 11.5° E deviation
Analysis revealed these coefficients: is corrected to approximately zero by using fore-and-aft
B magnets. A lot of time need not be spent trying to re-
duce this deviation to exactly zero since the B coefficient
A = 1.0˚ E may not be exactly 11.5° E, and some splitting might be
B = 12.0˚ E desirable later. After correcting on the 090° heading, the
C = 8.0˚ E swing would then be continued to 135° where a 9.2° W
D = 5.0˚ E error would be observed. This deviation is recorded, but
E = 1.5˚ E no correction is made because the quadrant error is best
corrected after the deviations on all four cardinal head-
ings have been corrected. The deviation on the 180°
heading would be observed as 5.5° W. Since this devia-
One-Swing Method. More often it is desirable to
begin adjustment immediately, eliminating the original tion is not too large and splitting may be necessary later,
swing for deviations and the estimate of approximate co- it need not be corrected at this time. Continuing the
efficients. In this case the above problem would be swing to 225° a 0.0° deviation would be observed and re-
solved by tabulating data and anticipating deviation corded. On the 270° heading the observed error would be
changes as the corrections are made. Figure 613b illus- 1.0° W, which is compared with 0.0° deviation on the
trates this procedure. Note that a new column of values opposite 090° heading. This could be split, leaving
is started after each change is made. This method of tab- 0.5° W deviation on both 090° and 270°, but since this is
ulation enables the adjuster to calculate the new residual so small it may be left uncorrected. On 315˚ the observed
deviations each time a corrector is changed, so that a deviation would be 1.2° E. At 000° a deviation of 10.5°

Observed Anticipated Anticipated Anticipated Anticipated

deviations deviations deviations deviations deviations
First obser-
Heading after after after after after
correcting correcting correcting correcting correcting
B = 11.5° E C = 8.0° E D =5.0° E A = 1.0° E E = 1.5° E
Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees
000 ... 10.5 E.→ 2.5 E. 2.5 E. 1.5 E. 0.0
045 ... ... 6.4 E.→ 1.4 E.→ 0.4 E. 0.4 E.
090 11.5 E.→ 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 W.→ 0.5 E.
135 ... 9.2 W. 3.6 W. 1.4 E. 0.4 E. 0.4 E.
180 ... 5.5 W. 2.5 E. 2.5 E. 1.5 E. 0.0
225 ... 0.0 5.6 E. 0.6 E. 0.4 W. 0.4 W.
270 ... 1.0 W. 1.0 W. 1.0 W. 2.0 W. 0.5 W.
315 ... 1.2 E. 4.4 W. 0.6 E. 0.4 W. 0.4 W.

Figure 613b. Tabulating anticipated deviations by the one-swing.


E would be observed and compared with 5.5° W on 180°. 614. Deviation Curves
Analysis of the deviations on 000° and 180° headings re-
veals an 8.0° E, C error, which should then be corrected The last step, after completion of either of the above
with athwartship C magnets leaving 2.5° E deviation on methods of adjustment, is to secure all correctors in posi-
both the 000° and 180° headings. tion and to swing for residual deviations. These residual
All the deviations in column two are now recalculated deviations are for undegaussed conditions of the ship,
on the basis of such an adjustment at 000° heading and en- which should be recorded together with details of corrector
tered in column three. Continuing the swing, the deviation positions. Figure 614 illustrates both sides of NAVSEA
on 045° would then be noted as 6.4° E. Knowing the devi- 3120/4 with proper instructions and sample deviation and
ations on all intercardinal headings, it is now possible to Flinders bar data. Should the ship be equipped with de-
estimate the approximate coefficient D. D is 5.0° E so the gaussing coils, a swing for residual deviations under
6.4° E deviation on 045° is corrected to 1.4° E and new an- degaussed conditions should also be made and data record-
ticipated values are recorded in another column. This ed on NAVSEA 3120/4.
anticipates a fairly good curve, an estimate of which re- On these swings, exercise extreme care in taking bear-
veals, in addition to the B of 0.5° E which was not ings or azimuths and in steadying down on each heading
considered large enough to warrant correction, an A of 1.0° since this swing is the basis of standard data for the partic-
E and an E of 1.5° E. These A and E errors may or may not ular compass. If there are any peculiar changeable errors,
be corrected, as practical. If they are corrected, the subse- such as movable guns, listing of the ship, or anticipated de-
quent steps would be as indicated in the last two columns. cay from deperming, which would effect the reliability of
Now the ship has made only one swing, all corrections have the compass, they should also be noted on the deviation
been made, and some idea of the expected curve is card at this time. Section 639 discusses these many sources
available. of error in detail.

Figure 614. Deviation table, NAVSEA 3120/4.


If the Flinders bar adjustment is not based on accurate 4. Long cruises or docking on the same heading, caus-
data, as with a new ship, exercise particular care in record- ing the permanent magnetic condition of the
ing the conventional Daily Compass Log data during the vessels to change.
first cruise on which a considerable change of magnetic lat- 5. Altering magnetic equipment near the binnacle.
itude occurs. 6. Reaching the magnetic equator to acquire Flinders
In order to have a reliable and up-to-date deviation card bar data.
at all times, swing the ship to check compass deviations and
7. At least once annually.
to make readjustments, after:
8. Changing the heeling magnet position, if Flinders
bar is present.
1. Radical changes in magnetic latitude.
2. Deperming. (Delay adjustment for several days af- 9. Readjusting any corrector.
ter treatment.) 10. Changing magnetic cargo.
3. Structural changes. 11. Commissioning.


615. Simple Analysis Since A is the coefficient of constant deviation, its ap-
proximate value is obtained from the above data by
The data for the deviation curve illustrated in Figure estimating the mean of the algebraic sum of all the devia-
615 is listed below: tions. Throughout these computations the sign of east
Ship’s Compass Heading Total Deviation deviation is considered plus, and west deviation is consid-
N 000 ° 10.5 ° Ε ered minus.
NE 045 ° 20.0 ° Ε
E 090 ° 11.5 ° Ε
SE 135 ° 1.2 ° W 8A = +10.5˚+20.0˚+11.5˚- 1.2˚-5.5˚- 8.0˚- 12.5˚- 6.8˚
S 180 ° 5.5 ° W 8A = +42.0˚ - 34.0˚
SW 225 ° 8.0 ° W 8A = +8.0˚
W 270 ° 12.5 ° W A = +1.0˚ (1.0˚ E)
NW 315 ° 6.8 ° W

Figure 615. Example of typical deviation curve and its components.


Since B is the coefficient of semicircular sine devia- the original curve.

tion, its value is maximum, but of opposite polarity, on 090° This method of analysis is accurate only when the de-
and 270° headings. The approximate B coefficient is esti- viations are less than 20°. The mathematical expression for
mated by taking the mean of the deviations at 090° and 270° the deviation on any heading, using the approximate coef-
with the sign at 270° reversed. ficients, is:

2B = +11.5˚ (+12.5˚) Deviation = A + B sin θ + C cos θ + D sin 2θ + E cos 2θ

2B = +24.0˚
B = +12.0˚ (12.0˚ E) (where θ represents compass heading).
Similarly, since C is the coefficient of semicircular co-
sine deviation, its value is maximum, but of opposite The directions given above for calculating coefficients
polarity, on 000° and 180° headings; and the approximate A and B are not based upon accepted theoretical methods
C coefficient is estimated by taking the mean of the devia- of estimation. Some cases may exist where appreciable dif-
tions at 000° and 180° with the sign at 180° reversed. ferences may occur in the coefficients as calculated by the
above method and the accepted theoretical method. The
2C = +10.5˚ + (+5.5˚) proper calculation of coefficients B and C is as follows:
2C = +16.0˚ Letting D1, D2, . . ., D8 be the eight deviation data, then
C = +8.0˚ (8.0˚ E)
D is the coefficient of quadrantal sine deviation having B = ------2- ( D 2 + D 4 – D 6 – D 8 + 1--- ( D 3 – D 7 )
8 4
maximum, but alternately opposite, polarity on the intercar-
dinal headings. Hence, the approximate D coefficient is C = ------2- ( D 2 – D 4 – D 6 + D 8 + 1--- ( D 1 – D 5 )
estimated by taking the mean of the four intercardinal devi- 8 4
ations with the signs at 135° and 315° reversed.
Substituting deviation data algebraically, east being
plus and west minus,
4D = (+20.0˚) + (+1.2˚) + (-8.0˚) + (+6.8˚)
4D = +20.0˚
D = +5.0˚ (5.0˚ E) B = ------2- ( 20.0 – 1.2 – 8.0 – 6.8 + 1--- ( 11.5 – 12.5 )
8 4
E is the coefficient of quadrantal cosine deviation hav-
ing maximum, but alternately opposite, polarity on the B = +12
cardinal headings. Therefore, the approximate E coefficient
is estimated by taking the mean of the four cardinal devia-
tions with the signs at 090˚ and 270˚ reversed. C = ------2- ( 20.0 – 1.2 – 8.0 + 6.8 + 1--- ( 10.5 – 5.5 )
8 4
4E = (+10.5˚) + (-11.5˚) + (-5.5˚) + (+12.5˚)
4E = +6.0˚ C = +8
E = +1.5˚ (1.5˚ E)
This method of estimating approximate coefficients is
These approximate coefficients are estimated from de- convenient for:
viations on compass headings rather than on magnetic
headings. The arithmetical solution of such coefficients 1. Analyzing an original deviation curve in order to
will automatically assign the proper polarity to each anticipate necessary corrections.
2. Analyzing a final deviation curve for the determi-
Summarizing the above we find the approximate coef- nation of additional refinements.
ficients of the given deviation curve to be:
3. Simplifying the actual adjustment procedure by an-
ticipating effects of certain corrector changes on
A = 1.0˚ E
the deviations at all other headings.
B = 12.0˚ E
C = 8.0˚ E
616. Approximate And Exact Coefficients
D = 5.0˚ E
E = 1.5˚ E
The above estimations are for the approximate coeffi-
Each of these coefficients represents a component of cients and not for exact coefficients. Approximate
deviation which can be plotted as shown in Figure 615. The coefficients are in terms of angular deviations which are
polarity of each component in the first quadrant must agree caused by certain magnetic forces, and some of these devi-
with the polarity of the coefficient. A check on the compo- ations are subject to change with changes in the directive
nents in Figure 615 will reveal that their summation equals force, H. The exact coefficients are expressions of magnetic

forces, dealing with: (a) arrangements of soft iron, (b) com- proximate coefficients. The exact coefficients are for
ponents of permanent magnetic fields, (c) components of mathematical considerations while the approximate coeffi-
the earth’s magnetic field, and (d) the shielding factor. cients are more practical for adjustment purposes. For this
Thus, the exact coefficients are expressions of magnetic reason, the exact coefficients, and the associated mathemat-
force which produce the deviations expressed by the ap- ics, are not expanded further in this text.

Figure 617. Comparison of deviation curves. (magnetic heading versus compass heading.)


617. Compass Heading And Magnetic Heading separate correction effects. Additional inductions exist in
the soft iron correctors from the magnetic needles of the
When deviations are large, there is an appreciable dif- compass itself. The adjuster should be familiar with the na-
ference in the deviation curve if it is plotted on cross- ture of these interactions.
section paper against compass headings or against magnetic
headings of the ship. Not only is there a difference in the 619. Quandrantal Sphere Correction
shape of the curves, but if only one curve is available, nav-
igators will find it difficult in applying deviations when Figure 619 presents the approximate quadrantal cor-
converting between magnetic and compass headings. When rection available with different sizes of spheres, at various
deviations are small, no conversion is necessary. Figure positions on the sphere brackets, and with different magnet-
617 illustrates the differences mentioned above by present- ic moment compasses. These quadrantal corrections apply
ing the deviation values used in Figure 617 plotted against whether the spheres are used as D, E, or combination D and
both magnetic and compass headings. E correctors. Quadrantal correction from spheres is due par-
tially to the earth’s field induction and partially to compass
618. Understanding Interactions Between Correctors needle induction. Since compass needle induction does not
change with magnetic latitude but earth’s field induction
Until now the principles of compass adjustment have does, the sphere correction is not constant for all magnetic
been considered from a qualitative point of view. In general latitudes. A reduction in the percentage of needle induction
this is quite sufficient since the correctors need merely be in the spheres to the earth’s field induction in the spheres
moved until the desired amount of correction is obtained. will improve the constancy of sphere correction over all
However, it is often valuable to know the quantitative ef- magnetic latitudes. Such a reduction in the percentage of
fects of different correctors as well as their qualitative needle induction may be obtained by:
effects. All the correctors are not completely independent
of each other. Interaction results from the proximity of the 1. Utilizing a low magnetic moment compass.
permanent magnet correctors to the soft iron correctors. 2. Utilizing special spheroidal-shaped correctors,
Consequently any shift in the relative position of the vari- placed with their major axes perpendicular to their
ous correctors will change their interactive as well as their axis of position.

Figure 619. Quandrantal correction curves.

3. Using larger spheres farther away from the spheres in the new slewed position to correct for both D and
compass. E coefficients. The total D and E coefficients may be calcu-
lated by an analysis of deviations on the uncorrected
620. Slewing Of Spheres binnacle, or by summarizing the uncorrected coefficients
with those already corrected. The data in Figure 619 and
Figure 620 shows a chart for determining the proper 622 will be useful in either procedure.
slewed position for spheres. The total values of the D and E
Example: A ship having a Navy Standard binnacle,
quadrantal coefficients are used on the chart to locate a
point of intersection. This point directly locates the angle with 7" spheres at 13" position athwartship, and a 12"
and direction of slew for the spheres on the illustrated bin- Flinders bar forward, is being swung for adjustment. It is
nacle. This point will also indicate, on the radial scale, the observed that 4° E D error and 6° E E error exist with the
resultant amount of quadrantal correction required from the spheres in position. Since the spheres are athwartship, the

Figure 620. Slewing of quandrantal spheres.


total E coefficient for the ship is 6° E, as observed. Figure when inserting the Flinders bar, move the regular spheres
619 indicates that the spheres in their present position are closer to correct for the increased plus D error. Conversely,
correcting 6° E D error, hence the total D coefficient of the move the regular spheres away when removing the Flinders
ship and Flinders bar is 10° E. Figure 620 indicates that 6° bar. This D error in the Flinders bar is due mostly to com-
E E and 10° E D coefficients require slewing the spheres pass needle induction because the bar is small in cross-
15.5° clockwise from their present athwartship position. section and close to the compass. Such needle induction is
The resultant quadrantal error is indicated as 11.7°. Figure practically constant; therefore, the deviation effects on the
619 indicates that the 7" spheres should then be moved to compass will change with magnetic latitudes because the
the 11" position after slewing 15.5° clockwise so as to cor- directive force, H, changes. However, when balanced by
rect both the D and E errors. Using this chart eliminates sphere correctors, this effect tends to cancel out the variable
trial-and-error adjustment methods for quadrantal errors part of the sphere correction caused by the compass needle
and provides information for moving the spheres. induction.

621. Corrector Magnet Inductions In Spheres 623. Flinders Bar Adjustment

Should a ship have both spheres and many permanent
One must have reliable data obtained in two widely
B and C magnet correctors close to the compass, induction
separated magnetic latitudes to place the correct amount of
will exist between these correctors. This induction will re-
Flinders bar. Placing the Flinders bar by any other method
quire some shuttling back and forth between headings
while making adjustments. This situation can be improved is merely an approximation. Obtaining the required mag-
by using larger spheres further out, by approximately set- netic data will necessitate further refinements. There are
ting the spheres before starting adjustments, and by using several methods of acquiring and using latitude data in or-
more magnets further from the spheres and compass. Mag- der to determine the proper amount of Flinders bar:
netized spheres Flinders bars will cause difficulty during The data required for correct Flinders bar adjustment
adjustment, and introduce an unstable deviation curve if consists of accurate tables of deviations with details of cor-
they suffer a change of magnetic condition. rector conditions at two different magnetic latitudes; the
farther apart the better. Should it be impossible to swing
622. Flinders Bar Effects ship for a complete table of deviations, the deviations on
east and west magnetic headings would be helpful. Ship’s
Figure 622 presents the approximate quadrantal error log data is usually not reliable enough for Flinders bar cal-
introduced by the presence of the Standard Navy Flinders culation. Observe the following precautions when taking
bar. Since the Flinders bar is usually placed in the forward data. These precautions will ensure that deviation changes
or aft position, it acts as a small minus D corrector as well are due only to changes in the H and Z components of the
as a corrector for vertical induced effects. This means that earth’s field.

Figure 622. Quadrantal error from standard Navy Flinders bar.


1. Degaussing should be secured, by a reversal pro- Z1 = earth’s field, Z, at 1st latitude.

cess if necessary, at both latitudes before data are H2 = earth’s field, H, at 2nd latitude.
B2 = degrees B deviation at 2nd latitude (magnetic
2. If the ship has been in dock or steaming, on one
Z2 = earth’s field, Z, at 2nd latitude.
heading for several days prior to the taking of these
data, the resulting temporary magnetism (Gaussin This constant c represents a resultant mass of vertical
error) would create erroneous deviations. A shake- iron in the ship which requires Flinders bar correction. If
down on other headings prior to taking data will re- the Flinders bar is present at the time of calculations, it must
duce such errors. be remembered that it is already correcting an amount of c

3. Any major change in the ship’s magnetic field

(caused, for example, by deperming, structural
changes, heavy gunfire, shifting magnetic cargoes)
between data sets will make the comparative re-
sults meaningless.

4. Because the data will not be reliable if the ship’s

permanent magnetism changes between the two
latitudes, it will likewise be unreliable if any of the
binnacle correctors are changed.

In the event that an approximation as to Flinders bar

length cannot be made, then the deviations at the two lati-
tudes should be taken with no Flinders bar in the holder. This
procedure would also simplify the resulting calculations.

624. Methods Of Determining Flinders Bar Length

Method 1. Having obtained reliable deviation data at two

different magnetic latitudes, the changes in the deviations, if
any, may justifiably be attributed to an incorrect Flinders bar ad-
justment. E/W and N/S deviations are the ones which are subject
to major changes from such an incorrect adjustment. If there is
no change in any of these deviations, the Flinders bar adjustment
is probably correct. A change in the E/W deviations indicates an
unsymmetrical arrangement of vertical iron forward or aft of the
compass, which requires correction by the Flinders bar, forward
or aft of the compass. A change in the N/S deviations indicates
an unsymmetrical arrangement of vertical iron to port or star- Figure 624a. Dip deviation curves for Flinders bar.
board of the compass, which requires correction by the Flinders
bar to port or starboard of the compass. This latter case is very in the ship which must be added to the uncorrected c, calcu-
rare, but can be corrected. lated by the above formula. This total value of c is used in
Determine the B deviations on magnetic east/west conjunction with Figure 624a to indicate, directly, the nec-
headings at both latitudes. The constant c may then be cal- essary total amount of Flinders bar. If this total c is
culated from the following formula: negative, Flinders bar is required on the forward side of the
binnacle; and if it is positive, a Flinders bar is required on
H tan B – H tan B the aft side of the binnacle. The iron sections of Flinders bar
1 1 2 2
- should be continuous and at the top of the tube with the
Z1 – Z2 longest section at the top. Wooden spacers are used at the
where bottom of the tube. It will be noted that the B deviations
used in this formula are based on data on E/W magnetic
λ = shielding factor (0.7 to 1.0 average).
headings rather than on compass headings, as with the ap-
H1 = earth’s field, H, at 1st latitude.
proximate coefficients.
B1 = degrees B deviation at 1st latitude (magnetic Method 2. Should the exact amount of correction re-
headings). quired for vertical induction in the ship at some particular
magnetic dip, q, be known, Figure 624a will directly indi- cate the correct amount of Flinders bar to be placed at the

Figure 624b. Induction effects in Flinders bar due to heeling.

top of the holder. The exact amount of correction would be magnet, if Flinders bar is present.
known when one of the latitudes is the magnetic equator,
and the deviations there are negligible. Then the B devia- 625. Slewing Of Flinders Bar
tion, in degrees, on magnetic headings at the other latitude,
is the exact amount to correct by means of curves in Figure The need for slewing the Flinders bar is much more
624a. rare than that for slewing spheres. Also, the data necessary
Method 3. Lord Kelvin’s rule for improving the for slewing the Flinders bar cannot be obtained on a single
Flinders bar setting is: “Correct the deviations observed on latitude adjustment, as with the spheres. Slewing the bar to
east or west courses by the use of fore-and-aft B magnets some intermediate position is, in effect, merely using one
when the ship has arrived at places of weaker vertical mag- bar to do the work of two; one forward or aft, and the other
netic field, and by the use of Flinders bar when she has port or starboard.
arrived at places of stronger vertical magnetic field, wheth- Section 624 explains that a change of the E/W devia-
er in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.” tions, with changes in latitude, indicates the need for
After determining the correct amount of Flinders bar, Flinders bar forward or aft of the compass; and a change of
by either method (1) or (2) above, the bar should then be in- the N/S deviations, with changes in latitude, indicates the
serted at the top of the holder, and the fore-and-aft B need for Flinders bar to port or starboard of the compass.
magnets readjusted to correct the remaining B error. Sphere A change of the B deviations on magnetic E/W head-
adjustments should likewise be refined. ings is used, as explained in section 624, to determine the
It is quite possible that on inserting the Flinders bar, no proper amount of Flinders bar forward or aft of the com-
visible deflection of the compass will be observed, even on pass, by calculating the constant c.
an east or west heading. This should cause no concern be- If there is a change of the C deviations on magnetic N/S
cause certain additional induction effects exist in the bar, headings, a similar analysis may be made to determine the
from: proper amount of Flinders bar to port or starboard of the
compass by calculating the constant f from:
1. The heeling magnet.
2. The existing fore-and-aft magnets. H 1 tan C 1 – H 2 tan C 2
3. The vertical component of the ship’s permanent f = λ -------------------------------------------------
magnetic field. Z1 – Z2
Figure 624b presents typical induction effects in the λ = shielding factor (0.7 to 1.0 average).
Flinders bar for different positions of heeling magnet. An H1 = earth’s field, H, at 1st latitude.
adjuster familiar with the nature of these effects will appre-
C1 = degrees C deviation at 1st latitude (magnetic
ciate the advantages of establishing the Flinders bar and
heeling magnet combination before leaving dockside. De- headings).
viations must also be checked after adjusting the heeling Z1 = earth’s field, H, at 1st latitude.

H2 = earth’s field, H, at 2nd latitude.

C2 = degrees C deviation at 2nd latitude (magnetic
Z2 = earth’s field, Z, at 2nd latitude.
Any value of this f constant indicates the need for
Flinders bar adjustment athwartship of the compass, just as
a value of the c constant indicates the need for Flinders bar
adjustment forward or aft of the compass. The f constant
curve in Figure 624b is used for the determination of this
Flinders bar length. If f is negative, Flinders bar is required
on the starboard side of the binnacle.
Should both c and f exist on a ship, the angular position
for a Flinders bar to correct the resultant vertical induction
effects may be found by: Figure 626a. Magnetic fields across compass needle arrays.

or β = tan --f-
tan β = --- The constant r is then used on the c or f constant curve
c c
in Figure 624b to determine the total amount of Flinders
β is the angle to slew the Flinders bar from the fore- bar necessary in the slewed position.
and-aft axis. If c and f are negative, the bar will be slewed
clockwise from the forward position; if c is negative and f 626. Compasses
is positive, the bar will be slewed counterclockwise from
the aft position. Compasses themselves play a very important part in
compass adjustment, although it is common belief that the
After determining the angle to slew the Flinders bar
compass is only an indicating instrument, aligning itself in
from the fore-and-aft line, the total amount of Flinders bar
the resultant magnetic field. This would be essentially true
necessary to correct the resultant vertical induction effects if the magnetic fields were uniform about the compass; but,
in this position is found by: unfortunately, magnetism close to the compass imposes
nonuniform fields across the needles. In other words, ad-
2 2 justment and compensation sometimes employ non-
r= c +f uniform fields to correct uniform fields. Figure 626a indi-

Figure 626b. Arrangements of corrector magnets.


cates the difference between uniform and nonuniform field rangements are not available. The desire for symmetrical
effects on a compass. Such unbalanced torques, arising magnetic fields is one reason for maintaining a sphere of spec-
from nonuniform magnetic fields, create deviations of the ified radius, commonly called the magnetic circle, about the
compass which have higher frequency characteristics. magnetic compass location. This circle is kept free of any mag-
Compass designs include many combinations of different netic or electrical equipment.
length needles, different numbers of needles, and different The magnetic moment of the compass needle array, an-
spacings and arrangements of needles all designed to mini- other factor in compass design, ranks in importance with the
mize the higher order deviations resulting from such proper arrangement of needles. This magnetic moment con-
nonuniform magnetic fields. Although compass design is trols the needle induction in the soft iron correctors, as
rather successful in minimizing such deviations, it is obvi- discussed in section 619 and section 622, and hence governs
ous that different compasses will be affected differently by the constancy of those corrector effects with changes in mag-
the same magnetic fields. It is further stressed that, even netic latitude. The 71/2" Navy No. 1 alcohol-water compass
with proper compass design, it is the responsibility of all has a magnetic moment of approximately 4000 cgs units,
adjusters to exercise care in applying correctors, in order to whereas the 71/2" Navy No. 1 oil compass has a magnetic mo-
create the most uniform magnetic field possible. ment of approximately 1650 cgs units. The lower magnetic
This is the basis for the rule which requires the use of moment compass allows considerably less change in quadran-
strong correctors symmetrically arranged, as far away from the tal correction, although the periods are essentially comparable,
compass as possible, instead of weak correctors very close to because of the difference in the compass fluid characteristics.
the compass. In general it is better to use larger spheres placed Other factors which must be considered in compass de-
at the extremities of the brackets, equally distant from the cen- sign are period, fluid, swirl, vibration, illumination, tilt,
ter of the compass. B and C permanent magnet correctors pivot friction, fluid expansion, and others. These factors,
should always be placed so as to have an equal number of mag- however, are less important from an adjuster’s point of
nets on both sides of the compass where possible. They should view than the magnetic moment and arrangement of nee-
also be centered as indicated in Figure 626b, if regular tray ar- dles, and are therefore not discussed further in this text.


627. Ship’s Heading will generally cause the compass needle to deflect from the
magnetic meridian. This angle of deflection is called devi-
Ship’s heading is the angle, expressed in degrees ation. If the north end of the needle points east of the
clockwise from north, of the ship’s fore-and-aft line with magnetic meridian, the deviation is easterly; if it points
respect to the true meridian or the magnetic meridian. When west of the magnetic meridian, the deviation is westerly.
this angle is referred to the true meridian, it is called a true
heading. When this angle is referred to the magnetic merid- 629. Heading Relationships
ian, it is called a magnetic heading. Heading, as indicated
on a particular compass, is termed the ship’s compass head- A summary of heading relationships follows:
ing by that compass. It is always essential to specify
heading as true heading, magnetic heading, or compass 1. Deviation is the difference between the compass
heading. In order to obtain the heading of a ship, it is essen- heading and the magnetic heading.
tial that the line through the pivot and the forward lubber’s 2. Variation is the difference between the magnetic
line of the compass be parallel to the fore-and-aft line of the heading and the true heading.
ship. This applies also to the peloruses and gyro repeaters,
3. The algebraic sum of deviation and variation is the
which are used for observational purposes.
compass error.
628. Variation And Deviation Figure 629 illustrates these relationships. The follow-
ing simple rules will assist in naming errors and in
Variation is the angle between the magnetic meridian converting from one heading to another:
and the true meridian at a given location. If the northerly
part of the magnetic meridian lies to the right of the true me- 1. Compass least, deviation east, compass best, devi-
ridian, the variation is easterly, and if this part is to the left ation west.
of the true meridian, the variation is westerly. The local 2. When correcting, add easterly errors, subtract west-
variation and its small annual change are noted on the erly errors.
compass rose of all navigational charts. Thus the true and 3. When uncorrecting, subtract easterly errors, add
magnetic headings of a ship differ by the local variation. westerly errors.
Chart 42 shows approximate variation values for the world.
As previously explained, a ship’s magnetic influence Typical heading relationships are as follows:

Compass Deviation Magnetic Variation True

358° 5°E 003° 6°E 009°

120° 1°W 119° 3°E 122°
180° 6°E 186° 8°W 178°
240° 5°W 235° 7°W 228°

Figure 629. Magnetic heading relationships.

Use the memory aid “Can Dead Men Vote Twice at heading (section 631) and correct the compass so that it
Elections” to remember the conversion process (Compass, reads the same as this magnetic heading. This is the pre-
Deviation, Magnetic, Variation, True, add east). When con- ferred method.
verting Compass Heading to True Heading, add east
deviations and variations and subtract west deviations and Method 2. Place the ship on the desired compass head-
variations. ing and determine the corresponding magnetic heading of
the ship. Correct the compass so that it reads the same as
Complete facility with conversion of heading data is this known magnetic heading. Use this method whenever it
essential for expeditious compass adjustment. is impractical to place the ship on a steady magnetic head-
ing for direct correction.
630. Use Of Compass Heading And Magnetic Heading
For Adjustment One can easily observe compass deviation when using
the first method because it is simply the difference between
The primary object of adjusting compasses is to reduce the compass reading and the known magnetic heading of the
deviations; that is, to minimize the difference between the ship. The difficulty in using this method lies in placing the
magnetic and compass headings. There are two methods for ship on the desired magnetic heading and holding the ship
accomplishing this: steady on that heading while adjustments are being made.
The difficulty in using the second method lies in the
Method 1. Place the ship on the desired magnetic determining deviation. Further difficulty arises because the

Figure 630. Azimuth circle set-ups.


helmsman steers by an uncorrected compass whose devia- Method 4. Use a pelorus to place a ship on a magnetic
tions are changing while the technician is making the neces- heading using the sun’s azimuth in much the same manner as
sary adjustments. Therefore, as each adjustment is being with the azimuth circle. Using the pelorus allows the magnet-
made, the helmsman should hold the ship’s heading steady ic heading of the ship to be observed continuously as the ship
by some means other than the compass that is being swings. Clamp the forward sight vane to the dial at the value
corrected. of the sun’s magnetic azimuth. Then, train the sight vanes so
If the compass has no appreciable deviation, the devi- that the sun is reflected in the mirror. As the ship turns, ob-
ation taken on compass headings will closely approximate serve the magnetic heading under the forward lubber’s line.
those taken on magnetic headings. However, as the magni- As the desired magnetic course is approached, the compass
tude of errors increases, there will be a marked difference can be read and corrected even before that magnetic course
between the deviations taken on compass headings and is actually obtained. A final check can be made when the ship
those taken on magnetic headings. is on the exact course. Always keep the pelorus level while
making observations, particularly of celestial bodies.
631. Methods Of Placing Ship On Magnetic Headings
Method 5. A distant object can be used in conjunction
Method 1. Bring the ship onto a magnetic heading by ref- with the pelorus, as with the azimuth circle, in order to
erencing a gyrocompass. The magnetic variation applied to true place the ship on magnetic headings.
heading determines the gyro course to be steered to place the
ship on the required magnetic heading. Take gyrocompass error 632. Methods Of Determining Deviations On Compass
into consideration in determining gyro course to be steered. Heading
The difference between gyro heading and magnetic
heading will be constant on all headings as long as the gy- Method 1. Determine the compass’ deviation by com-
rocompass error is constant and the variation does not paring the sun’s calculated magnetic azimuth to the
change. Determine gyrocompass error by comparing the azimuth observed using an azimuth circle. The next section
calculated true azimuth of the sun and the azimuth as ob- discusses methods of calculating the sun’s azimuths. Place
served on a synchronized repeater. the ship on the desired compass heading and take an azi-
It should be remembered that gyrocompasses have cer- muth of the sun on the compass card’s face. The difference
tain errors resulting from latitude and speed changes, and between the observed azimuth and the calculated magnetic
these errors are not always constant on all headings. For azimuth of the sun is the deviation on that compass course.
these reasons, the gyro error must be checked constantly,
especially if the gyro is being used to obtain data for deter- Method 2. Use the pelorus with the sun’s azimuth to
mining residual deviation curves of the magnetic compass. obtain deviations on compass headings. Bring the ship to the
desired compass heading and set the forward sight vane on
Method 2. Place the ship on a magnetic heading by the value calculated for the sun’s magnetic azimuth. Then
aligning the vanes of an azimuth circle with the sun over the train the sight vanes on the sun. The pelorus indicates the
topside compass. The sun is a distant object whose azimuth ship’s magnetic heading. The difference in degrees between
(angle from the north) may be computed for any given time. the compass heading and magnetic heading of the ship indi-
Methods of calculating sun’s azimuths are discussed in the cated by the pelorus is the deviation on that compass course.
next section. By setting the line of sight of the vanes at an
angle to the right (or left) of the fore-and-aft line of the ship Method 3. Use the azimuth circle or pelorus in conjunc-
equal to the difference between the computed magnetic az- tion with ranges or a distant object to obtain deviations on
imuth and the desired magnetic heading of the ship, and compass courses. The procedure is similar to that used with the
then swinging the ship until the sun is aligned with the sun. A range consists of any two objects or markers, one in the
vanes, the ship will be on the desired magnetic heading. foreground and the other in the background, which establishes
Simple diagrams with the ship and sun drawn in their rela- a line of sight having a known magnetic bearing. Determine
tive positions, will aid in visualizing each problem. Always the range’s true bearing from a chart; then, convert this true
keep the azimuth circle level while making observations. bearing to the magnetic bearing by applying the variation list-
This holds especially true for observing celestial bodies. ed on the chart. Bring the ship to the desired compass course
and, at the instant of crossing the line of sight of the range, take
Method 3. Use a distant object (10 or more miles a bearing to the range. With the azimuth circle, the difference
away) with the azimuth circle when placing the ship on between the observed range bearing and the known magnetic
magnetic headings. This procedure is similar to that used range bearing represents the deviation on that compass course.
with the sun except that the magnetic bearing of the object If using a pelorus, set the forward sight vanes to the magnetic
is constant. With an object 11.4 nautical miles distant, a bearing of the range and read the ship’s magnetic heading
change in position of 400 yards at right angles to the line of when taking a sight on the range. The deviation is the differ-
sight introduces an error of 1°. ence between the compass heading of the ship and the known

magnetic heading of the ship as indicated by pelorus. ship. The ship’s bearing from shore on the reversed pelorus
is the magnetic bearing of the shore position from the ship.
Method 4. Obtain deviations on compass courses by Continuous communication between ship and shore is nec-
using reciprocal bearings. Set up a pelorus on shore and essary when employing this method.
align the dial’s south end with magnetic north. A ship then
sights the pelorus on shore, using an azimuth circle or Additional methods of determining deviations are by
pelorus, at the same instant the observer on shore sights the the use of azimuths of the moon, stars, and planets.


633. Azimuths Of The Sun termine the deviation of the compass being adjusted. The
sun’s azimuth continually changes as the earth rotates.
The sun is a valuable reference point for compass adjust- Compensate for this by preparing a curve of magnetic az-
ment because one can easily obtain accurate compass bearings imuths. Compute true azimuths at frequent intervals. Then,
of the sun and compare these bearings with the sun’s calculat- apply the variation at the center of the maneuvering area to
ed true bearing (azimuth) to obtain compass error. One can use determine the equivalent magnetic azimuths. Plot the mag-
the azimuths of other celestial bodies to make this comparison; netic azimuths versus time and fair a curve through the
however, none are as convenient as the sun. points. Plotting at least three points at intervals of half an
Calculating an azimuth of the sun is covered in Chapter 17. hour is usually sufficient. If the sun is near the celestial me-
ridian and relatively high in the sky, plot additional points.
634. Curve Of Magnetic Azimuths Unless extreme accuracy is required, determine the
Greenwich hour angle and declination for the approximate
During the course of compass adjustment and swing- midtime. Additionally, use the same declination for all
ing ship, a magnetic direction is needed many times, either computations. Assume the Greenwich hour angle increase
to place the vessel on desired magnetic headings or to de- at 15° per hour.


635. Stability apart, since the compass might possibly be affected on one
heading and not on another.
So far this chapter has discussed only the principles of Some magnetic items which cause variable deviations
steady-state magnetism. However, a carefully made correc- if placed too close to the compass are as follows:
tion based on these steady-state phenomenon may turn out
to be inaccurate due to transient magnetic effects. A com- 1. Guns on movable mounts.
pass adjuster cannot place correctors on the binnacle for 2. Ready ammunition boxes.
such variable effects; he must recognize and handle them in 3. Variable quantities of ammunition in ready boxes.
the best possible manner. A good adjuster not only provides 4. Magnetic cargo.
an accurate deviation curve which is reliable under steady 5. Hoisting booms.
state conditions, but he also records transient magnetic ef- 6. Cable reels.
fects which cannot be eliminated. 7. Metal doors in wheelhouse.
8. Chart table drawers.
636. Sources Of Transient Error 9. Movable gyro repeater.
10. Windows and ports.
The magnetic circle about the magnetic compass is in- 11. Signal pistols racked near compass.
tended to reduce any transient conditions, but there still are 12. Sound powered telephones.
many items which cause the compass to act erratically. The 13. Magnetic wheel or rudder mechanism.
following is a list of some such items. If in doubt about the 14. Knives or tools near binnacle.
effect of an item on compass performance, a test can be 15. Watches, wrist bands, spectacle frames.
made by swinging any movable object or energizing any 16. Hat grommets, belt buckles, metal pencils.
electrical unit while observing the compass for deviations. 17. Heating of smoke stack, or exhaust pipes.
This would best be tried on two different headings 90° 18. Landing boats.

Some electrical items which cause variable deviations ods of time. For example, a ship traveling north for several
if placed too close to the compass are: days, especially if pounding in heavy seas, will tend to retain
some fore-and-aft magnetism hammered in under these in-
1. Electric motors. duction conditions. Although this effect is transient, it may
2. Magnetic controllers. cause incorrect observations or adjustments. This same type
3. Gyro repeaters. of error occurs when ships are docked on one heading for
4. Nonmarried conductors. long periods of time. A short shakedown, with the ship on
5. Loudspeakers. other headings, will tend to remove such errors. A similar
6. Electric indicators. sort of residual magnetism is left in many ships if the de-
7. Electric welding. gaussing circuits are not secured by the reversal sequence.
8. Large power circuits.
A source of transient deviation trouble shorter in dura-
9. Searchlights.
tion than retentive error is known as Gaussin error. This
10. Electrical control panels or switches.
error is caused by eddy currents set up by a changing num-
11. Telephone headsets.
ber of magnetic lines of force through soft iron as the ship
12. Windshield wipers.
changes heading. Due to these eddy currents, the induced
13. Rudder position indicators, solenoid type.
magnetism on a given heading does not arrive at its normal
14. Minesweeping power circuits.
15. Engine order telegraphs. value until about 2 minutes after changing to the heading.
16. Radar equipment. Deperming and other magnetic treatment will change
17. Magnetically controlled switches. the magnetic condition of the vessel and therefore require
18. Radio transmitters. compass readjustment. The decaying effects of deperming
19. Radio receivers. are sometimes very rapid. Therefore, it is best to delay re-
20. Voltage regulators. adjustment for several days after such treatment. Since the
magnetic fields used for such treatments are sometimes
Another source of transient deviation is the retentive er- rather large at the compass locations, the Flinders bar, com-
ror. This error results from the tendency of a ship’s structure pass, and related equipment are sometimes removed from
to retain some of the induced magnetic effects for short peri- the ship during these operations.


637. Use Of The Dip Needle In Heeling Adjustments Readjust the heeling magnet when the ship changes
magnetic latitude appreciably because the heeling magnet
The heeling effects of both the permanent and induced corrects for induced as well as permanent magnetic effects.
magnetism are corrected by adjusting the position of the Moving the heeling magnet with Flinders bar in the holder
vertical permanent heeling magnet. This adjustment can be will change the induction effects in the Flinders bar and
made in either of two ways: consequently change the compass deviations. Thus, the
navigator is responsible for:
Method 1. With the ship on an even keel and as close
to the east or west magnetic heading as possible, adjust the 1. Moving the heeling magnet up or down (invert when
heeling magnet until a dip needle inserted in the compass necessary) as the ship changes magnetic latitude, to
position is balanced at some predetermined position. maintain a good heeling adjustment for all latitudes.

Method 2. Adjust the heeling magnet, while the ship is 2. Checking his deviations and noting changes result-
rolling on north and south headings, until the oscillations of ing from movements of the heeling magnet when
the compass card have been reduced to an average Flinders bar is in the holder. Any deviation changes
minimum. should be either recorded or readjusted by means of
the fore-and-aft B magnets.
To establish an induction condition between the heel-
ing magnet and Flinders bar and to minimize heeling There are two types of dip needles. One assumes the an-
oscillations before at-sea adjustments, set the heeling mag- gle of inclination for its particular location, and one uses a
net at dockside by the first method above. Further, position moveable weight to balance any magnetic torque. The latter
the Flinders bar and spheres before making any heeling ad- type renders the needle’s final position more independent of
justments because of the heeling correction and shielding the horizontal component of magnetic fields. It, therefore, is
effect they produce. more useful on uncorrected compasses.

For ships with no shielding of the earth’s field at the pass locations and 0.9 for standard compass locations. By
compass (having no surrounding metal structure), the pro- either method, the weight on the dip needle should be moved
cedure for adjusting the heeling magnet is quite simple. into its new position. Next, level the instrument in the com-
Take the dip needle to a nearby area where there is no local pass position on board ship and adjust the heeling magnet
magnetic attraction, level the instrument, and set the weight until the needle assumes the balanced condition.
to balance the needle. It is preferable to align the instrument Theoretically, these methods of adjusting the heeling
so that the north seeking end of the needle is pointing north. magnet with a dip needle should be employed only with the
Next, level the instrument in the compass position on board ship on east or west magnetic headings. This avoids heeling
ship, place the spheres in their approximate position, and errors resulting from unsymmetrical induced magnetism. If
adjust the heeling magnet until the needle assumes the bal- it is impractical to place the ship on such a heading, make
anced condition. This presumes that all the effects of the approximations on any heading and refine these approxi-
ship are canceled, leaving only the effect of the vertical mations when convenient.
earth’s field. Secure the degaussing circuits during this To summarize, a successful heeling magnet adjustment
adjustment. is one which minimizes the compass oscillations caused by
Some ships have shielding effects at the compass. Such the ship’s rolling. Therefore, the rolling method is a visual
would be the case for a metal enclosed wheelhouses. In this method of adjusting the heeling magnet or checking the ac-
case, the procedure is essentially the same as above except curacy of the last heeling magnet adjustment. Generally,
that the weight on the dip needle should be moved toward the oscillation effects due to roll on both the north and south
the pivot to balance against some lesser value of earth’s compass headings will be the same. However, some un-
field. The new position of the weight, expressed in centime- symmetrical arrangements of fore-and-aft soft iron will
ters from the pivot, can be approximately determined by introduce different oscillation effects on these two head-
multiplying the value of lambda, λ, for the compass location ings. Such effects cannot be entirely eliminated on both
by the original distance of the weight from the pivot in cen- headings with one setting of the heeling magnet. Therefore,
timeters. Should λ, for the compass location be unknown, it the heeling magnet is generally set for the average mini-
may generally be considered as about 0.8 for steering com- mum oscillation condition.


638. Determining The Horizontal Shielding Factor measured with the ship on any heading, since this reduced
earth’s directive force is the only force acting on the com-
Occasionally, the navigator must determine the mag- pass. If the compass is not corrected for the ship’s
netic field strength at some compass location for one of the magnetism and the deviations are large, H' is determined
following reasons: from the several resultant directive forces observed with
equally spaced headings of the ship. The Horizontal Shield-
1. To determine the horizontal shielding factor, lamb- ing Factor should be determined for every compass location
da (λ), for: on every ship.
a. A complete mathematical analysis.
b. Accurate Flinders bar adjustment. 639. Measurement Of Magnetic Fields
c. Accurate heeling adjustment.
d. Calculations on a dockside magnetic Use a suitable magnetometer or a horizontal force in-
adjustment. strument to measure magnetic fields. The magnetometer
e. Determining the best compass location on method is a direct reading method requiring no calculation.
board ship. However, the force instrument method requires much less
2. To make a dockside magnetic adjustment for deter- complicated test equipment so this method is discussed below.
mining the magnitude and direction of the existing The horizontal force instrument is simply a magnetized
directive force at the magnetic compass. needle pivoted in a horizontal plane, much the same as a
compass. It will settle in some position which will indicate
The horizontal shielding factor is the ratio of the re- the direction of the resultant magnetic field. Determine the
duced earth’s directive force, H', on the compass to the resulting field’s strength by comparing it with a known field.
horizontal earth’s field, H. If the force needle is started swinging, it will be damped
H′ down with a certain period of oscillation dependent upon the
λ = ------ strength of the surrounding magnetic field. The stronger the
H magnetic field, the shorter the period of time for each cycle
The navigator can determine λ for a compass location of swing. The ratio is such that the squares of the period of
by making a measurement of the reduced earth’s directive vibration are inversely proportional to the strengths of the
force, H'. On a corrected compass, this value H' may be magnetic fields. This relationship is expressed as follows:

H ′ = ------- ′ T2
------ - λ = H
------ = -------2-
H T′ 2 H T′

In the above formula, let H represent the strength of the value of λ, and where compass deviations exceed 4°:
earth’s horizontal field in gauss and T represent the time in
seconds for 10 cycles of needle vibration in that earth’s T cos d n cos d e cos d s cos d w
4 2 2 2 2
for 10 cycles of vibration of the same needle in the un- T n T e T s T w
known field will enable the navigator to calculate H'.
Since λ is the ratio of two magnetic field strengths, it where:
may be found directly by the inverse ratio of the squares of
the periods of vibration for the same horizontal force instru- T is the time period for the field H.
ment in the two different magnetic fields by the same Tn is the time period for the resultant field on a north
formula, without bothering about the values of H and H'. heading, etc.
The above may be used on one heading of the ship if cos dn is the cos of the deviation on the north heading, etc.
the compass deviations are less than 4°.
Use the following equation to obtain a more precise


640. Degaussing the ship with degaussing off and with it on. This procedure
leads to having two separate columns in the deviation table.
A steel vessel has a certain amount of permanent
magnetism in its “hard” iron and induced magnetism in 641. A Vessel’s Magnetic Signature
its “soft” iron. Whenever two or more magnetic fields oc-
cupy the same space, the total field is the vector sum of the A simplified diagram of the distortion of the earth’s
individual fields. Thus, near the magnetic field of a vessel, magnetic field in the vicinity of a steel vessel is shown in
the total field is the combined total of the earth’s field and Figure 641a. The field strength is directly proportional to
the vessel’s field. Therefore, the earth’s magnetic field is al- the line spacing density. If a vessel passes over a device for
tered slightly by the vessel. detecting and recording the strength of the magnetic field, a
Since certain mines are triggered by a vessel’s magnet- certain pattern is traced. Figure 641b shows this pattern.
ic influence of a vessel passing near them, a vessel tries to Since the magnetic field of each vessel is different, each
minimize its magnetic field. One method of doing this is to produces a distinctive trace. This distinctive trace is re-
neutralize each component of the field with an opposite ferred to as the vessel’s magnetic signature.
electromagnetic field produced by electric cables coiled Several degaussing stations have been established to
around the vessel. These cables, when energized, counter- determine magnetic signatures and recommend the currents
act the permanent magnetism of the vessel, rendering it needed in the various degaussing coils. Since a vessel’s in-
magnetically neutral. This obviously has severe effects on duced magnetism varies with heading and magnetic latitude,
magnetic compasses. the current settings of the coils may sometimes need to be
A unit sometimes used for measuring the strength of a changed. A degaussing folder is provided each vessel to in-
magnetic field is the gauss. Reducing of the strength of a dicate the changes and to give other pertinent information.
magnetic field decreases the number of gauss in that field. A vessel’s permanent magnetism changes somewhat
Hence, the process is called degaussing. with time and the magnetic history of the vessel. Therefore,
When a vessel’s degaussing coils are energized, the the data in the degaussing folder should be checked period-
magnetic field of the vessel is completely altered. This intro- ically at the magnetic station.
duces large deviations in the magnetic compasses. This is
removed by introducing at the magnetic compass an equal 642. Degaussing Coils
and opposite force with energized coils. This is called com-
pass compensation. When there is a possibility of confusion For degaussing purposes, the total field of the vessel is
with compass adjustment to neutralize the effects of the nat- divided into three components: (1) vertical, (2) horizontal
ural magnetism of the vessel, the expression degaussing fore-and-aft, and (3) horizontal athwartships. The positive
compensation is used. Since compensation may not be per- (+) directions are considered downward, forward, and to
fect, a small amount of deviation due to degaussing may port, respectively. These are the normal directions for a ves-
remain on certain headings. This is the reason for swinging sel headed north or east in north latitude. Each component

Figure 641a. Simplified diagram of distortion of earth’s magnetic field in the vicinity of a steel vessel.

Figure 641b. A simplified signature of a vessel of Figure 641a.

is opposed by a separate degaussing field just strong navigator. Current may be controlled directly by rheostats
enough to neutralize it. Ideally, when this has been done, at the control panel or remotely by push buttons which op-
the earth’s field passes through the vessel smoothly and erate rheostats in the engine room.
without distortion. The opposing degaussing fields are pro- Appropriate values of the current in each coil are deter-
duced by direct current flowing in coils of wire. Each of the mined at a degaussing station, where the various currents
degaussing coils is placed so that the field it produces is di- are adjusted until the vessel’s magnetic signature is made as
rected to oppose one component of the ship’s field. flat as possible. Recommended current values and direc-
The number of coils installed depends upon the mag- tions for all headings and magnetic latitudes are set forth in
netic characteristics of the vessel, and the degree of safety the vessel’s degaussing folder. This document is normally
desired. The ship’s permanent and induced magnetism may kept by the navigator, whose must see that the recommend-
be neutralized separately so that control of induced magne- ed settings are maintained whenever the degaussing system
tism can be varied as heading and latitude change, without is energized.
disturbing the fields opposing the vessel’s permanent field.
The principal coils employed are the following: 643. Securing The Degaussing System
Main (M) coil. The M coil is horizontal and complete-
ly encircles the vessel, usually at or near the waterline. Its Unless the degaussing system is properly secured, re-
function is to oppose the vertical component of the vessel’s sidual magnetism may remain in the vessel. During
permanent and induced fields combined. Generally the in- degaussing compensation and at other times, as recom-
duced field predominates. Current in the M-coil is varied or mended in the degaussing folder, the “reversal” method is
reversed according to the change of the induced component used. The steps in the reversal process are as follows:
of the vertical field with latitude.
Forecastle (F) and quarterdeck (Q) coils. The F and 1. Start with maximum degaussing current used since
Q coils are placed horizontal just below the forward and af- the system was last energized.
ter thirds (or quarters), respectively, of the weather deck. 2. Decrease current to zero and increase it in the op-
The designation “Q” for quarterdeck is reminiscent of the posite direction to the same value as in step 1.
days before World War II when the “quarterdeck” of naval 3. Decrease the current to zero and increase it to three-
vessels was aft along the ship’s quarter. These coils, in fourths maximum value in the original direction.
which current can be individually adjusted, remove much 4. Decrease the current to zero and increase it to one-
of the fore-and-aft component of the ship’s permanent and half maximum value in the opposite direction.
induced fields. More commonly, the combined F and Q 5. Decrease the current to zero and increase it to one-
coils consist of two parts; one part the FP and QP coils, to fourth maximum value in the original direction.
take care of the permanent fore-and-aft field, and the other 6. Decrease the current to zero and increase it to one-
part, the FI and QI coils, to neutralize the induced fore-and- eighth maximum value in the opposite direction.
aft field. Generally, the forward and after coils of each type 7. Decrease the current to zero and open switch.
are connected in series, forming a split-coil installation and
designated FP-QP coils and FI-QI coils. Current in the FP- 644. Magnetic Treatment Of Vessels
QP coils is generally constant, but in the FI-QI coils is var-
ied according to the heading and magnetic latitude of the In some instances, degaussing can be made more effec-
vessel. In split-coil installations, the coil designations are tive by changing the magnetic characteristics of the vessel
often called simply the P-coil and I-coil. by a process known as deperming. Heavy cables are
Longitudinal (L) coil. Better control of the fore-and- wound around the vessel in an athwartship direction, form-
aft components, but at greater installation expense, is pro- ing vertical loops around the longitudinal axis of the vessel.
vided by placing a series of vertical, athwartship coils along The loops are run beneath the keel, up the sides, and over
the length of the ship. It is the field, not the coils, which is the top of the weather deck at closely spaced equal intervals
longitudinal. Current in an L coil is varied as with the FI-QI along the entire length of the vessel. Predetermined values
coils. It is maximum on north and south headings, and zero of direct current are then passed through the coils. When the
on east and west headings. desired magnetic characteristics have been acquired, the ca-
Athwartship (A) coil. The A coil is in a vertical fore- bles are removed.
and-aft plane, thus producing a horizontal athwartship A vessel which does not have degaussing coils, or
field which neutralizes the athwartship component of the which has a degaussing system which is inoperative, can be
vessel’s field. In most vessels, this component of the per- given some temporary protection by a process known as
manent field is small and can be ignored. Since the A-coil flashing. A horizontal coil is placed around the outside of
neutralizes the induced field, primarily, the current is the vessel and energized with large predetermined values of
changed with magnetic latitude and with heading, maxi- direct current. When the vessel has acquired a vertical field
mum on east or west headings, and zero on north or south of permanent magnetism of the correct magnitude and po-
headings. larity to reduce to a minimum the resultant field below the
The strength and direction of the current in each coil is vessel for the particular magnetic latitude involved, the ca-
indicated and adjusted at a control panel accessible to the ble is removed. This type protection is not as satisfactory as

that provided by degaussing coils because it is not adjust- positions relative to the compass when the vessel is on a
able for various headings and magnetic latitudes, and also heading of north, and also for the compass headings on
because the vessel’s magnetism slowly readjusts following which the current in the coils is adjusted to the correct
treatment. amount for compensation. The NE-SW coils operate to-
During magnetic treatment all magnetic compasses gether as one set, and the NW-SE coils operate as another.
and Flinders bars should be removed from the ship. Perma- One control box is provided for each set, and one for the
nent adjusting magnets and quadrantal correctors are not heeling coil.
materially affected, and need not be removed. If it is im- The compass compensating coils are connected to the
practical to remove a compass, the cables used for magnetic power supply of the degaussing coils, and the currents pass-
treatment should be kept as far as practical from it. ing through the compensating coils are adjusted by series
resistances so that the compensating field is equal to the de-
645. Degaussing Effects gaussing field. Thus, a change in the degaussing currents is
accompanied by a proportional change in the compensating
The degaussing of ships for protection against magnet- currents. Each coil has a separate winding for each degauss-
ic mines creates additional effects upon magnetic ing circuit it compensates.
compasses, which are somewhat different from the perma- Degaussing compensation is carried out while the ves-
nent and induced magnetic effects. The degaussing effects sel is moored at the shipyard where the degaussing coils are
are electromagnetic, and depend on: installed. This is usually done by civilian professionals, us-
ing the following procedure:
1. Number and type of degaussing coils installed.
2. Magnetic strength and polarity of the degaussing Step 1. The compass is removed from its binnacle and
coils. a dip needle is installed in its place. The M coil and heeling
3. Relative location of the different degaussing coils coil are then energized, and the current in the heeling coil is
with respect to the binnacle. adjusted until the dip needle indicates the correct value for
4. Presence of masses of steel, which would tend to
concentrate or distort magnetic fields in the vicinity
of the binnacle.
5. The fact that degaussing coils are operated inter-
mittently, with variable current values, and with
different polarities, as dictated by necessary de-
gaussing conditions.

646. Degaussing Compensation

The magnetic fields created by the degaussing coils

would render the vessel’s magnetic compasses useless un-
less compensated. This is accomplished by subjecting the
compass to compensating fields along three mutually per-
pendicular axes. These fields are provided by small
compensating coils adjacent to the compass. In nearly all
installations, one of these coils, the heeling coil, is horizon-
tal and on the same plane as the compass card, providing a
vertical compensating field. Current in the heeling coil is
adjusted until the vertical component of the total degauss-
ing field is neutralized. The other compensating coils
provide horizontal fields perpendicular to each other. Cur-
rent is varied in these coils until their resultant field is equal
and opposite to the horizontal component of the degaussing
field. In early installations, these horizontal fields were di-
rected fore-and-aft and athwartships by placing the coils
around the Flinders bar and the quadrantal spheres. Com-
pactness and other advantages are gained by placing the
coils on perpendicular axes extending 045°-225° and 315°-
135° relative to the heading. A frequently used compensat-
ing installation, called the type K, is shown in Figure 646.
It consists of a heeling coil extending completely around
the top of the binnacle, four intercardinal coils, and three
control boxes. The intercardinal coils are named for their Figure 646. Type K degaussing compensation installation.

the magnetic latitude of the vessel. The system is then se- latitude of the vessel. From the values thus obtained, the
cured by the reversing process. “DG OFF” and “DG ON” columns of the deviation table are
filled in. If the results indicate satisfactory compensation, a
Step 2. The compass is replaced in the binnacle. With record is made of the degaussing coil settings and the resis-
auxiliary magnets, the compass card is deflected until the tance, voltages, and currents in the compensating coil
compass magnets are parallel to one of the compensating circuits. The control boxes are then secured.
coils or set of coils used to produce a horizontal field. The Under normal operating conditions, the settings need
compass magnets are then perpendicular to the field pro- not be changed unless changes are made in the degaussing
duced by that coil. One of the degaussing circuits producing system, or unless an alteration is made in the amount of
a horizontal field, and its compensating winding, are then Flinders bar or the setting of the quadrantal correctors.
energized, and the current in the compensating winding is However, it is possible for a ground to occur in the coils or
adjusted until the compass reading returns to the value it control box if the circuits are not adequately protected from
had before the degaussing circuit was energized. The sys- moisture. If this occurs, it should be reflected by a change
tem is then secured by the reversing process. The process is in deviation with degaussing on, or by a decreased installa-
repeated with each additional circuit used to create a hori- tion resistance. Under these conditions, compensation
zontal field. The auxiliary magnets are then removed. should be done again. If the compass will be used with de-
gaussing on before the ship can be returned to a shipyard
Step 3. The auxiliary magnets are placed so that the where the compensation can be made by experienced per-
compass magnets are parallel to the other compensating sonnel, the compensation should be made at sea on the
coils or set of coils used to produce a horizontal field. The actual headings needed, rather than by deflection of the
procedure of step 2 is then repeated for each circuit produc- compass needles by magnets. More complete information
ing a horizontal field. related to this process is given in the degaussing folder.
If a vessel has been given magnetic treatment, its mag-
When the vessel gets under way, it proceeds to a suit- netic properties have been changed. This necessitates
able maneuvering area. The vessel is then headed so that the readjustment of each magnetic compass. This is best de-
compass magnets are parallel first to one compensating coil layed for several days to permit stabilization of the
or set of coils and then the other, and any needed adjustment magnetic characteristics of the vessel. If compensation can-
is made in the compensating circuits to reduce the error to a not be delayed, the vessel should be swung again for
minimum. The vessel is then swung for residual deviation, residual deviation after a few days. Degaussing compensa-
first with degaussing off and then with degaussing on, and tion should not be made until after compass adjustment has
the correct current settings for each heading at the magnetic been completed.