Study Guide

Objective

The student is provided with
• an ability to determine and allow for errors in magnetic and gyro-compasses.
• knowledge of the principles of magnetic and gyro-compasses.
• theoretical knowledge and whether theory has been realised with reference to gyro-compasses on vessels as well as the faults and limitations of gyro-compasses.
• an understanding of systems (master/slave) under the control of the master gyro and knowledge of the operation and care of the main types of gyro-compasses.

Content

• The magnetic compass
• Terrestrial and vessel magnetism
• Deviation and deviation coefficients
• The magnetic compass compensation
• Drawing up a deviation curve
• The construction of a magnetic compass
• The gyro-compass
• The free gyro and gyro laws, precession, the north-seeking gyro
• The gyro-compass errors: the latitude error, the speed error, the influence of the course and changes in speed and the ballistic error
• Going through the typical gyro-compasses onboard
• Knowledge of the magnetic and gyro-compass maintenance

Evaluation scale

H-5

Qualifications

Navigational Aids: GNSS, compasses and steering