• Our Brands
  • Payment & Shipping
  • Warranty & Returns
+357 25 123 645 Request a call
Login Register
Yacht-Supply24
  • Menu
  • Catalog
    Boat Exterior & Deck Equipment
    • Anchors, Сhains
    • Anchor Windlasses
    • Bollards, Cleats, Fairleads
    • Mooring Ropes, Lines
    • Fenders, Buoys
    • Flag Poles, Stanchions, Handrails
    • Boat Ladders & Gangways
    • Boat Swim Platforms
    • Boat Windows & Glazing
    • Boat Windshield Wipers
    • Ventilation, Fans, Blowers
    • Boat Horns, Ship's Bells
    • Navigation Lights
    • Radar Masts, Poles
    • Deck Lights
    • Spotlights, Searchlights
    • Underwater Lights
    • Rubbing Strakes
    • Deck Shower
    • Washdown Pump
    • Davits for Boats
    • Deck Hardware, Latches, Hinges
    • Storage, Holders
    • Bimini, Sprayhood Accessories
    • Exterior Flooring, Deck Covering
    • Boat Seat Cushions
    • Anodes, Zincs
    Boat Mechanics & Marine Systems
    • Inboard Boat Engines
    • Boat Throttle Control Lever
    • Propeller Shaft & Stern Gear
    • Inboard Boat Propellers
    • Marine Wet Exhaust Systems
    • Cooling System
    • Fuel System
    • Hydraulic Steering for Boat
    • Boat Steering Wheels
    • Bow Thrusters
    • Trim Tabs
    • Marine Gauges
    • Switch Panels, Fuses
    • Marine Electrical
    • Marine Batteries
    • Marine Wiring
    • Fresh Water System
    • Marine Toilet Systems
    • Bilge Pumps
    • Marine Power Hydraulics
    • LPG Cooking Gas on Boat
    • Boat Fire Extinguishers
    • Replacement Impellers
    • Marine Hoses
    • Marine Hose Pipe Fittings
    Yacht & Boat Interior Accessories
    • Marine Plywood
    • Interior Boat Flooring
    • Teak Planks Profiles Mouldings
    • Noise Heat Insulation Panels
    • Boat Cabinet Hardware
    • Teak Handrails, Stairs
    • Interior Lights 12/24V
    • Boat Bulbs
    • Decorative Lighting
    • Sockets, Switches
    • Boat Seats
    • Boat Tables & Pedestals
    • Teak Folding Chairs, Tables
    • Nautical Dinnerware
    • Cookware, Dish Cloths Towels
    • Nautical Bedding
    • Bathroom Textiles, Beach Towels
    • Nautical Cushions
    • Ships Clocks, Barometers
    • Teak Accessories
    • Boat Ashtray
    • Nautical Door Mats
    Sailboat Hardware & Sailing Gear
    • Sailing Winches
    • Sailing, Halyard Ropes
    • Sailboat Blocks
    • Cam Cleats
    • Sailboat Rope Clutch​es
    • Roller Furling Jibs
    • Sailboat Deck Organizer​s
    • Rigging Screws, Wire Accessories
    • Lewmar Sailing Hardware
    • Barton Marine Sailing Hardware
    • Harken Sailing Hardware
    • Spinlock Sailing Hardware
    • Hye Sailing Hardware
    • Viadana Blocks​
    • Servo Cleat Hardware
    • Ronstan Sailboat Hardware
    • Antal Sailing Hardware​
    • Clamcleat Hardware
    • Easylock Hardware
    • Plastimo Jib Reefing
    • Kohlhoff Loop Blocks
    • Tylaska Hardware
    • Sea Sure Blocks, Cleats
    • English Braids Ropes & Cords
    • Optimist Dinghy Boat Parts
    • Schaefer Marine Hardware
    • Sailboat Helm & Steering
    • Sailboat Hardware
    • Sailboat Accessories
    • Sailing Repair Kits
    • Mast Climbing Gear
    • Sailing Boat Wind Vane
    Marine Comfort Systems
    • Boat Fridge​s
    • Boat Stove​s
    • Marine Faucets & Taps
    • Marine Sinks, Wash Basins
    • Boat BBQ Grill
    • Marine Water Heaters
    • Watermaker for Boat
    • Boat Heaters
    • Marine Air Conditioner​s
    • Marine Audio Systems
    • Marine Antennas
    • VHF Marine Radios
    • Marine Navigation Systems
    Boat Must-Haves Gear & Extras
    • Lifejacket​s
    • Boat Safety Equipment
    • Liferafts
    • Marine Binoculars
    • Boat Compasses
    • Life Ring Buoy​s
    • Fueling Accessories
    • Oars, Hooks, Paddles
    • Rod Holder for Boat
    • Marine Flags
    • Boat Letters & Numbers
    • Sailing Watches
    • Boat Dry Bags, Backpacks
    • Boat Knives
    • Locks for Boats
    • Marine Flashlight​s
    • Useful Little Things
    • Boat Cleaning, Brushes
    • Boat Bird Deterrents
    • Nautical Navigation Instruments
    • Sailing Clothes
    • Water Toys
    • Marine Fasteners
    • Boat Painting Supplies
    Outboard Motor Accessories & Parts
    • Inflatable Boat​s
    • Inflatable Boat Accessories
    • Outboard Motor​s
    • Electric Outboard Motors
    • Outboard Brackets
    • Outboard Hydrofoils
    • Outboard Engine Covers
    • Outboard Motor Stands
    • Boat Kill Switch Lanyard​s
    • Outboard Fuel Line​
    • Fuel Line Connectors
    • Filters for Outboard Motors
    • Outboard Impeller​s
    • Outboard Motor Flushers
    • Outboard Tiller Extensions
    • Cable Steering for Outboard
    • Outboard Propellers
    • Prop Guards for Outboard Motors
    • Marine Spark Plugs
    • Anodes For Outboard Motors
    • Inflatable Boat Pumps
    • Boat Trailers
    • Boat Trailer Winch​es
    • Livewell Aerator Pump
    Boating & Yacht Equipment Brands
    • Tecma Marine Toilets
    • Planus Marine Toilets
    • EXALTO Wipers
    • SPEICH Wipers
    • ROCA Wipers
    • Gallinea Wipers
    • HALYARD Marine Exhaust
    • Kahlenberg Horns
    • Autonautic Instrumental
    • Silwy Magnetic Glasses
    • DHR Horns
    • Osculati Boat Equipment
    • Allpa Marine Equipment
    • Plastimo Catalogue
    • Forniture Nautiche Italiane Catalog
    • TREM Marine Catalog
    • VDM - Reya Catalogue
    • QUICK Marine Equipment
    • Exalto Catalogue
    • Sierra Boat Parts
    • Craftsman Marine
    • Nuova Rade Catalogue
    • Glendinning Products​
    • ARC Marine
    Marine Power & Electrical Systems
    • Victron Energy Electrical Equipment
    • Mastervolt Power Products
    • QUICK Electrical Equipment
    • Paguro Generators
    • Whisper Power Generators
    • Mase Generators​
    • Nanni Diesel Generators
    • Fischer Panda Generators
    • Westerbeke Generator
    • VDO Instruments and Parts
    • Wema Instruments
    • UFLEX Instruments
    • Nasa Marine Instruments
    • Hella Marine Parts Catalog
    • Ratio Electric Equipment
    • BEP Marine
    • EFOY Hybrid Power Cell
    • Marinco Electrical Equipment
    • MG Energy Storage Systems
    • Blue Sea Systems Marine Electrical Products
    • Shakespeare Marine Antennas
    • Scout Antennas
    • Cobra Marine Radios
    • Digital Yacht
    • Dolphin Marine Batteries
    • EcoFlow Generators & Power Stations
    • Philippi Electric Equipment
    • Yacht Devices NMEA 2000
    • Actisense NMEA 2000 Tools
    • Motometer Instruments
    • ProMariner Battery Chargers
    • TBS Electronics DC Modular
    • Samlex Power Supply
    • Pylontech Batteries
    • Simarine Display
    • Prestolite Alternators
    • Garmin Marine GPS & Electronics
    • Simrad Marine Electronics
    • Navico​ Group Catalogue
    • B&G Sailing Instruments
    • C-MAP Charts
    • Humminbird Fish Finders
    • Lowrance Fish Finders
    • CZone Marine
    • Vesper Marine AIS & VHF Radio
    • ICOM VHF Marine Radio
    • Em Trak AIS
    • Solar Panels for Boats
    Marine Propulsion & Control Systems
    • Vetus Marine Engines
    • Steyr Motors Spare Parts
    • Alamarin-Jet Waterjet
    • Kobelt Marine Controls
    • Technodrive Gearboxes
    • ZF Marine Transmissions
    • Sole Diesel Engines
    • BPM Marine Engines & V-Drives
    • Aquadrive CV Joints, Couplings
    • Michigan Propellers
    • Eliche Radice Propellers
    • Python Drive Couplings
    • Rubber Design Anti-Vibration
    • Tides Marine​ Seals
    • PSS Marine Seals
    • Gori Propeller
    • Multiflex Boat Steering
    • Separ Filter
    • Racor Filtration
    • ULTRAFLEX Hydraulic Steering
    • Seastar Hydraulic Steering​
    • Lecomble Schmitt Steering
    • Zipwake Trim Tabs​
    • CENTEK Marine Exhaust Muffler
    • Tecnoseal Marine Anodes
    • MG Duff Anodes
    • Combi Electric Outboards
    • Lowrance Trolling Motor​s
    • Mitek Electric Motors
    • Wolong Electric Outboard​s
    • WaterWorld Electric Drive Motors
    • Fischer Panda Electric Propulsion
    • Cannon Downriggers
    • Minn Kota Trolling Motors
    • MotorGuide Trolling Motor​s
    • Marine Oil & Fuel Filters
    • Boat Bellows
    • Gates Belts
    Marine Galley, Comfort & Utility Gear
    • Baratta Marine Kitchen Equipment
    • Loipart Marine Galley Equipment
    • Vidotto Marine Food Grinders
    • Sea Recovery Watermakers
    • Schenker Watermakers
    • Village Marine Watermakers
    • Horizon Reverse Osmosis
    • Vetus Boat Seats
    • Zwaardvis Helm Chairs
    • Portner Seats
    • Cleemann Chairs
    • Recaro Marine Seats
    • Alutech Alu Design Seats
    • Norsap Chairs
    • LINAK Actuators
    • WM Aquatec Hygiene Solutions
    • Indel Webasto Marine
    • Vitrifrigo​ Parts
    • ENO Marine Stove & Oven Parts
    • Force 10 Stove & Oven Parts
    • Wallas Cooking and Heating
    • Fusion Marine Audio​
    • Kicker Marine Audio
    • LTC Marine Stereo
    • MXN Camera Systems​
    • Hertz Marine Audio
    Marine Pumps, Sanitation & Toilets
    • Ambi Smeersysteem Pumps
    • ATTWOOD Bilge Pump
    • Binda Pompe Pumps
    • CEM Pumps
    • Cleghorn Waring Pumps
    • Europump by Osculati
    • Flojet Pumps
    • Gianneschi Pumps
    • Jabsco Pumps
    • Johnson Pump
    • Marco Pumps
    • Liverani Pumps​
    • Rheinstrom Pumps
    • Rule Pumps
    • Shurflo Pumps
    • Tellarini Pumps
    • Vetus Pumps
    • Ancor Pumps
    • TMC Bilge Pump​s
    • Whale Marine Pumps
    Marine Anchoring & Maneuvering
    • Italwinch Anchor Windlass
    • Maxwell Anchor Windlass
    • Lewmar Anchor Windlass
    • Lofrans Anchor Windlass
    • MUIR Anchor Winch
    • Quick Anchor Windlass
    • Max Power Bow Thrusters
    • CUPA Bow Thrusters
    • Side Power Bow Thrusters
    • QUICK Bow Thrusters
    • Lewmar Bow Thrusters
    • Vetus Bow Thrusters
    • QS Seamaster Thrusters
    Marine Lighting & Navigation Illumination
    • Seematz Searchlights
    • Jabsco ITT Searchlights
    • DHR Searchlights
    • Hella Marine Searchlights
    • DHR Navigation Lights
    • Hella Marine Navigation Lights
    • Hella Marine Lights
    • QUICK Marine Lighting
    • Aqua Signal Navigation Lights
    • Prebit LED Lighting
    • BATSYSTEM Lighting
    • Tralert Boat LED Lighting
    Marine Parts & Technical Equipment
    • Vetus Parts & Equipment
    • Jabsco Parts Catalog
    • Webasto Parts & Equipment
    • Parker Hannifin Parts Catalog
    • Nanni Diesel Parts
    • BUKH Diesel Engine Parts
  • Our brands
  • About us
    About Us Know-How Articles Payment & Shipping Warranty & Returns Company Details Privacy Policy Downloads Jobs
  • Contacts
+357 25 123 645 Request a call
0
0
Cart
empty
Sorry, your cart is empty.
Fixing this misunderstanding is very simple:
Select the product you are interested in from the catalog and click the «Add to Cart» button.
Total Amount:€ 0
Go to Cart
  • Акции
  • Boat Exterior & Deck Equipment
    Anchors, Сhains Anchor Windlasses Bollards, Cleats, Fairleads Mooring Ropes, Lines Fenders, Buoys Flag Poles, Stanchions, Handrails Boat Ladders & Gangways Boat Swim Platforms Boat Windows & Glazing Boat Windshield Wipers Ventilation, Fans, Blowers Boat Horns, Ship's Bells Navigation Lights Radar Masts, Poles Deck Lights Spotlights, Searchlights Underwater Lights Rubbing Strakes Deck Shower Washdown Pump Davits for Boats Deck Hardware, Latches, Hinges Storage, Holders Bimini, Sprayhood Accessories Exterior Flooring, Deck Covering Boat Seat Cushions Anodes, Zincs ... Show All
  • Boat Mechanics & Marine Systems
    Inboard Boat Engines Boat Throttle Control Lever Propeller Shaft & Stern Gear Inboard Boat Propellers Marine Wet Exhaust Systems Cooling System Fuel System Hydraulic Steering for Boat Boat Steering Wheels Bow Thrusters Trim Tabs Marine Gauges Switch Panels, Fuses Marine Electrical Marine Batteries Marine Wiring Fresh Water System Marine Toilet Systems Bilge Pumps Marine Power Hydraulics LPG Cooking Gas on Boat Boat Fire Extinguishers Replacement Impellers Marine Hoses Marine Hose Pipe Fittings ... Show All
  • Yacht & Boat Interior Accessories
    Marine Plywood Interior Boat Flooring Teak Planks Profiles Mouldings Noise Heat Insulation Panels Boat Cabinet Hardware Teak Handrails, Stairs Interior Lights 12/24V Boat Bulbs Decorative Lighting Sockets, Switches Boat Seats Boat Tables & Pedestals Teak Folding Chairs, Tables Nautical Dinnerware Cookware, Dish Cloths Towels Nautical Bedding Bathroom Textiles, Beach Towels Nautical Cushions Ships Clocks, Barometers Teak Accessories Boat Ashtray Nautical Door Mats ... Show All
  • Sailboat Hardware & Sailing Gear
    Sailing Winches Sailing, Halyard Ropes Sailboat Blocks Cam Cleats Sailboat Rope Clutch​es Roller Furling Jibs Sailboat Deck Organizer​s Rigging Screws, Wire Accessories Lewmar Sailing Hardware Barton Marine Sailing Hardware Harken Sailing Hardware Spinlock Sailing Hardware Hye Sailing Hardware Viadana Blocks​ Servo Cleat Hardware Ronstan Sailboat Hardware Antal Sailing Hardware​ Clamcleat Hardware Easylock Hardware Plastimo Jib Reefing Kohlhoff Loop Blocks Tylaska Hardware Sea Sure Blocks, Cleats English Braids Ropes & Cords Optimist Dinghy Boat Parts Schaefer Marine Hardware Sailboat Helm & Steering Sailboat Hardware Sailboat Accessories Sailing Repair Kits Mast Climbing Gear Sailing Boat Wind Vane ... Show All
  • Marine Comfort Systems
    Boat Fridge​s Boat Stove​s Marine Faucets & Taps Marine Sinks, Wash Basins Boat BBQ Grill Marine Water Heaters Watermaker for Boat Boat Heaters Marine Air Conditioner​s Marine Audio Systems Marine Antennas VHF Marine Radios Marine Navigation Systems ... Show All
  • Boat Must-Haves Gear & Extras
    Lifejacket​s Boat Safety Equipment Liferafts Marine Binoculars Boat Compasses Life Ring Buoy​s Fueling Accessories Oars, Hooks, Paddles Rod Holder for Boat Marine Flags Boat Letters & Numbers Sailing Watches Boat Dry Bags, Backpacks Boat Knives Locks for Boats Marine Flashlight​s Useful Little Things Boat Cleaning, Brushes Boat Bird Deterrents Nautical Navigation Instruments Sailing Clothes Water Toys Marine Fasteners Boat Painting Supplies ... Show All
  • Outboard Motor Accessories & Parts
    Inflatable Boat​s Inflatable Boat Accessories Outboard Motor​s Electric Outboard Motors Outboard Brackets Outboard Hydrofoils Outboard Engine Covers Outboard Motor Stands Boat Kill Switch Lanyard​s Outboard Fuel Line​ Fuel Line Connectors Filters for Outboard Motors Outboard Impeller​s Outboard Motor Flushers Outboard Tiller Extensions Cable Steering for Outboard Outboard Propellers Prop Guards for Outboard Motors Marine Spark Plugs Anodes For Outboard Motors Inflatable Boat Pumps Boat Trailers Boat Trailer Winch​es Livewell Aerator Pump ... Show All
  • Boating & Yacht Equipment Brands
    Tecma Marine Toilets Planus Marine Toilets EXALTO Wipers SPEICH Wipers ROCA Wipers Gallinea Wipers HALYARD Marine Exhaust Kahlenberg Horns Autonautic Instrumental Silwy Magnetic Glasses DHR Horns Osculati Boat Equipment Allpa Marine Equipment Plastimo Catalogue Forniture Nautiche Italiane Catalog TREM Marine Catalog VDM - Reya Catalogue QUICK Marine Equipment Exalto Catalogue Sierra Boat Parts Craftsman Marine Nuova Rade Catalogue Glendinning Products​ ARC Marine ... Show All
  • Marine Power & Electrical Systems
    Victron Energy Electrical Equipment Mastervolt Power Products QUICK Electrical Equipment Paguro Generators Whisper Power Generators Mase Generators​ Nanni Diesel Generators Fischer Panda Generators Westerbeke Generator VDO Instruments and Parts Wema Instruments UFLEX Instruments Nasa Marine Instruments Hella Marine Parts Catalog Ratio Electric Equipment BEP Marine EFOY Hybrid Power Cell Marinco Electrical Equipment MG Energy Storage Systems Blue Sea Systems Marine Electrical Products Shakespeare Marine Antennas Scout Antennas Cobra Marine Radios Digital Yacht Dolphin Marine Batteries EcoFlow Generators & Power Stations Philippi Electric Equipment Yacht Devices NMEA 2000 Actisense NMEA 2000 Tools Motometer Instruments ProMariner Battery Chargers TBS Electronics DC Modular Samlex Power Supply Pylontech Batteries Simarine Display Prestolite Alternators Garmin Marine GPS & Electronics Simrad Marine Electronics Navico​ Group Catalogue B&G Sailing Instruments C-MAP Charts Humminbird Fish Finders Lowrance Fish Finders CZone Marine Vesper Marine AIS & VHF Radio ICOM VHF Marine Radio Em Trak AIS Solar Panels for Boats ... Show All
  • Marine Propulsion & Control Systems
    Vetus Marine Engines Steyr Motors Spare Parts Alamarin-Jet Waterjet Kobelt Marine Controls Technodrive Gearboxes ZF Marine Transmissions Sole Diesel Engines BPM Marine Engines & V-Drives Aquadrive CV Joints, Couplings Michigan Propellers Eliche Radice Propellers Python Drive Couplings Rubber Design Anti-Vibration Tides Marine​ Seals PSS Marine Seals Gori Propeller Multiflex Boat Steering Separ Filter Racor Filtration ULTRAFLEX Hydraulic Steering Seastar Hydraulic Steering​ Lecomble Schmitt Steering Zipwake Trim Tabs​ CENTEK Marine Exhaust Muffler Tecnoseal Marine Anodes MG Duff Anodes Combi Electric Outboards Lowrance Trolling Motor​s Mitek Electric Motors Wolong Electric Outboard​s WaterWorld Electric Drive Motors Fischer Panda Electric Propulsion Cannon Downriggers Minn Kota Trolling Motors MotorGuide Trolling Motor​s Marine Oil & Fuel Filters Boat Bellows Gates Belts ... Show All
  • Marine Galley, Comfort & Utility Gear
    Baratta Marine Kitchen Equipment Loipart Marine Galley Equipment Vidotto Marine Food Grinders Sea Recovery Watermakers Schenker Watermakers Village Marine Watermakers Horizon Reverse Osmosis Vetus Boat Seats Zwaardvis Helm Chairs Portner Seats Cleemann Chairs Recaro Marine Seats Alutech Alu Design Seats Norsap Chairs LINAK Actuators WM Aquatec Hygiene Solutions Indel Webasto Marine Vitrifrigo​ Parts ENO Marine Stove & Oven Parts Force 10 Stove & Oven Parts Wallas Cooking and Heating Fusion Marine Audio​ Kicker Marine Audio LTC Marine Stereo MXN Camera Systems​ Hertz Marine Audio ... Show All
  • Marine Pumps, Sanitation & Toilets
    Ambi Smeersysteem Pumps ATTWOOD Bilge Pump Binda Pompe Pumps CEM Pumps Cleghorn Waring Pumps Europump by Osculati Flojet Pumps Gianneschi Pumps Jabsco Pumps Johnson Pump Marco Pumps Liverani Pumps​ Rheinstrom Pumps Rule Pumps Shurflo Pumps Tellarini Pumps Vetus Pumps Ancor Pumps TMC Bilge Pump​s Whale Marine Pumps ... Show All
  • Marine Anchoring & Maneuvering
    Italwinch Anchor Windlass Maxwell Anchor Windlass Lewmar Anchor Windlass Lofrans Anchor Windlass MUIR Anchor Winch Quick Anchor Windlass Max Power Bow Thrusters CUPA Bow Thrusters Side Power Bow Thrusters QUICK Bow Thrusters Lewmar Bow Thrusters Vetus Bow Thrusters QS Seamaster Thrusters ... Show All
  • Marine Lighting & Navigation Illumination
    Seematz Searchlights Jabsco ITT Searchlights DHR Searchlights Hella Marine Searchlights DHR Navigation Lights Hella Marine Navigation Lights Hella Marine Lights QUICK Marine Lighting Aqua Signal Navigation Lights Prebit LED Lighting BATSYSTEM Lighting Tralert Boat LED Lighting ... Show All
  • Marine Parts & Technical Equipment
    Vetus Parts & Equipment Jabsco Parts Catalog Webasto Parts & Equipment Parker Hannifin Parts Catalog Nanni Diesel Parts BUKH Diesel Engine Parts ... Show All
  • Еще
Main-Info-Articles-How to Read a Marine Compass?

How to Read a Marine Compass?

  • Our Brands
  • Marine Catalogue
  • Know-How Articles

The first task on any passage is deciding where to aim the bow. Touch-screen plotters can freeze or lose signal, but a magnetic compass keeps pointing the way, no batteries required. Reading that dial is fundamental seamanship: it lets you trace an exact course and stay on it even when every electronic aid goes dark. The pages that follow break down the markings on the compass card and share practical steering tips so you can pilot with confidence in all conditions.

How to Read a Marine Compass?

What Is a Marine Compass and Why Does It Stay True on a Rolling Deck?

A ship’s compass is a purpose-built instrument, far tougher and more sophisticated than the pocket model used on shore. At its core is a small magnetic element that constantly pivots to match Earth’s field, but the housing around that element is what makes it dependable at sea. The card sits on a friction-free jewel bearing, bathed in a clear oil that cushions sudden lurches, while a bold lubber mark shows the exact direction of the bow. Together these features keep the heading rock-solid even as the boat pitches, yaws, and vibrates—giving the helm a steady reference when every wave tries to knock the needle off course.

Understanding the Magnetic Compass Basics

  • Magnetic core – A set of miniature permanent magnets is bonded to the lightweight compass card. This pack responds to Earth’s field and turns the dial so its zero mark always settles on magnetic north.
  • Precision pivot – The card is balanced on a needle-sharp point and jewel bearing with almost no friction, allowing it to swing quickly and smoothly without sticking.
  • Stabilising liquid – The bowl is filled with clear damping fluid (usually light oil or an alcohol mix) that cushions the card, preventing wild oscillations when the vessel pitches or rolls.
  • Natural alignment – Because our planet behaves like a huge bar magnet, the magnets on the card twist until they sit parallel with Earth’s magnetic flux lines, giving the helmsman a constant, trustworthy heading reference.

Types of Marine Compasses for Different Boats

  1. Helm (steering) compass – Installed front-and-center at the wheel. Top makers (e.g., Ritchie) hang the bowl in a gimbal cradle so it stays level while the boat pitches and rolls, giving the helmsman a rock-steady heading for hand steering in any sea state.
  2. Hand-bearing compass – A pocket-size sighting model used to shoot bearings on buoys, lighthouses, or other vessels. By lining up the peep-sight with a target, the navigator records its magnetic angle and plots an accurate fix when GPS is down or paper-chart work is required.
  3. Electronic (fluxgate) compass – Uses solid-state sensors instead of a spinning magnet. It feeds digital heading data to plotters, autopilots, and MFDs, tightening course-keeping and waypoint accuracy. Even so, mariners still keep a classic magnetic compass ready as a no-power backup.

How Earth’s Magnetism Skews a Ship’s Compass

  • Declination (variation) – True North on a chart and magnetic north on your compass are seldom the same point. The angle between them—called declination—changes with geography and drifts over the years. Check the figure printed inside the chart’s compass rose and add or subtract that number to steer the correct course.
  • Dip (inclination) – Magnetic field lines don’t run flat; they plunge toward the poles. This downward pull makes an un-balanced card tilt. Compass makers counterweight the card for specific latitude zones, so a dial built for the Northern Hemisphere will read poorly if carried south of the equator, and vice-versa.

How to Properly Read a Boat Compass?

Steering with a magnetic compass really boils down to two pieces: the rotating dial that forever swings toward magnetic north, and the stationary lubber line etched in line with the bow. The bearing that meets that fixed mark is your course; keep that number centred, and you’ll hold a true heading no matter the sea state.

Interpreting the Compass Card and Lubber Line

  • Compass card – The inner dial is graduated 000°–360° and labelled with the four cardinal directions (000 = N, 090 = E, 180 = S, 270 = W). Because the dial is magnetised, its zero mark swings until it settles on magnetic north, giving you a constant directional baseline.
  • Lubber line – Etched into the bowl and aligned with the vessel’s centreline, this fixed reference mark shows where the bow is pointing. Read the number on the spinning card that sits directly beneath the line and you have your present heading.

Understanding Compass Headings and Bearings

In practice, heading and bearing describe two different angles. Heading is the exact course the bow is pointing at that moment; you read it where the compass dial meets the lubber line. Bearing, on the other hand, is the angle from your position to an outside reference—perhaps a beacon, buoy, or another vessel—taken with a hand-bearing compass. Plotting those bearings on the chart lets you pinpoint your location and steer clear of dangers.

Common Mistakes When Reading a Boat's Compass

  • Eye-level sighting — Look straight down the lubber line; viewing from the side introduces parallax and skews the heading.
  • Scale awareness — Learn how many degrees each small hash mark equals on your dial (1, 2, or 5); guessing can put you a few degrees off course.
  • Apply corrections — The figure on the dial is magnetic; add or subtract local variation and boat-specific deviation to get a true course.
  • Watch the reciprocal — Read the number under the lubber line, not the one 180° opposite, or you’ll steer the wrong direction entirely.

What Causes Compass Deviation and How to Account for It?

Compass deviation is the compass error your own vessel manufactures. Engine blocks, stainless rails, battery cables, even a laptop at the nav desk leak stray magnetism that tugs the card off line. Because every hull carries a different mix of metal and wiring, each one produces a unique error pattern. The skipper must swing the compass, map those offsets into a deviation card, and apply the corrections to every heading to stay truly on course.

Magnetic Variation vs. Compass Deviation Explained

  • Magnetic variation – The angle separating true north on the globe from magnetic north on your compass. Because Earth’s field is uneven, the size of that angle shifts from region to region. Sailors read the local value in the compass rose printed on every chart and use it to correct their courses.
  • Compass deviation – A heading error created by the vessel itself. Engines, rigging, wiring, and electronics generate stray magnetic fields that push the needle off line. The amount of error changes with the boat’s heading, so each craft is “swung” and its individual corrections are entered on a deviation card that must be consulted whenever a precise course is required.

Using a Deviation Card for Accurate Navigation

A deviation card is a vessel-specific table compiled after a technician “swings” the compass to measure how the hull’s magnetism skews each heading. Find the row that matches your planned course, note the degrees of error, and offset the compass by that amount so the boat tracks the exact bearing you want.

How to Check for Compass Error Before Setting Course

  • Choose a charted transit—two fixed marks that form a straight line, such as a pair of beacons or channel posts.
  • Steer until those marks sit exactly in line off the bow.
  • Note the heading shown on the steering compass.
  • Look up the magnetic bearing of that transit on the chart and compare it to the compass reading.
  • The difference between the two figures is the compass deviation for that heading.
How to Read a Marine Compass?

How to Take a Bearing Using a Marine Compass?

Taking a bearing means figuring out the exact angle between your vessel and a distant target—be it a lighthouse, buoy, or another ship. Plotting that angle on the chart lets you mark your position and dodge potential dangers. Although the helm compass can give a ball-park figure, real precision comes from a hand-bearing compass equipped with a sighting device and prism, purpose-built for this task.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Accurate Compass Bearings

  1. Pick a charted landmark you can clearly identify—perhaps a lighthouse, channel buoy, or water tower.
  2. Hold the hand-bearing compass level at eye height, keeping your arm steady.
  3. Sight through the peep or align the bearing markers so the target sits dead-centre.
  4. Read the number where the dial stops; that magnetic bearing is the exact line from your boat to the chosen object.

Using Landmarks and Lighthouses for Navigation

  • Plotting a fix – Take magnetic bearings to two (or more) separate charted objects—say a lighthouse and a radio mast. Convert them to lines on the chart; your position lies at the intersection of those lines.
  • Using a danger bearing – Shoot a single bearing to a known hazard such as a reef. Draw that line on the chart and remain on the safe side of it; as long as the bearing stays greater (or lesser) than the marked value, the boat will miss the danger zone.

Converting Magnetic Bearings to True North Readings

Convert a magnetic bearing to a true one before plotting it on the chart. Check the variation shown in the chart’s compass rose: add the value if it is labelled “East,” subtract if it is “West.” The corrected figure is the true bearing you draw on the chart for an exact line of position.

How to Navigate Using a Compass and Nautical Chart?

Pure navigation blends two timeless skills: reading the compass and turning those numbers into lines on a chart. By linking heading data to plotted courses, you can pinpoint direction, sketch your track across the paper, and verify that the vessel is holding exactly the course you planned.

Plotting Your Course on a Nautical Chart

Place a point on the chart for your departure, another for your destination, and draw a straight track connecting them. Slide a pair of parallel rules to carry that track across to the nearest compass rose. The angle where the line meets the rose’s outer scale is your true course in degrees.

Navigational Techniques When Visibility is Poor

  • Dead-reckoning track – Begin at your last plotted fix, then project your position forward by multiplying vessel speed by time under way and laying that distance along the compass heading. Add corrections for sideways set (leeway) and current drift to refine the estimated spot.
  • Riding the depth contour – Watch the echo-sounder and keep the reading matched to a chosen depth line on the chart. By following that submerged “road,” you can hug a safe water corridor along the coast or slip through shoal areas without touching bottom.

What Should You Do When Your Compass Isn't Working?

  • Identify the fault fast – Check whether the dial is jammed, an air bubble clouds the bowl, or the numbers jump around randomly.
  • Respond immediately – Free the card or vent the bubble if possible; otherwise switch to backup tools such as a hand-bearing compass, electronic heading source, or visual ranges to stay on course.

Troubleshooting Common Compass Problems

  • Big air pocket in the bowl – A leaking seal has let fluid escape; only a specialist can reseal, refill, and swing the compass to restore accuracy.
  • Dial won’t turn freely – A worn pivot or damaged jewel is binding the card; send the unit to a service shop for a complete rebuild.
  • Wild heading swings – Before condemning the compass, clear the helm of magnetic clutter—phones, stainless tools, speakers—which can twist the needle off course.

Emergency Navigation Without a Compass

If your compass is out of action, remember that nature and electronics can still guide you: at dawn the sun rises roughly in the east, swings due south at local noon in northern latitudes, and sinks toward the west at dusk; after sunset, find Polaris—the steadfast North Star—to steady your course toward true north; and whenever power is available, fire up a chart-plotter, handheld GPS, or even a navigation app on a charged phone to obtain an instant heading and position fix.



Boating Essentials & Tips

All Tips

Victron Quattro vs Multiplus

How to Reset a Tecma Toilet?

Victron Bluesolar vs Smartsolar 

All Tips
Back

    2022-2025 © Beintrade Ltd
    Worldwide Shipping
    info@yacht-supply24.com Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms and Conditions

Catalog

  • Boat Deck Equipment
  • Boat Mechanics Systems
  • Yacht Interior Accessories
  • Sailboat & Sailing Gear
  • Inflatable Boat Accessories
  • Marine Wet Exhaust Systems
  • Boat Throttle Control

Our brands Our brands

  • Vetus Catalogue
  • Osculati Marine Catalogue
  • Plastimo Catalogue
  • VDO Marine Gauges
  • Max Power Thrusters
  • Mastervolt Catalogue
  • Boat Compasses

Contacts About Us

  • Payment & Shipping
  • Warranty & Returns
  • Jabsco Pumps
  • Hella Marine
  • Optiparts Shop
  • Lofrans Windlass
  • Blue Sea Systems
+357 25 123 645