Module 9 - Compass

Three Norths

To understand compass work, you need to know there are three different 'norths'. True North is the geographic North Pole — all charts are aligned to true north. Magnetic North is where a magnetic compass needle points, which is not quite the same place due to the Earth's magnetic field. Compass North is where your boat's compass points, which may differ from magnetic north because of local magnetic influences on the boat.

  • True North — geographic north (charts are drawn to true north)
  • Magnetic North — where a compass needle naturally points
  • Compass North — where YOUR boat's compass points (includes deviation)

Continue studying Compass

This public lesson is part of Revision Module 9. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.

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