Chart Navigation & Plotting · Compass — Deviation by Range

Two charted objects in line (a range) bear 270°T. As you cross the range, your compass reads 274°. Variation in the area is 0°. What is the deviation on this heading?

Explanation

A natural or charted range gives a known true bearing. With zero variation, magnetic equals true (270°). The compass reads 274°, which is 4° greater than magnetic; when the compass reads more than magnetic, the deviation is west. Deviation = 4°W. (Compass best, error west.)

Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Deviation by Ranges

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