Chart Navigation & Plotting · Compass — Amplitude

Using sin(amplitude) = sin(dec) ÷ cos(lat), for declination N12° at latitude 36°N, the amplitude is about:

Explanation

sin A = sin 12° ÷ cos 36° = 0.2079 ÷ 0.8090 = 0.2570, so A = 14.9° ≈ 15°. Named from east toward the pole of the declination: E15°N (true rising bearing ≈ 075°).

Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Amplitudes

Practice the full Chart Navigation & Plotting bank

Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2550 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.

Related Chart Navigation & Plotting questions