Navigation and Seamanship (1+1)

1.3.1.2. To find out the direction

                                                                             

Compasses are used to find out the direction. There are two types of compasses used in navigation. They are,

i. Magnetic compass : which depends on the earth’s magnetic field for its directive force

ii. Gyro compass: which depends upon the inherent space stability of a rapidly spinning wheel plus mechanical or electrical torquing to keep its axis aligned with that of the earth.

Azimuth circle or Bearing Circle

Bearings / azimuths are expressed in degree using 3 digits from 000^o to 360^o in clock wise direction.

Bearings - Direction of terrestrial object from the observer.

Azimuth – Direction of celestial body from observer.

Azimuth circle is an instrument for determining both bearing of terrestrial objects and azimuths of celestial objects.