Navigation and Seamanship

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.