Navigation and Seamanship

2.1.2. Gyrocompass

            

         

The magnetic compass was the only instrument available on board a vessel for the determination of direction for many centuries. The readings of the magnetic compass need to be adjusted with the compass errors. Gyrocompass is an electro-mechanical device used to find out the direction without adjusting the compass error such as variation or deviation. The Gyro compass readings are always related to true north. Gyrocompass will not be influenced by steel structures, electric circuits, etc. this property makes the gyrocompass a very accurate and reliable than magnetic compass. Gyrocompass is electrically operated and is very accurate and independent of earth magnetism.