Swinging the Compass

Deviation is the problem of compass error due to structure of the vessel, proximity of metal
objects, magnetic fields or electrical equipment. It may be influenced by loading cargo (e.g.
canned fruit) or having repair work done (new metal parts or electronics). Deviation also varies
with the ship's head (way it is pointing) as this changes the position of the magnetic fields in the
boat relative to the earth's magnetic field as well as its relationship with interfering objects
onboard. Individual vessels have individual deviation cards that show the adjustment required for
changes in position of the vessel's head. The process used to produce a deviation card is called
'Swinging the compass'. There are several methods for doing this but in general terms the
procedure is as follows:
1. The vessel is anchored securely in midstream
2. A transit line of known bearing (magnetic bearing from the chart) is established
3. The vessel moves through each of eight compass bearings (cardinal and inter-cardinal
points)
4. For each of the eight points the bearing of the transit line is taken and any discrepancy
between this compass bearing and the known chart bearing is noted. If the compass
bearing is greater the deviation is west, if less the deviation is east.