### The Marine Compass

The compass has played a significant role in the history of maritime navigation for centuries. Although sailors in the past primarily relied on the position of the sun, tides, and stars for orientation, the compass was also a frequently used tool. Even today, despite the availability of GPS and other modern navigation systems, the marine compass remains an indispensable instrument for course navigation.

### How It Works
A traditional compass determines the north-south direction based on the Earth's magnetic field. However, there are now electronic versions that use Hall sensors or fluxgate magnetometers. The traditional gyrocompass, on the other hand, operates based on the Earth's rotation. Specifically designed for maritime use, marine compasses must meet the unique demands of being on board. While navigation systems can complement compass use and manual star-based navigation, they cannot replace them entirely. The manual determination of the course is often simpler, more accurate, and independent of power sources or electronics.

### Types of Marine Compasses
The type of marine compass used can vary depending on the type of vessel. Powerboats require compasses that are resistant to shocks and high speeds, while sailboats need compasses that can accurately indicate the course even when the boat is heeled over.

Silva, a Swedish manufacturer, has long been recognized for producing reliable marine compasses for both power and sailboats. In Germany, the Hamburg-based company C.Plath is well-known, particularly for its high-precision magnetic compasses designed for demanding applications. Whether it's a built-in compass or a bracket-mounted compass, these instruments must be easy to read, durable, and capable of withstanding vibrations. On sailing yachts, compasses are often installed as built-in units in the steering wheel or as globe compasses on the steering pedestal. On smaller boats or yachts, the compass is frequently mounted on the bulkhead so that it can be read from both sides. Modern electronic fluxgate compasses with digital displays offer the option for both analog and digital course indications.

### Important Considerations for Handling
Several key factors must be considered when installing and using a marine compass. A bracket compass should be mounted on a stable, level surface, and the compass's lubber line should align parallel to the ship's longitudinal axis. The compass itself must be easy to read and, if necessary, equipped with illumination. To ensure reliable operation under varying temperatures, weather conditions, and ship movements, the compass should be mounted at a sufficient distance from magnetic interference sources such as speakers and radios. The ship's magnetic field can cause deviations between the compass heading and magnetic north. This deviation, which can vary depending on the sailing area, must be regularly recalculated. The relevant values can be found in a deviation table, which is ideally placed near the marine compass.