Using a Hand-Bearing Compass

A hand-bearing compass is a portable compass used to take bearings of objects. Hold it up to your eye, sight on the object through the prism, and read the bearing from the compass card. If it is kept well away from metal, speakers, electronics, and the steering compass, the bearing is normally treated as a magnetic bearing for chartwork; if it is used near magnetic influences it can still be affected by local deviation.

For accurate bearings, hold the compass away from metal, rigging, and electronics. Take bearings from the same position each time if possible. Three bearings of different objects, plotted on the chart, give a 'cocked hat' (triangle) fix.