How to Set a Compass Bearing

A compass is a useful navigation tool when out of sight of your destination.

Learning to navigate is an important skill that is necessary in many recreational activities, such as sailing, scuba diving and orienteering. A key navigation tool is a compass, which has a needle that points to magnetic north. Proper use of a compass requires you to be able to take a bearing and set the compass bezel to follow it.

Instructions

1. Point the lubber line in the direction of your destination. The lubber line is either the red line running down the center of the compass face or the direction-of-travel arrow on compasses with a base plate.

2. Rotate the compass bezel so that 0 degrees is level with the needle pointing north.

3. Keep the lubber line level with the bearing you have set and ensure that the needle is always pointing to 0 degrees. Hold the compass level to avoid the device jamming from tilting too much and not being able to rotate.

References

• "PADI Adventures in Diving Manual"; Drew Richardson; 2006