(Due to magnetic (Due to non magnetic

causes) causes )
 Coefficient A

Coefficient Real A
Real A is the deviation caused by the Magnetism
induced in the unsymmetrical horizontal
soft iron.
Due to b and d soft iron rod
Constant Easterly deviations on all headings +A
Constant Westerly deviations on all headings -A
+A due to –b and +d rods
-A due to +b and –d rods
 +A -b

+d

+d

-b

+b -A
-d

-d

+b
 Coefficient A

Coefficient Real A
Effect on directive force-
Sum of the fields caused by the rods at
the compass position same on each headings.
Therefore DF not affected

Effect on magnetic latitude

Deviation does not change with the magnetic
latitude
 Sign convention

Deviation due to coefficient A is either East or West on all

headings

E W

East deviation on all West deviation on

headings +A all headings -A
 Does deviation due to coefficient A changes when the
ship changes latitude ? NO

F When going to higher magnetic latitude

from lower magnetic latitude,
H(Horizontal component of earth
H magnetic field) and F(Disturbing force
causing deviation) becomes smaller
proportionally.
Therefore deviation due to coefficient A
does not change with the magnetic
latitude.

F
Magnetic Equator
 Coefficient A

Coefficient Real A
Field is always towards E or W there
no N or S Component

Correction: Not corrected and allowed for

like gyro error as constant error on all headings
 Coefficient A
Coefficient apparent A
• The magnetic axis of the needle system not being
parallel to 0 – 180 direction of the card
• The lubber line of the compass not parallel to F-A
line of the vessel. This will make a constant error on
all heading steering but not on bearing observed
• Error in azimuth mirror
• Using wrong deviation for computing true bearing
• Too rapid swinging when taking bearings
 Calculation of coefficient A

Comp Hdg- N NE E SE S SW W NW
Deviation- 8°E 3°E 2°W 5°W 1°W 5°E 2°E 8°W

ADD ALL DEVIATIONS AND DIVIDE BY 8 (NUMBER OF HEADINGS)

8°E + 3°E + 2°W + 5°W + 1°W + 5°E + 2°E + 8°W

8

18 °E +16 °W = 0.25 °E
8
A = + 0.25 °
BY SIGN CONVENTION EASTERLY DEVIATIONS ARE + SIGN AND
WESTERLY DEVIATIONS - SIGN