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Free compass workbench

Use a compass without losing the reference frame

Practice true, magnetic, and compass bearings with variation, deviation, hand-bearing lines, and a simple chart fix. It is an independent revision aid, not official RYA training or assessment.

Direct answer

A compass bearing must be labelled as true, magnetic, or compass. Convert between them by applying variation and deviation with the correct sign, then use hand-bearing position lines on the chart to check or fix your position.

Best for
True, magnetic, compass, variation, deviation
Includes
Conversion, bearing-source, and plotting modes
Practice mode
Reference-frame workbench and quiz
Cost
Free, no login required

True, magnetic, compass

Compass workbench

Convert headings, choose the source of a bearing, then plot only True position lines on the chart.

Link to this tool
NESWTrue 016 TMagnetic 019 MCompass 021 Clubber line

Variation arc

3.0° W

Deviation arc

2.3° W

True

016 T

Magnetic

019 M

Compass

021 C

Chart variation

Current variation

3.0° W

Location/date property.

Deviation for this steering compass

Deviation varies with compass heading. This card belongs to this vessel/compass set-up.

021 C uses 2.3° W

Uncorrecting: True to Compass

True -> Magnetic -> Compass

016 T- variation019 M- deviation021 C

Uncorrecting towards Compass: add West, subtract East.

Where this fits

  • Day Skipperrelevant
  • Coastal Skipperrelevant
  • Yachtmasterrelevant

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