38 seamanship secrets
it is stationary. Sight the object with a handbearing compass and keep the
compass up to your eye. Have your mate turn the boat slowly in a circle while
you pivot your body to follow the object. If the bearing remains constant,
you’ve found your DFZ. If it changes, move to a diff erent spot and try again.
Take your time. You need to fi nd your boat’s DFZ before going to the next step.- Make a three-column recording log. Make three columns on a piece of paper.
Label the fi rst column “Boat Heading (Handbearing Compass),” the second
column “Deviation,” and the third column “Steering Compass (Boat Compass).”
Under the Steering Compass column, enter 000°, then 015°, then 030°, and so
forth at 15-degree intervals down the column. When you are done, attach your
log to a clipboard. - Steer your “Steering Compass” tracklines. Sight down the centerline and
onto the headstay or bow rail with the handbearing compass. Have the helm
A partial deviation table. Always swing your compass through a complete 360-degree
circle. Our table shows intervals of 15 degrees between headings ( far right column). Some
navigators prefer intervals of 30 degrees or even 45 degrees. Smaller intervals give more
accurate results.