After the navigator has made calculations for the deviation errors of
the Magnetic Compass, they must be applied by means of manipulating
the soft iron globes and compensating magnets. This is an operation
requiring such a high degree of skill that only trained men called
Compass Adjusters are qualified for the work.
The occasional turning of a thumb nut is the only compensation
necessary in the use of a Sperry Gyro-Compass. No tables or curves are
required. The ship’s Navigating Officer makes this adjustment with
ease.
[Illustration: A Ship of the Line, the dreadnought of former days.]
[Illustration]