Using a Compass in a Lifeboat at Sea: Step-by-Step

A compass is your primary direction-finder when lost at sea. Follow this protocol:

1. Stabilize: Mount compass on non-magnetic surface (wood, plastic), away from metal, electronics, engine.
2. Check Deviation: Swing the boat in a circle; note compass error vs. known bearings (sun, GPS if any). Create a deviation card.
3. Set Magnetic Declination: Find local variation (NOAA charts, GPS, or online calculator). Adjust compass or mentally correct.
4. Determine Target Bearing: Use chart to plot course to nearest land / shipping lane / rescue zone. Note true bearing.
5. Convert to Magnetic: True ± Variation = Magnetic. (East variation subtract, West add).
6. Steer: Align lubber line with magnetic heading. Keep needle centered on lubber line.
7. Cross-Check Continuously: Sun (bearing at known time), stars (Polaris = North, Southern Cross = South), wave/swell direction (often trade-wind consistent), cloud drift.
8. Log: Record heading, speed (knots via chip log or GPS), time, observations hourly.
9. Conserve Energy: Drift if no steerage; deploy sea anchor. Compass still gives heading for rescuers.
10. Signal: Flares, mirror, VHF Ch 16, EPIRB—compass helps you describe position relative to known features.