Bearing Convert

What it does

• Three bearings describe one direction, and the arithmetic sign is the usual error.
• The converter shows the sign and the running value at each step.
• Variation and deviation stay separate so each can be updated independently.

How to use it

1. Deviation belongs to the boat and the heading, not to the chart.
2. Update variation from the chart rose for the year you are sailing.
3. Write which reference you used on any bearing passed to another boat.
4. A hand bearing compass reads magnetic; a GPS course reads true.

Safety notes

• A bearing without its reference is not a bearing.
• Do not combine variation and deviation into one mental number.