Bearing compass

A bearing compass, is a nautical instrument used to determine the bearing of observed objects. (Bearing: angle formed by the north and the visual to a certain object in the sea or ashore). Used in navigation to determine the angle between the direction of an object and the magnetic north or, indirectly relative to another reference point. Provides the absolute bearing, which is the clockwise angle between magnetic north or true north and the object. For example, an object to the east would have an absolute bearing of 90º, if it is relative to the magnetic north than it is called magnetic bearing. It is commonly used by geologists and surveyors to obtain precise bearings on the ground.^[1]

Sailors use successive demarcations of fixed reference points along with simple geometric techniques to determine their position, course and speed. In addition, making successive demarcations of other vessels, together with simple geometry techniques, can help the navigator to determine if there is a risk of collision and to decide what measures should be taken to avoid the danger.^[1]