Electronic Gyro Compass

Due to the earth’s magnetic field, there is a difference between the actual north and the north which is indicated on the ship’s magnetic compass. The difference can be as big as 13 degrees east. The earth’s magnetic field is also constantly in motion, so small changes occur over the years. The main compass used for navigation on board the Rotterdam is an electronic gyro compass, not affected by the earth’s magnetic field. The working principle of this compass is a fast turning gyroscope that imitates the rotation of the earth. When a gyroscope turns around its axis, it will remain steady and return back to its original position when pushed over. Based on this principle it is possible to define the true north.