Marine Compass Facts and Fiction

Try to imagine a sailor at the helm of his ship trying to find his way through the endless sea. While in the dark of night, he has the stars to guide him, during the day he has nothing to help him pinpoint his location. The only tools at his disposal are his keen insight and wind upon the waves. This is what early sailors faced when trying to sail the seas before the first magnetic marine compass was invented.

The oldest design of the magnetic marine compass can be found in the Olmec culture, who existed in South America around 1,000 B.C. Because of the magnetic properties of the lodestone, they used the mineral to construct the first compass. This lodestone compass was primarily used for measuring astronomical calculations, although it was also found to have been used for navigating the seas.

Why My Marine Compass Is My Best Friend

The Chinese are hailed as the first people to use the magnetic marine compass as it is known today. Since around 300 B.C. they had known and utilized the attributes of magnets, which where used by builders and Feng Shui artisans. Then in late 1000 A.D., it was found that when placed in a bowl of liquid, a needle made from a magnet would always point north. This lead to the beginning of an important navigational tool, the magnetic mariner's compass. Other cultures where able to benefit from the concept of the compass when China started trading with and sailing to other lands.

The culture who was the first to share in the Chinese design of the marine compass was the Middle Eastern society. Their main purpose for the compass, though, was for religious practices. It assisted the Islamic people in their beliefs, by pointing to the precise location of Mecca so that they would be able to pray as instructed.

How To Use A Marine Compass

The Middle Eastern culture made the first alteration in the design of the magnetic marine compass. Instead of placing a needle in a bowl of water, they placed magnets shaped like fish enclosed in an ornate glass container. Although this improved the appearance of the compass, when used at sea it was found that this design did not allow for the precision needed in navigation. It was due to this necessity that the 32 point compass rose was developed, allowing for the most accurate directional navigation at the time.

An Old Man And His Marine Compass

The design of the magnetic marine compass which is still in use today can be attributed to the Europeans. Around 1200 A.D., Europe was first introduced to the Middle Eastern compass concept. While traveling, the glass container of water was discovered to be too clumsy and breakable for practical use. It was found that placing a magnetic needle on a spindle would give the same results as placing it in water. No one since then has been able to design a better compass, so it is a design which is still in use today.

The improved navigation provided by the magnetic marine compass opened up new worlds for mankind. The compass's simple yet accurate qualities has led to safer navigation, not only for those at sea, but on land as well.