Nautical Term: Swing ship
Definition of Swing ship
A swing ship refers to a vessel used to determine compass errors. This process involves turning the ship’s head through various degrees and taking compass readings at each heading. The collected data is then used to create a deviation table, which assists in navigating a more accurate course.
For instance, a captain wishing to sail from port A to port B, but aware of known magnetic anomalies along the route, could employ a swing ship. The captain would send the swing ship on a course that would take it through the magnetic anomalies. The swing ship’s crew would then record compass readings at each anomaly. These readings would then be used to create a deviation table, which the captain of the main vessel could then use to navigate a more accurate course to port B.
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