Gyro Numerical

Compiled By: Capt. Sunil Bhabha

In this tutorial we will learn how to solve numerical problems based on Gyro errors. For solving these numerical we should be familiar with Gyro
error formulae which are

1. Settling Error also known as Damping Error or Latitude Error

This error can be calculated using the formula.

Pd
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐴𝑧𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑡ℎ) = 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)
Pc

The ratio of Pd to Pc is also known as damping ratio and is constant for a compass. In Sperry compass this ratio is 1/40. Hence the formula
becomes

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐴𝑧𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑡ℎ) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)

➢ The Azimuth is the Settling error.

➢ The naming is decided by the latitude. Error is LOW or EAST on northerly latitudes and HIGH or WEST on southerly latitudes.
➢ It is important to note that this error occurs only in gyro compasses damped in tilt and not in compasses damped in azimuth.

2. Course, latitude & Speed error (CLSE or steaming error)

This error can be calculated using the formula.

(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 ± 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

 ➢ Positive sign is used for easterly courses & Negative sign for westerly courses.
➢ Error is HIGH or WEST on northerly courses and LOW or EAST on southerly courses.

Practice Questions
1. A Gyro damped in tilt has a damping error of 2.8° in Latitude 58° S. Find the damping error in latitude 30° N latitude. (Answer: 1.01 E / Low)

Solution: We know: 𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)

Hence: 𝑆𝑖𝑛 (2.8°) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (58°)

Solving the equation we get K = 0.030524723

Damping error in latitude 30° N

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (30°)

Using the value of K found earlier

𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 1.01 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑤

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

2. If the damping error is 1° E in lat 35° N, calculate the combined damping & Course & speed error when steering 346° (T) at 16 kts in Lat 52°
S. (Answer: 3.444 W)

Solution: We know
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)
Hence using this for Latitude 35° we get
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (1°) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (35°)
Hence:
𝐾 = 0.024924619
Using this value of K for 52° S
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 0.024924619 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (52°)
𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 1.828° W
Now Calculating CLSE
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(16 𝐶𝑜𝑠 14°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 52° − 16 𝑆𝑖𝑛 14°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 1.616° W
Combining Damping Error & CLSE we get
𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 1.828° W + 1.616° W = 3.444 W or High

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

3. Assuming that the peripheral speed of the Earth is 532 knots in 53° 50' N Latitude, find the error of the Gyro compass when making good a
course of 350° (T) at 20 Kts in Latitude 30°S in the following cases
a) If the Gyro compass is damped in Azimuth. (Answer: 1.452 W / High)
b) If the Gyro Compass is damped in Tilt. (Answer: 2.279 W / High)

Solution: The peripheral speed of earth can be calculated by

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑋 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒

Generally the peripheral speed at equator is taken as 900 knots but since the peripheral speed at a specific latitude is provided in the
question, we will find the peripheral speed at equator using this value.
532 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑠 = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑋 𝐶𝑜𝑠 53° 50′

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 901.487 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑠

In Part a since the compass is damped in Azimuth there will be no Damping Error, hence we need to calculate only the CLSE using the above
calculated peripheral speed.
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(20 𝐶𝑜𝑠 10°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(901.487 𝐶𝑜𝑠 30° − 20 𝑆𝑖𝑛 10°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 1.452 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

In part b since the compass is damped in tilt it will also have damping error

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)

1
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (30°)
40

𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 0.827 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 1.452° W + 0.827° W = 2.279 W or High

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

4. A gyro damped in Azimuth had the corrector for speed & latitude set at zero. The ship is doing 18 kts in latitude 32° S on a course of 321°
(G). Find the gyro transit bearing of a set of lights, if their charted transit bearing is 177° (T). (Answer: CLSE = 1.066 W Bearing = 178.066
(G))

Solution: This gyro is damped in azimuth hence there is no damping error. Also since the latitude and speed corrector is set at zero, this means
that the CLSE is not corrected and the gyro will have this error. To find the gyro transit bearing we need to calculate this error.
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(18 𝐶𝑜𝑠 39°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 32° − 18 𝑆𝑖𝑛 39°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 1.066 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 177° + 1.066° W = 178.066 (G)

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

5. The spinning axis of a Gyro compass damped in tilt uncorrected for damping & steaming errors pointing due north in Lat 61° S, while making
good a course of 165° T at 20.6 kts. What will be the direction of axis when making good a course of 345° (T) at 13.3 kts in lat 61° N.?
(Direction of Axis 000.9° (T))

Solution: This gyro compass is uncorrected for Damping error & CLSE but still points due north. This is only possible if Damping error and CLSE
are exactly equal and opposite thus eliminating any error.
Hence calculating the CLSE
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 + 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(20.6 𝐶𝑜𝑠 15°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 61° + 20.6 𝑆𝑖𝑛 15°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 2.580 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑤

Thus the Damping error will be 2.580 W or High. Now if we go to the same north latitude the magnitude of damping error will remain same
but the sign will be reversed.
Hence damping error in 61° N will be 2.580 E or Low.
Now let us calculate the CLSE for the new latitude and course
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(13.3 𝐶𝑜𝑠 15°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 61° − 13.3 𝑆𝑖𝑛 15°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 1.700° 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 2.580° 𝐸 − 1.700° W = 0.880° E or Low

Since the error is 0.880° E the Spin axis will be pointing 0.880° East of North thus the direction of axis will be 0.880° (T).

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

6. A ship with gyro compass uncorrected for Damping & Steaming errors steers 200° (T & G) from position A in lat 60° S to B in lat 64° S.
Determine the speed of the ship & course to steer from position B to A with gyro compass uncorrected. (Pc : Pd = 40 : 1) (Answer: Speed
20.81 kts, CTS 025.3° (G))

Solution: This gyro compass is uncorrected for errors but is steering the same Gyro and True course. This is only possible if CLSE and damping
errors are exactly equal and opposite.
Hence calculating damping error using mean latitude 62° S
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)
1
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (62°)
40

𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 2.695 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

CLSE which is equal and opposite to damping error will then be 2.695 E or low. Using this in the CLSE formula we get
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜) = (𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)

(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡) − (𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜) = (𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)

Dividing both sides by Cos co. we get

(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡) (𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜) 𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜

− =
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜
(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡)
− (𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(𝑉 𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜) = 𝑉
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜
(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡)
= 𝑉 ⟨1 + (𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸)(𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜)⟩
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜
(𝑇𝑎𝑛 2.695)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 62)
= 𝑉 ⟨1 + (𝑇𝑎𝑛 2.695)(𝑇𝑎𝑛 20)⟩
𝐶𝑜𝑠 20

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

 (𝑇𝑎𝑛 2.695)(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 62)
=𝑉
𝐶𝑜𝑠 20 ⟨1 + (𝑇𝑎𝑛 2.695)(𝑇𝑎𝑛 20)⟩

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑉 = 20.81 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑠

Course to steer from B to A – Going from position A to B the vessel was steering 200 (T) therefore the true course from B to A will be its
reciprocal that is 020 (T). If we apply the gyro error to 020 (T) we can find the gyro course to steer. The damping error will remain same as
vessel is travelling within same latitudes. The CLSE will change and the new CLSE will be given by
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 + 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(20.81 𝐶𝑜𝑠 20°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 62° + 20.81 𝑆𝑖𝑛 20°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 2.606° 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 2.606° 𝑊 + 2.695 𝑊 = 5.301° 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ
𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 020° (𝑇) + 5.301 𝑊 = 025.301° (G)

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

7. Your ship is anchored at position 30° N 060° E and Gyro error is found to be 2° Low. Find out the course to steer for making good a course of
160° (T), if ships speed is 16 kts & in lat 40° N. (Answer: 155.85 (G) DE = 2.907 E CLSE = 1.239 E).

Solution: Since the vessel is at anchor there will be no steaming error and the error in the compass is caused only because of Damping Error.
Hence the Damping error at anchor is 2° East or Low. Therefore using Damping Error formula

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (2°) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (30°)

𝑆𝑖𝑛 2°
=𝐾
𝑇𝑎𝑛 30°

The Gyro error on the new course will be a combination of damping error & steaming error, so finding them one by one.

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)

𝑆𝑖𝑛 2°
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (40°)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 30°

𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 2.907 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑤

Finding Steaming error
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 + 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(16 𝐶𝑜𝑠 20°)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 40° + 16 𝑆𝑖𝑛 20°)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 1.239° 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑤

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 2.907 𝐸 + 1.239° 𝐸 = 4.146° 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑤

𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 160° (𝑇) − 4.146° 𝐸 = 155.854° (G)

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

8. Steaming error of a Gyro on the equator is 2°. Allowing for the same speed and course, what will be the steaming error in Latitude 36° 52'?
(Answer: 2.499)

Solution: The steaming error / CLSE is given by the formula

(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 ± 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

The denominator in the formula consists of two components 900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 & 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜. The 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜 component is much smaller as compared
to 900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 component as the speed of the vessel is much lesser than peripheral speed of the earth.
Since this component is much smaller we can get the steaming error / CLSE to a reasonable accuracy even after neglecting it. The formula then
reduces to

(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡)

This being a Typical Question where there is no indication of the speed as well as the course, we will have to utilize the reduced formula. Hence
At the equator
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (2°) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 0°)

900 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (2°) = (𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)

Steaming error / CLSE in Latitude 36° 52'
(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜) (900 𝑇𝑎𝑛 2°)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸) = ′
=
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 36° 52 ) (900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 36° 52′ )

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 2.499°

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

9. Ship sails at 1200 hrs from position 43° N 058° 30 W to pick up pilot at 1700 hrs in position 44° N 060° W. The current has been setting 180°
(T) at 1.0 knot throughout. The ship is fitted with Sperry Gyro, which is uncorrected for damping & N-S speed error. If the damping ratio is
1/40, calculate the Gyro course & the ship’s speed, which needs to be maintained, to reach the pilot station in time. (Answer: DE = 1.359° E,
CLSE = 1.076° W, CTS = 314.9° (T) 314.6° (G), Eng Spd = 18.44 kts, SMG = 17.75 kts)

First of all let us calculate the Course to Make Good (CMG) & Speed to Make Good (SMG).

Our starting point is A (43° N 058° 30 W) and destination is C (44° N 060° W).

D’Lat = 60’ N & D’Long = 90’ W

Departure = D’long x Cos M’Lat = 90 x Cos 43.5° = 65.3’

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

 𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 65.3
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 = =
𝐷′𝐿𝑎𝑡 60

𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑇𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 = 𝑁 47° 25.3’ W

Also we know

𝐷 ′ 𝐿𝑎𝑡 60
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = = = 88.68′
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑠 47° 25.3’

Since the distance is to be covered in 5 hours (1200 to 1700) the SMG will be

𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 88.68
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 = = = 17.74 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑠
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 5

Now let us find out the Course to Steer & Engine Speed which is given by vector BC in the diagram.

Our starting point is B (42° 55’N 058° 30’W) and destination is C (44° N 060° W).

D’Lat = 65’ N & D’Long = 90’ W

Departure = D’long x Cos M’Lat = 90 x Cos 43.5° = 65.3’

𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 65.3
𝑇𝑎𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 = =
𝐷′𝐿𝑎𝑡 65

𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑇𝑜 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 𝑁 45° 07.9’ W = 314.9° (T)

Also we know

𝐷 ′ 𝐿𝑎𝑡 65
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 = = = 92.14′
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑠 45° 07.9’

Since the distance is to be covered in 5 hours (1200 to 1700) the Engine Speed will be

𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 92.14
𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 = = = 18.43 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑠
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 5

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

To find the Gyro course to steer we need to calculate the gyro error.

Calculating Damping error

𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝐾 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒)

1
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) = 𝑥 𝑇𝑎𝑛 (43.5°)
40

𝐷𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 1.359 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑤

The Mean Latitude used in the formula is calculate from the course made good (CMG) because that is the track on which the vessel physically
moves.

Now calculating CLSE

(𝑉 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜)
𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑡 − 𝑉 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜)

(17.74 𝐶𝑜𝑠 47° 25.3′)

𝑇𝑎𝑛 (𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟) =
(900 𝐶𝑜𝑠 43.5° − 17.74 𝑆𝑖𝑛 47° 25.3′)

𝐶𝐿𝑆𝐸 = 1.075° 𝑊 𝑜𝑟 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ

The course and speed used in calculating CLSE are CMG & SMG and NOT CTS & Engine speed because the CLSE depends on the movement of the
vessel over ground and not through water. This movement over ground is given by CMG & SMG.

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 1.359 𝐸 − 1.075° 𝑊 = 0.284° 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑤

𝐺𝑦𝑟𝑜 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 314.9° (𝑇) − 0.284° 𝐸 = 314.616 = 314.6° (G)

Capt. Sunil Bhabha

10. During a performance test of the Gyro, it crossed the horizon at 083, 039 & 054 (Also Known as peaks). Find the settling position of the
Gyro & also the Damping factor & percentage of damping.

Capt. Sunil Bhabha