At 2342 the gyro alarm sounds and you commence steering by standard magnetic compass. If you allow 3° leeway for southerly winds and do not correct for any existing current, what is the course to steer by standard magnetic compass to make good 068°T?
• Leeway and how wind direction (southerly winds) pushes the vessel off course • The relationship between true course, magnetic course, and compass course (T → M → C) • The effect of switching from gyro compass to standard magnetic compass on how you apply corrections
• Start from 068°T and think step‑by‑step: what corrections normally get you from true to compass? Which of those are mentioned in the question, and which are not? • Ask yourself: with a southerly wind, will the vessel be set to the right (north) or to the left (south) of the intended track, and in which direction must you steer to compensate? • Consider whether leeway is applied to the heading you steer or to the course made good, and whether you should add or subtract the 3° leeway to stay on 068°T.
• Be clear whether a southerly wind means “wind from the south” and which side of your vessel that pushes you toward when trying to make 068°T. • Confirm that current is ignored in this problem, so you should only be adjusting for leeway plus any compass errors already given in the setup of the exam problem. • Before picking an answer, check whether your final number is a compass course (psc), not a true or magnetic course, and that you have applied the 3° leeway in the correct direction.
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