Random trivia...can we make this work

[Plumper]

I'd have to look that one up.....

[nolatom]

I think small vessels are allowed to make the same sound at anchor as underway, but I've kept my hands off "the book"

[Plumper]

I did look it up.

The two vessels are:
A pilot vessel on duty sounds 4 short blasts (H) as well as all the other appropriate signals.
A vessel under 12 metres can sound any efficient signal underway or at anchor.

[sailaway21]

Actually an azimuth is not the same as a bearing. An azimuth is a bearing of a celestial body, usually the sun, and it's taken with the bearing/azimuth circle (or an alidade) off a gyro repeater as stated. When the aximuth is then reduced it provides for the calculation of gyro compass error which is then commonly used to calculate steering compass error.

[nolatom]

Okay, I don't disagree with anyone, but someone has to pose another question, and I'm fairly sure it's not me...

[Plumper]

Isn't the azimuth calculated then the bearing taken? If the two agree then the gyro/compass error is zero?
For example, a celestial object can be directly overhead and still have an azimuth but it would be very difficult to take a bearing of it. That is why gyros and compasses are checked with the suns azimuth when the sun is near the horizon (normally).

[sailaway21]

You can do it either way, Plumper. But a bearing is taken in the plane of the horizon while an azimuth is taken at an altitude above the horizon. An azimuth is generally taken each watch at sea. You'd usually take it early on the 4-8 watch and late on the 12-4 watch when using the sun.

[bubb2]

sorry for the interuption, the common name for Crux Australis this one is for Simon!

[sailaway21]

Southern cross.

What is ITCZ an abbreviation of, and what is it?

[bestfriend]

Is your name Simon? Wanker.