Deck Navigation (Supplementary) USCG Question #612 (Set 1)

A system of reservoirs and connecting tubes in a gyro compass is called a __________.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — mercury ballistic

A mercury ballistic is a system of interconnected reservoirs containing mercury, used in gyrocompasses to apply a torque that causes the gyro to precess toward the meridian. This gravity-controlled mechanism is essential for damping the gyro's oscillations and ensuring it settles on the true north meridian.

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