General Navigation USCG Question #604 (Set 20)

What is the gyrocompass error resulting from your vessel's movement in OTHER than an east-west direction?

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — speed error

Speed error occurs because the vessel's movement over the Earth's surface adds a velocity component to the gyrocompass, causing the spin axis to precess away from the meridian. This error is dependent on speed, course, and latitude, and is zero when the vessel is on an east-west heading.

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