What does it mean if a compass shows a heading that conflicts with true north?

When a compass indicates a heading that conflicts with true north, this situation typically arises due to deviation. Deviation refers to the error introduced by magnetic interference from the vessel's own equipment, such as metal objects or electronic devices. This error can cause the compass to show a direction that doesn’t align with magnetic north, leading to potential navigation errors if not accounted for.

Understanding deviation is crucial for navigators, as they must adjust their heading to ensure they are on the correct course relative to true north, which is a fixed geographic point. Without being aware of the deviation, a vessel could veer off course, affecting navigational safety and efficiency.

This choice highlights the importance of recognizing and correcting for deviation when navigating, ensuring that mariners can maintain accurate headings consistently.