General Navigation USCG Question #653 (Set 21)

Variation is a compass error that you __________.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — cannot correct

Variation is a natural phenomenon caused by the Earth's magnetic field, not the vessel's structure. Because it is independent of the ship, it cannot be corrected by adjusting compensating magnets or the compass card. It must be accounted for mathematically when converting between true and magnetic directions.

100% Free & Open Access — No daily limits, paywalls, or gated answers on BrightMariner.