Why compass error should be checkafter major alteration of course?

Compass performance should be monitored by frequently recording deviations in

the compass deviation book. Compass errors should be determined after every
large alteration of course, and at least once every watch when there have been no
major course alterations. Checking the compass deviation regularly may show the
need for repair, testing or adjustment. In addition, compasses should be inspected
occasionally by a competent officer or compass adjuster.
On commercial vessels it is so important that checks are carried out on every watch:

The standard compass error is determined at least once per watch and, when possible,
after any major alteration of course; the standard and gyro compasses are frequently
compared, and repeaters are synchronised with the master compass.
You need to be aware of deviation and its causes.

Swinging the Compass

1) Locate two transit objects (objects in line) and determine their true bearing on the chart
(2) Secure the boat at anchor so that these transits are exactly aligned. Swing the boat's head until it is
pointing due north.
(3) Read off the transit bearing on the compass and apply the variation.
(4) The difference between this result and the true transit bearing is the deviation on this heading. If the
true bearing is greater, the deviation is named east; if it is the lesser, the deviation is named west.
(5) Repeat the procedure taking transit bearings on each of the cardinal points.
(6) From the results, make up a deviation card
Further errors are caused by boat heel, and the difficulty of reading when on a moving platform. An
electronic compass can be set up to remove the effect of deviation, but it is still a magnetic compass.
Hand bearing compasses usually show very small deviation effects which can be ignored if you use them
away from a magnetic area