Coefficient A: is a constant error which is the same on all headings

Typically occurs when the compass is not installed with the lubber line parallel with the fore & aft axis of the boat, or by a defective compass card Most often corrected by rotating the compass or by changing the compass card

Coefficient B: varies as a function of the sine of the compass heading, and

is usually associated with fore-and-aft permanent magnetism. is corrected using fore-and-aft magnets.

Coefficient C: varies as a function of the cosine of the compass heading, and

is usually associated with athwartship permanent magnetism. is corrected using athwartship magnets.

Coefficient D: varies as a function of the sine of twice the compass heading, and

is associated with induced magnetism caused by symmetrical soft iron (either in the ship itself or from proximity to shielding around electronics) is often corrected using quadrantal spheres.

Coefficient E: varies as a function of the cosine of twice the compass heading, and

is associated with induced magnetism caused by asymmetrical soft iron (think about a compass off center as it would be installed on an aircraft carrier) is corrected by slewing the quadrantal spheres.