Cassens & Plath Compass Type-12 – Magnetic Compass
The Cassens & Plath Type-12 is a marine magnetic compass designed for shipboard navigation. Cassens & Plath is a well-known German manufacturer of marine navigation equipment, particularly magnetic compasses, gyrocompasses, and related navigation instruments.
Main Function
The Type-12 magnetic compass provides a reliable indication of the vessel’s magnetic heading by using the Earth’s magnetic field. It operates independently of electrical power, making it useful as a primary or backup navigation instrument on commercial ships, workboats, and other marine vessels.
Typical Features
- Maker: Cassens & Plath, Germany
- Model: Type-12
- Type: Marine Magnetic Compass
- Navigation principle: Earth’s magnetic field
- Power: No external electrical power required for basic operation
- Application: Ship navigation and heading indication
- Construction: Marine-grade housing designed for continuous shipboard service
- Use: Main or emergency/backup heading reference
- Compass card: Provides clear heading/degree indication for navigation
- Designed for use in the marine environment, where durability and reliable heading indication are important.
How It Works
Inside the compass, a magnetized compass system aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field. As the vessel turns, the compass card rotates accordingly, allowing the navigator to read the vessel’s heading from the fixed lubber line.
The compass must be properly installed, compensated, and maintained because the vessel’s steel structure, electrical equipment, and other magnetic influences can create deviation.
