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Binnacles are used on ships to house navigational equipment, including compasses, timers, and light sources. They also help protect the instruments from damage. Kelvin Balls or Flinders Rod are used to compensate for the magnetic force of ships. A log list is used for accountability purposes and must be approved by the commanding officer.
Ships usually have a compass on board to help the ship’s navigators determine their direction of travel while at sea. In addition to a compass, ships also carry other navigational equipment that helps keep them on course. This equipment is generally mounted in or on what is called a binnacle, for ease of use and convenience. Standing at approximately waist height, the navigation equipment is mounted or encased in the binnacle, which is usually located on the ship’s deck in front of the helmsman. In addition to serving as a convenience for the ship’s crew to access navigational instruments, binnacles also help protect the instruments from damage.
Originally intended to house the ship’s compass, the binnacle has gimbals on which the compass is mounted. Doing so keeps the compass level as the ship rises and falls with the waves. In addition to the compass, the binnacle usually has other built-in sections and often houses other equipment. This equipment may include a light source, such as an oil lamp, additional compasses, and timers to help estimate speed. All of this equipment is considered essential for the navigation of the ship, particularly the light source, which is intended to illuminate the face of the compass to aid navigation at night.
Magnetic force is a major concern for ship operators, because the ship itself acts as a large magnet. Therefore, the ship will have a negative impact on the accuracy of a magnetic compass. To compensate for this, ships will generally employ one of two methods: Kelvin Balls or Flinders Rod. Kelvin’s Balls are two iron balls usually mounted on each side of the binnacle, while Flinder’s Rod are two small bars suspended on each side of the structure. These smaller magnets help to compensate for the inaccuracy caused by the magnetic force of ships by introducing a counteractive magnetic force.
Also, the term log list is a common term used on ships. Used to excuse those who are sick of the service, the list will provide all relevant details of the people listed for accountability purposes. Prepared by the ship’s senior medical officer, the report is usually given to the ship’s commanding officer, and traditionally he or she deposited it in the logbook for easy access. Subsequently, after review, the commanding officer usually approves the report before storing it. Once approved, no other crew members may be added to the list without the approval of the commanding officer.
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