Getting to know the BINNACLE !

This is what a Binnacle looks like !

Binnacle:

A binnacle is a waist-high case or stand on the deck of a ship, generally mounted in front of the helmsman, in which navigational instruments are placed for easy and quick reference as well as to protect the delicate instruments.

Parts of a Binnacle

Binnacles have formed a mainstay of maritime operations worldwide. Vessel operators and skippers, across the world, are assured of a safer and surer voyage on account of this simplistic aiding navigation equipment.

About Binnacles:

• Flinders tubing was yet another methodology utilised to counteract the magnetic disruptions. The tubing consists of a couple of rods placed on each side of the instrument.

• The Flinders tubing are named after noted British adventurer Sir Matthew Flinders, who mapped out the Australian coast.

• In the mid-19th century, inventor John Gray came up with the idea to place auto-adjusting magnets to balance the magnetic disruptions, caused by the nautical compass.

• Magnetic balls were invented by Englishman Lord Kelvin in the late-1800s. The basic principle of their adoption was to place two magnetic balls on either side of the marine binnacle. The magnetic disruptions caused would be balanced by these two magnetic spheres.