Instructions for how to use the Davis hand bearing compass:
Sighting Objects.
Hold the compass in a relaxed position at arms length, with the yellow cursor line facing you. With the
compass slightly tipped so both pointers are visible, rotate your arm and upper body until both pointers are in-line with the object being sighted (figure 1). Read the magnetic bearing as it appears at the yellow cursor line. Note: Standing near large metal objects will affect the accuracy of your magnetic bearing.
Navigating Using Your Sightings.
A line of position (LOP) is simple to obtain (figure 2). Find an object that is easy to identify on a chart and take a sighting to determine its magnetic bearing. Draw a line from the object using its magnetic bearing and you know that you are somewhere along that line of position. Take a sighting of another object and plot its line of position. Your position is where the two lines cross (figure 3). Tip: Three sightings plotted on the chart (three LOP's) is even more accurate and these sighting form a triangle when plotted; you are somewhere inside that triangle.
Plotting Distance Offshore.
This is easiest and most accurate when your compass course is roughly parallel to the shoreline. You must 
also know your speed over ground. Note the exact time that you are abeam of (perpendicular to) or 45° off a prominent object on shore like a lighthouse, smoke stack or radio tower. Take the exact time again when you are perpendicular to or 45° off the object. Plot these sightings on the chart and, with your distance run as one leg, you have a right triangle (figure 4). Your speed multiplied by the time equals both your distance offshore (A) and the distance run (B). Tip: Another method to determine distance offshore is to take two sightings off the same object exactly 60 minutes apart and plot the two lines of position. Open a pair of dividers to match your distance traveled in 60 minutes. Draw your actual travel line of position (A) parallel to the compass course you are steering at the point where the angle is the same width as your distance traveled (figure 5).
Predicting Collision Course.
Take a sighting on any moving or stationary object that you suspect might be on a collision course and note its bearing. If repeated sightings yield the same bearing, you are on a collision course (figure 6). Note that a collision course with a stationary object means that your are being "set" by drift or tide and you must alter course to avoid a collision. Tip: These types of sightings are extremely useful in sailboat racing when two boats are converging on different tacks.
Checking Drift While at Anchor.
Take sightings on any two or more objects on shore and write them down. Radical changes in their magnetic bearings could indicate that your anchor is dragging. Tip: The closer you are anchored to the objects on shore, the greater the chances that simple swinging on the anchor will cause these bearing to change.
Caring for Your Davis Compass.
The Davis Hand Bearing Compass is a precision instrument. It is designed for rugged use and built to last a lifetime, but must not be dropped or exposed to severe shock trauma. It can be cleaned with fresh water or alcohol; do not use any other solvents. Continuous vibration or exposure to magnetic influences can damage the pivot bearing or magnetism of the compass and lessen its accuracy.
