When converting from Compass to True Heading, what is the correct method for adjusting your bearings?

When converting from Compass Heading to True Heading, the method involves accounting for the magnetic variation, which considers the difference between true north and magnetic north.

In this context, when a compass reading is affected by magnetic variation, navigating towards true heading requires adding east and subtracting west. This is because if the magnetic north (the direction your compass points) is to the east of true north, you must add that eastward angle to your compass heading to locate true heading. Conversely, if the compass reading is west of true north, you subtract this angle since the compass reading needs to be adjusted back toward true north.

Therefore, by adding east and subtracting west, you effectively account for the magnetic variation needed to obtain the correct true heading. This is fundamental knowledge for navigation and proper course plotting in maritime activities.