Man has learned to place a lighthouse in the wildest of seas - and live in it. 19th Century structures were fitted together like 3D jigsaws of granite block, woven with steel chain. These are fine for coastal sailing. If we wish to go out to sea, we leave all landmarks behind. Man needs some new tools.
Nobody knows when a lodestone was first used to point north.
The Chinese did this very long ago. Those of the Mediterranean Sea have the lesser honour of being the first to employ a magnetic compass at sea in the 12th century. The humble compass is still felt by many to be the most useful navigating instrument, but few pay it the care and attention it is due. If you wish to rely on a compass for accuracy you should have it swung, or swing it yourself before departure, as described in most yachtmen s handbooks. One thing to remember about the Magnetic north pole is, of course, it location is not at the North Pole.