MAGNETIC COMPASS
APPLICABLE TO: All vessels subject to SOLAS 74 as amended or to HSC Code 1994 and 2000
Monaco, 04 April 2008.
The magnetic Compass is required by SOLAS 74 as amended, Chapter V Regulation 19 and
by HSC Code 1994 and 2000 Chapter 13 paragraph 13.2 .
It is the responsibility of the Owner/Company and the Master to ensure that magnetic
compasses on their ships are maintained in good working order.
The vessel should be provided with a deviation table and this document should include at
least: the name of the vessel, IMO Number, Call Sign, Flag, place where the adjustment is carried out, name of the Master or certified adjuster / stamp / sign; maker of the compass, sea and weather conditions, method used, numerical and graphical results of deviation. This deviation table is valid one year.
Adjustment of Magnetic Compasses is necessary: .
During installation or replacement .
When they become unreliable, .
When the ship undergoes structural repairs or alterations that could affect its permanent and induced magnetism, .
Electrical magnetic equipment close to the compasses is added, removed or altered,.
Deviation exceeds five (5) degrees taking into account the variation of the place and the method used.
Each magnetic compass is properly compensated and its table or curve of residual deviation is available on board at all times in the vicinity of the compass. Validity of mentioned table/curve shall not exceed two years.
A Spare magnetic compass, interchangeable with the standard compass, should be carried,
unless the steering magnetic compass or gyro-compass is fitted.
Frequent observation should be made to determine compass error. Compass performance
should be monitored by recording deviations in a compass deviation book. This may show the need for repair, testing or adjustment or if the records are not correctly carried out.
Adjustment should be made by a duly authorized compass adjuster. If a qualified and certified compass adjuster is unavailable and the Master considers it necessary, then adjustments may be made by the Master, who should also have expertise and shall be certified as compass adjuster.
The compas
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