MARS Maritime provides a highly responsive and efficient compass adjusting service for vessels throughout Australia and overseas. Our compass adjusters are licenced by AMSA and committed to meeting the commercial and / or survey requirements of our clients in a timely manner. AMSA requirements relating to compass adjustments for commercial vessels, can be found within the NSCV – Part C Section 7 Subsection 7C and Marine Order 27 (Safety of navigation and radio equipment) 2016.
Contact us to schedule a compass adjustment or discuss your requirements.
A compass adjustment is conducted underway and in most cases, can be achieved within 1 hour. The adjustment (or swing as it’s commonly known) involves determining the accuracy of the magnetic compass on a range of headings. If the deviation on any given heading exceeds 5 degrees, we will adjust the compass. On completion of the adjustment, we will issue a compass deviation card. This compass deviation card is often required to meet survey requirements and is a critical resource when using the magnetic compass for navigation.
A compass may require adjustment when:
- they are first installed;
- they become unreliable;
- repairs or structural alterations have been made to the vessel that could affect its permanent or induced magnetism;
- electrical or magnetic equipment close to the compass is added, removed or altered;
- they show any physical defects;
- if a record of compass deviations has not been maintained, or the recorded deviations are excessive; or
- deemed necessary by the master for the safety of navigation, and no less often than every two years; every dry docking or after significant structural work.
MARS Maritime is proud to be a member of the Australian Compass Adjusters Association.
