The Merchant Shipping (Navigational Equipment) Regulations 1993

PART II MAGNETIC COMPASS INSTALLATION

Magnetic compass performance standards

11.  Every magnetic compass installation required to be provided shall comply with the performance standard adopted by the Organisation and shall, in the case of a United Kingdom ship, comply with the relevant performance standard.

The magnetic compass installation

12.—(1) Except in the case of United Kingdom ships having Passenger Certificates of Class IV, VI or VI(A), the magnetic compass installation shall comprise:

(a) a standard magnetic compass, fitted on the centre line of the ship and mounted on a binnacle.

(b) a steering magnetic compass, fitted on the centre line of the ship and mounted on a binnacle, unless heading information provided by the standard compass required under (a) is available to and is clearly readable by the helmsman at the main steering position;

(c) adequate means of communication between the standard compass position and the normal navigation control position; and

(d) means for taking bearings as nearly as practicable over an arc of the horizon of 360°.

(2) In the case of United Kingdom ships having Passenger Certificates of Class IV, VI or VI(A) the magnetic compass installation shall comprise one efficient magnetic compass at the steering position.

Adjustment of magnetic compasses

13.  Each of the magnetic compasses referred to in regulation 12(1) shall be properly adjusted and its table or curve of residual deviations shall be available at all times.

Spare magnetic compass

14.  A spare magnetic compass, interchangeable with the standard compass, shall be carried in every ship of 150 tons and over to which these Regulations apply, unless the steering compass mentioned in regulation 12(1)(b) or a gyro compass mentioned in regulation 16 is carried.

Emergency steering position

15.  Ships of 150 tons and over which are provided with emergency steering positions shall at least be provided with a telephone or other means of communication for relaying heading information to such positions. In addition, ships of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 15th February 1993 shall be provided with arrange ments for supplying visual compass readings to the emergency steering position.