18.1 Magnetic Compass
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - MGN 280 - Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats - Alternative Construction Standards - 18 Navigational Equipment - 18.1 Magnetic Compass

18.1 Magnetic Compass

  18.1.1 A vessel should be fitted with an efficient magnetic compass, or other means of determining its heading, as well as means of correcting heading and bearings to true at all times (e.g. a valid deviation card for a magnetic compass):-

  • .1 A properly adjusted standard magnetic compass or other means, independent of the vessels main power supply, to determine the ship's heading and display the reading at the main steering position.

  • .2 In a steel vessel, it should be possible to correct the compass for co-efficients, B, C and D and heeling error.

  • .3 The magnetic compass or a repeater should be positioned so as to be clearly readable by the helmsman at the main steering position. For vessels operating in Categories 0, 1, 2, and 3, a compass light should be fitted.

  • .4 Means should be provided for taking bearings as nearly as practicable over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees. (This requirement may be met by the fitting of a pelorus or, in a vessel other than a steel vessel, a hand bearing compass.)

Parent topic: 18 Navigational Equipment
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