19Magnetic compass

19 Magnetic compass

 19.1 The master of a ship must ensure that:

(a) for a ship over 100 gross tonnage:

 (i) a compass deviation book is kept on the ship; and

 (ii) the information mentioned in Schedule 1 is recorded in the compass deviation book; and

(b) if the observations for a magnetic compass on the ship show a deviation of the compass on any heading of more than 5o — the compass is adjusted by a licensed compass adjuster at the first port where an adjuster is available to correct the deviation; and

(c) for each magnetic compass fitted on the ship — the tables or curve of residual deviations from the last adjustment, and details of subsequent changes in deviations, are available for use at all times; and

(d) the size and position of magnets and soft iron correctors in a compass fitted on the ship and the date and nature of any changes made to them or to their position are recorded by the person making the adjustment in the compass deviation book.

 19.2 When a licensed compass adjuster completes an examination and adjustment of a ship’s compasses, he or she must give to the master a table of deviations in accordance with Form MO—21/1 in Schedule 2.

 19.3 A surveyor may direct the master of a ship to have the ship’s compasses adjusted in accordance with paragraph 19.1(b) if:

(a) paragraph 19.1(c) or (d) has not been complied with; and

(b) the surveyor thinks that the compasses of the ship are, or may be, unreliable.

 19.4 The master of a ship must comply with the direction as soon as practicable.