Compass Deviations - Navigation and Communication
Compass deviation is the angular error between a ship’s magnetic compass heading and the magnetic heading caused by the vessel’s permanent and induced magnetism. Deviation is measured during compass adjustment and recorded in a deviation table or card for safe navigation.
ProShipWorks provides end-to-end support to source and supply Compass Deviations for marine vessels, ship operators, industrial facilities, maintenance teams and procurement departments.
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Product Information
| Product Name | Compass Deviations |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Navigation and Communication |
| Product Reference | 774 |
| Brands / Manufacturers | C. Plath, Cassens & Plath, Tokyo Keiki |
| Unit of Measure | Piece |
Key Features
| Key Feature |
|---|
| 1. Records compass deviation by heading |
| 2. Prepared after compass adjustment or verification |
| 3. Accounts for vessel magnetic influence |
| 4. Supports correction of steering and bearing errors |
| 5. Maintained as part of navigation records |
Applications of Compass Deviations
| Application |
|---|
| 1. Magnetic compass adjustment and calibration |
| 2. Preparation of compass deviation cards |
| 3. Bridge navigation and heading correction |
| 4. Compass verification after structural or equipment changes |
Technical Specifications
| Model | Specification | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic compass deviation table | Heading reference | Ship magnetic compass headings, normally at regular heading intervals | — |
| Magnetic compass deviation table | Deviation value | East or west angular error recorded for each tested heading | degrees |
| Magnetic compass deviation table | Correction equipment | Compass correctors, including magnets and soft-iron correctors, as applicable | — |
Standards, Certifications & Class Approval
Review the available standards and approval information relevant to the product. Actual certification, material traceability, inspection and classification requirements depend on the product type, intended application and purchasing specification.
| Applicable Standards & Certification | Relevant requirements include SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19, IMO Resolution A.382(X) for magnetic compasses, and ISO 449 for marine magnetic compasses. National flag-state requirements and approved compass-adjuster procedures may also apply. |
|---|---|
| Class Approval | Compass approval and survey requirements may involve DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, ClassNK, or the vessel's applicable classification society. Deviation adjustment should be performed by a competent or authorized compass adjuster where required by flag or class. |
Installation, Maintenance & Safety Information
| Installation Notes | Install or mount the magnetic compass according to the compass manufacturer’s instructions, clear of ferrous material and magnetic or electrical interference. After installation, dry-docking, major steelwork, or relocation of magnetic equipment, arrange compass adjustment and issue an updated deviation card. |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Tips | Keep the compass bowl, binnacle, correctors, lighting, and mounting secure and clean. Check for bubbles, leakage, damaged suspension, abnormal sluggishness, or changes in deviation. Recheck deviation after significant structural or electrical modifications. |
| Safety Notes | Use corrected compass data for navigation and record deviations accurately. Do not place tools, radios, speakers, portable magnets, or ferrous objects near the compass. Compass adjustment must not replace required watchkeeping, position fixing, or other navigational checks. |
Request a Quote for Compass Deviations
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