scope:

This International Standard describes requirements regarding construction and performance of; marine magnetic compasses for navigation and steering purposes, binnacles and azimuth reading devices. Two types of binnacle are specified; the appropriate type for a given vessel is determined by the design of the ship (see Clause 5). This International Standard applies to liquid-filled magnetic compasses:
- intended for use in ship's navigation and steering in sea navigation according to the regulations in force;
- having a direct reading system; and
- which may be of the reflecting, projecting or transmitting types. In the context of this International Standard, a magnetic compass is an instrument consisting of a directional system supported by a single pivot inside a bowl that is completely filled with liquid and supported by gimbals inside or outside the bowl. However, this International Standard also addresses compasses without gimbals; the requirements relating to gimbals do not apply to such compasses. This International Standard applies to magnetic compass carried on board:
- all ships required to carry a Standard Compass as per SOLAS Chapter V, the Class A magnetic compass;
- Lifeboats and Rescue boats as per the IMO Lifesaving Appliances (LSA) Code, the Class B magnetic compass; and
- all ships to which above two don't apply but which are fitted with Class A or B magnetic compass. This International Standard does not apply to: a) dry card compasses; b) types of compass designed on principles different from those stated above or not complying with the descriptions given; or c) hand bearing compasses. The requirements for the testing and certification, positioning in ships and deviation adjustment of compasses are given in the Annexes..