Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697641726416.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SERVICES AND MERCHANT SHIPPING (ADOMS) CIRCULAR 2018-001 Magnetic Compass(es): Guidelines on Installation, Compensation and drawing up of Deviation Tables Ref.

SOLAS V (Reg.18, 19) IMO Res.

A./Res.382(X) ISO 25862:2009 S.T.C.W.

Code Addressees(s):  Owners / Operators of internationally registered ships under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda  All ships internationally registered under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda  ADOMS authorised Recognized Organisations (ROs) 1.
Scope The purpose of this Circular is to provide all ADOMS Clients and Stakeholders with information on the interpretation, expectations and requirements of the Administration in respect of the Installation, Compensation and drawing up of Deviation Tables for Magnetic Compasses aboard all Antigua and Barbuda internationally registered vessels.

2.

Legal Basis IMO Res.

A.

382(X) – Magnetic compasses carriage and performance standards   SOLAS Chapter V, Reg.
18 – Approval, Survey and Performance Standards of Navigational Systems and Equipment and Voyage Data Recorder  SOLAS Chapter V, Reg.

19 – Carriage Requirements for Shipborne Navigation Systems  ISO 25862:2009, Annex G – Adjustment of Magnetic Compass Deviation 3.
ADOMS Policy Based on above listed regulations and in respect of any Antigua and Barbuda registered vessel ADOMS expects the following minimum standard of best practices from the respective crews, operator(s), owners and recognized organisations: I.

Magnetic Compass Installation As part of the shipborne navigational equipment, any magnetic compass installation will be approved by the vessel’s classification society.
The RO will approve the installation with respect to compliance to above mentioned regulations, as part of the [Cargo] Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (CSSEC).

This also applies to any permanent physical alterations and/or retrofitings.

The approval also includes the physical provision(s) for compensation but not the compensation itself.

II.
II.

Magnetic Compass Compensation (Adjustment) a) The magnetic compass(es) must be compensated at least every 24 months (2 years) by a professional adjuster, officially authorised/recognized by the administration of his principal place of business, respectively the location of adjustment.

Alternatively, the adjuster might also be authorised by any of ADOMS authorised ROs.

b) On this occasion, also the deviation table should be drawn up.

(see below, No.
(see below, No.

III) c) There is no adjustment/compensation required in between this period, unless any permanent changes to any installations/ship structure, that do or may affect the magnetic compass deviation or it’s installation, have occurred.

d) If the latter did occur (or it's at the competent ship's crew – STCW management level - desire) then the Deviation Table (see below, No.

III) should be corrected accordingly, providing documentary evidence of the same (e.g.
logbook entry and attachment), until a proper compensation can be performed at the next suitable occasion respectively location.

III.

Deviation Table The deviation table should be drawn up by a professional adjuster.

(see above, No.

II) Alternatively, it can also be drawn up by competent ship’s crew.

(S.T.C.W.

II/2) Circ.

2018-001 Issued: April 2018