Panama issues guidelines for magnetic compasses

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued the Merchant Marine Circular MMC-138 to establish guidelines for maintaining and testing magnetic compasses.

The guidelines apply universally to ships, regardless of size or navigation area, and are in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations.

The responsibility for compass maintenance lies with the owner/operator and the Master.

Compass adjustment is necessary during specific instances, including installation, replacement, unreliability, structural repairs, alterations affecting magnetism, changes in electrical magnetic equipment, lapse of one year since the last adjustment, excessive deviations, or physical defects.

Given the potential instability of a new ship's magnetism, it is recommended to closely monitor and make adjustments during its initial period, particularly when handling magnetic cargoes, using electromagnetic lifting appliances, experiencing casualties, or during periods of inactivity.

Compass performance must be observed, and adjustments made by authorized personnel.

Recognition of SOLAS-approved compass adjusters is accepted, subject to international standards.

Caution is advised with portable electrical equipment, and spare compass bowls should be stowed appropriately.

For transmitting magnetic compasses (TMC), modifications must be certified, and adjustments should be performed by experienced technicians.

Consideration of safe distances from electronic equipment is crucial.

IMO resolutions provide guidance on auxiliary equipment and radio frequency transmissions.

Individual testing is required for spare bowls providing heading information.

This circular was published on 1 November 2023.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):