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RightShip Guide

THE DEEPDRAFT · RIGHTSHIP PREPARATION

Magnetic, gyro and GNSS compasses

RISQ 3.13Section 3 · NavigationSource marking: V & M

Applicability: All vessel types; apply the equipment and operational conditions stated in this entry.

What is being checked

Fitted compasses are operational, adjusted, serviced and correctly cross-checked.

Ready on board

0 / 7 checked

Check the vessel’s actual procedures, equipment and records against these points from RISQ 3.2.

Have gyro servicing records meeting maker recommendations; keep the gyro running continuously and only rely on a restarted gyro once settled with known error.Apply manual speed/position corrections where inputs are absent; compare bridge repeaters with the main gyro at least once per watch and after significant manoeuvring, and check other repeaters frequently.Keep the magnetic deviation card on the bridge and compass readable from the helm; observe equipment compass-safe distances and effects of magnetic cargoes such as ore and steel.For a transmitting magnetic compass, correct outputs for variation and deviation without double-applying automatic variation; test it weekly.If deviation exceeds five degrees on any heading, have adjustment by a qualified adjuster or Master. Where the Master adjusts it, RightShip recommends verification by a qualified adjuster at the next opportunity.Follow the source’s swing/adjustment intervals of every two years, after dry-docking or significant structural work, subject to the Flag State’s own requirements.Where relevant, check GNSS compass or equivalent provision for navigation above 80 degrees latitude in polar waters, as stated by the source.

Practice questions

Preparation prompts derived from this entry, not an official inspector interview script.

1What expressly triggers a finding for the gyro?

Servicing not performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

2When is magnetic adjustment required by the stated deviation threshold?

When deviation exceeds five degrees on any heading; the source also lists periodic/event-based adjustment and gives precedence to Flag requirements.

Where a finding may arise

RISQ explicitly calls for a finding when gyro servicing does not follow maker recommendations. Compass defects, unsupported adjustment or erroneous heading outputs are other concerns under this entry.

Past observations for practice

Anonymised reports, manually reviewed before publication. These are reported experiences, not additional inspection requirements.

No reviewed observations have been added for this entry.

Share an observation for private review

Remove vessel, company and inspector names, report numbers, exact dates and confidential information. Do not paste a complete inspection report.

References and source status

RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire, November 2025, version 3.2. Section 3, page 30–31, reference 3.13.

The explanation, checklist and practice answer derive from the supplied questionnaire. Reported observations are separately contributed and manually reviewed; they are not official RISQ guidance.

Independent DeepDraft preparation guide, based on the supplied RISQ 3.2 questionnaire. Not an official RightShip product or inspection report.