Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:56 AM AWST

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Adjust a magnetic compass

Adjust a magnetic compass

Unit of competency
National Code
MARB050
State Code
OCX18
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/01/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/05/2021
Field of Education
031705 - Marine Craft Operation
Original Release Date
19/05/2021
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to adjust a magnetic compass.This unit includes preparing for work, inspecting compass, analysing records, determining deviations, adjusting a magnetic compass and completing documentation. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in the capacity of:Compass Adjuster for vessels over 45 metres in length.Work is performed under limited supervision and applies to those responsible for adjusting a magnetic compass in the work environment and who are responsible for their own work.Licensing/Regulatory InformationThis unit is one of the requirements to obtain certification as a Compass Adjuster as defined in Marine Order 27. To undertake this unit of competency a person must hold at least a:certificate of competency as a Master less than 45 metres Near Coastal (NC) or above or equivalent as recognised by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), or a current compass adjuster certificate of competency issued by a state or territory or AMSA for those vessels.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Job requirements are identified from specifications and information provided by the ship's Master or nominated representative
  • 1.2 Ship is embarked safely in accordance with International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Marine Order requirements
  • 1.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected in accordance with ship work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements
  • 1.4 Ship is confirmed as being in its 'normal seagoing condition' in accordance with standard operating procedures
  • 1.5 Movable magnetic materials in the locality of the compass are removed or secured in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 1.6 Magnetic equipment is secured in its ‘normal seagoing position’ before beginning adjustments in accordance with workplace procedures
2 Inspect compass
  • 2.1 Appropriate tools, equipment and techniques are used to inspect the magnetic compass in accordance with job requirements
  • 2.2 Inventory of any correctors already fitted is recorded in ships Safety Management System (SMS) and/or compass deviation book in accordance with workplace procedures
3 Analyse records
  • 3.1 Ship's compass deviation book and/or records are examined to determine if any changes have been made to correctors since the last adjustment and to assess the recent performance of the compass in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Ship's compass deviation book and/or records are examined to determine whether the flinders bar requires adjustment in accordance with workplace procedures
4 Determine deviations and adjust magnetic compass
  • 4.1 Compass deviation errors are determined using procedures outlined in the tentative method of adjustment and the analysis method of adjustment
  • 4.2 Compass is adjusted using procedures outlined in the tentative method of adjustment and the analysis method of adjustment
  • 4.3 Final swing is performed, and residual deviations are recorded in accordance with tentative method of adjustment and the analysis method of adjustment
5 Complete documentation
  • 5.1 A table or curve of deviation from observations taken on principle cardinal and intercardinal headings is produced and the position of correctors and residual coefficients is recorded in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 5.2 Outcome of the compass adjustment is confirmed with the Master in accordance with job requirements
  • 5.3 Ship is disembarked safely in accordance with SOLAS and Marine Order requirements
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State Code National Code Title Type
AE475 MARSS00038 Compass Adjuster Unlimited Skill Set Skill set
BGL5 MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations Qualification