Marine Compass Adjustment and Deviation Cards
Compass adjustment, correction and certification for vessels of every size, carried out by a Master Mariner.
What a compass adjustment involves
Your vessel is swung through the cardinal and intercardinal headings, the magnetic compass is corrected to minimise deviation, and a fresh deviation card is issued for the chart table.
- Compass adjustment and vessel swinging
- Magnetic compass correction
- Deviation cards issued on completion
- Compass surveys for commercial vessels
Common triggers
Owners and operators typically need an adjuster when a survey or audit is coming up, or when something on board has changed:
- Survey, audit or certification requirements — Maritime NZ rules (Part 45) set out when a compass must be adjusted
- Sudden compass deviation after hull repairs
- Electrical upgrades or new equipment near the compass
- A new-to-you vessel with no current deviation card
Any vessel, New Zealand and the Pacific
Recent adjustments range from a 34 m expedition yacht in Auckland and a 64 m deep sea fishing vessel in Nelson to a 75,000 ton cruise ship between Wellington and Napier — plus a 60 m superyacht in Tahiti. Smaller coastal and inshore vessels, including trailer-boats, are covered locally.
Running a superyacht? See the dedicated superyacht services page.
Book a compass adjustment
Call or email Mark Rothwell with your vessel, port and timing, and he will confirm availability.