Overview
ISO 11606:2022 - "Ships and marine technology - Marine electromagnetic compasses" specifies general requirements, type tests and individual tests for marine electromagnetic compasses intended for steering and/or taking bearings on board ships. The standard implements applicable IMO/SOLAS requirements and is intended for marine electromagnetic compasses fitted before 1 July 2002. It normally applies to ships with overall length not less than 24 m.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 11606:2022 covers the full lifecycle of marine electromagnetic compasses with emphasis on safety, reliability and performance. Major technical topics include:
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Construction and materials
- Non‑magnetic housings, secure electrical wiring, gimbal design and mounting requirements
- Accessibility for maintenance and inspection
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Graduation and markings
- Graduation of main compass card, verge ring and repeater indicators
- Fore‑and‑aft lubber marks, readability and illumination requirements
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Compensation and accuracy
- Procedures and provisions for compensation of deviation and heeling error
- Indication and protection of compensation values; backup of compensator data
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Outputs and interfaces
- Heading output, transmission to repeater indicators and outputs to other equipment
- Synchronized accuracy between main compass and repeaters
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Performance and testing
- Static and dynamic accuracy, follow‑up accuracy of transmission, directional error checks
- Type tests, individual tests, environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
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Safety and failure precautions
- Power supply protection, failure alarms and safeguards against dislodging
- Watertightness of repeater indicators and protection against power interruptions
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Certification and marking
- Test certification, manufacturer statements, marking checks and sample inspections
Practical applications and users
ISO 11606:2022 is essential for ensuring that legacy marine electromagnetic compasses meet SOLAS and IMO guidance. Typical users:
- Shipowners and ship operators maintaining older installations
- Marine equipment manufacturers and retrofitters working on pre‑2002 compass systems
- Marine surveyors, flag state inspectors and classification societies performing inspections and certification
- Shipyards and marine electricians installing, testing or servicing electromagnetic compasses
- Safety and compliance teams referencing SOLAS Chapter V and the HSC Code requirements
Related standards and regulations
- IMO Resolution MSC.166(78) (requirements incorporated in ISO 11606)
- SOLAS, Chapter V (safety of navigation requirements)
- International Code of Safety for High‑Speed Craft (HSC Code)
- ISO 22090‑2 - applicable to marine electromagnetic compasses installed on or after 1 July 2002
Keywords: ISO 11606:2022, marine electromagnetic compasses, SOLAS, HSC Code, type tests, compass compensation, repeater indicator, EMC testing, heading output, maritime certification.
