Nautical Compass — 2026 Maritime Safety
Magnetic Compass
Adjustment Service
Navigate the seas with the absolute certainty that your heading is true. In an era where digital systems face increasing threats, the magnetic compass remains the ultimate safeguard for every vessel.
Ensuring maritime safety through precision is not merely a requirement; it is a fundamental pillar of responsible navigation. The service of marine magnetic compass adjustment and compensation significantly reduces deviations from magnetic north caused by the ship's ferrous materials and electrical circuits.
By guaranteeing precise navigation, this process becomes the vessel's primary analog defense. This comprehensive service includes swinging the vessel (swivelling), adjusting correctors such as magnets and soft iron, and ultimately issuing a newly certified deviation table. Companies like Nautical Compass provide this essential service 24/7 across Spain, ensuring that your journey is never delayed by technical or regulatory hurdles.
MAGNETIC COMPASS ADJUSTMENT
Brief description of compass adjustment
The magnetic compass, when used on a steel ship, must be corrected for the ship’s magnetic conditions that its operation approximates that of a nonmagnetic ship . These create deviations on the magnetic compass. Deviation is defined as deflection of the card to the right or left of the magnetic meridian.
Adjustment of the compass is the arranging of magnets and soft iron correctors on the binnacle so that their effects are equal and opposite to the effects of the magnetic material in the ship, thus reducing the deviations and eliminating the sectors of sluggishness and unsteadiness.
The magnetic conditions in a ship which affect a magnetic compass are permanent magnetism and induced magnetism. Compass Adjustment has to be done by a professional and certified compass adjuster.
Alejandro Ros is a Captain in the Spanish Merchant Marine , certified by the Spanish Government since June 1993 (Registration No. 86 ), bringing over 25 years of professional maritime experience.
ANALOG FIREWALL
The Strategic Necessity in 2026
In the current maritime landscape of 2026, the magnetic compass has evolved from a traditional tool into a critical component of maritime cyber-resilience. With the rise of GNSS interference, jamming, and spoofing across European routes, your compass serves as an "Analog Firewall."
When electronics fail or are compromised by external interference, magnetism remains constant. Calibration is no longer just a bureaucratic formality but a vital insurance policy for the ship, the cargo, and the crew.
THE NEED FOR COMPASS ADJUSTMENT
According to the INTERNATIONAL normative (SOLAS)
- 01 — Standard interval: at least every two years (ISO 25862).
- 02 — Structural changes.
- 03 — Significant change in the ship’s magnetism.
- 04 — Long cruises or docking on the same heading.
- 05 — Magnetic equipment near the binnacle has been altered.
- 06 — Radical changes in magnetic latitude.
- 07 — Appreciable change of heeling magnet position.
- 08 — Readjustment of any corrector.
- 09 — Change of magnetic cargo.
Furthermore, specialized intervention is required following any major structural repairs or the installation of new electrical equipment near the bridge. If observed deviations exceed safe operational limits, an immediate professional review is mandatory to avoid Port State Control (PSC) detentions or, worse, navigational accidents.
ZERO-DELAY
Expert On-Board Services
Our certified technicians perform on-board compensation by "swinging" the vessel to calculate deviations across various headings, meticulously adjusting the corrector magnets to neutralize errors. Beyond mere adjustment, we provide comprehensive maintenance, including liquid replacement and the removal of air bubbles to ensure the compass card moves freely and accurately.
Immediate Certification
The official deviation table, including the curve and the values of the coefficients, is issued on-site in paper format, ensuring the vessel is ready to sail immediately with full legal compliance.
* If I have to install the main compass and bring on board the same in ex-change or not , I would invoice 120 € in concept of delivery and installation on boar with the TMC included(Transmiting magnetic compass). If the service is in EX-CHANGE basis, it means I deliver a refurbished compass (second hand ) at 900 € and take the damaged one .The other possibility is to replace the damage compass with the spare one( if there is one on board ) and send the old one to be repaired.
SERVICE FEES AND REGIONAL COVERAGE
Standard Hours (Mon-Fri 08:00h - 18:00h)
Surcharges & Overtime
Rates are inclusive of:
Mileage and travel time.(only base my base Port Valencia) See other ports in the mediterranean area.
A total of 2 hours additional time to the compass adjustment.- Pier/Pier. Exceeding time subject to applicable surcharge of 65 €/h Normal time, 86€/h. Overtime, Weekend & Public Holidays.
Remarks:
Launch service from the pier to the ship and/or vice verse are for account of the vessel. The service included the official deviation table, the curve and the value of the coefficients.
Magnets, if required and no spares on board: 50 €/unit.
Mileage and travel time for other ports in my mediterranean area.For other different ports than these ones, please contact with me.
We offer transparent, flat-rate logistics for major maritime hubs. Our "White Glove Protocol" ensures that the bridge remains pristine, using protective gear and specialized tools.
Regional Port Travel Fees
Special Installations
If I have to install the main compass and bring on board the same in ex-change or not , I would invoice 120 € in concept of delivery and installation on boar with the TMC included(Transmiting magnetic compass).
Exchange Basis
If the service is in EX-CHANGE basis, it means I deliver a refurbished compass (second hand ) at 900 € and take the damaged one .The other possibility is to replace the damage compass with the spare one (if there is one on board) and send the old one to be repaired.
Valencia - Balearic Islands Passage
When the owner or the Captain ask for a physical adjustment, always it is better to require a photo of the compass with its binnacle and the last deviation card. Also it is most convenient to know if there were observed high deviations and the headings of these deviations, which will help me to have a good picture of the situation that will save time and money.
When I have to travel with the vessel, normally between Valencia and the Balearic Island in the passenger vessels, if it is a 24 hour crossing, the tariff will be increased by 7 hours at 86 € each .If the service is performed in week-ends or holidays the surcharge would be the corresponding 35% or 65%
VAT NOT INCLUDED
SOME OF OUR CLIENTS
FAQS
How long does the on-board adjustment take?
Depending on the type of vessel and the initial condition of the logbook, a standard adjustment typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. This time includes swing tests, adjustment of the compensating magnets, and preparation of the final deviation table. We work with precision to ensure you make the most of your time in port.
Is it necessary to halt loading or unloading operations?
No. We understand that port operations are sacrosanct. We carry out our work "quietly" on the bridge without interfering with stowage, bunkering, or crew maintenance tasks. We only require access to the bridge and, at specific times, coordination for turning the vessel around if conditions permit.
How are travel and logistics costs calculated?
For your peace of mind, we offer flat rates for travel to major Spanish hubs. For secondary ports, we calculate costs transparently and provide a fixed price before you book. No last-minute surprises on the final bill.
Do you work outside of business hours or on weekends?
Our office is the sea, and the sea never closes. We are available 24/7 to accommodate fishing vessel departure times or unexpected arrivals of merchant ships. If your vessel departs at 4:00 AM, we can make the necessary adjustments during the early morning hours so you can sail with your certification in order.
What protocol do you follow to protect the integrity of luxury yachts?
We use white nautical footwear that won't mark the decks and guarantee a thorough cleaning of the work area after balancing. We treat your bridge as the high-end piece of engineering that it is.
Is the certificate you issue valid for international inspections?
Absolutely. Our certifications and diversion boards comply with the SOLAS Convention (Chapter V) and IMO resolutions. They are official documents accepted by Port State Control (PSC), top-tier insurers (P&I Clubs), and maritime authorities worldwide.
Do they have liability insurance for work on board?
Only for ships flying the Spanish flag.
