Become A Commonwealth Compass Adjuster
The magnetic compass is one of the most ancient of navigational instruments yet, even in these times of electronics, it remains a vital piece of equipmentIt's robustness makes it the one navigational item likely to remain functional when all the electronic equipment has failed.
But a marine compass is also a sensitive instrument and must respond to small changes in the relative direction of the earth's magnetic field while ignoring other sources of magnetism from the boat on which it is fitted.
Compensating for other sources of magnetism is the work of the licenced compass adjuster. The compass on a commercial vessel must be swung and a new deviation card produced every three years. /P>
It must also be swung if the vessel suffers a trauma as in running aground, having a fire on board, any welding carried out etc. For recreational boats the obligation for a correct compass is covered under the duty of care of various state legislations.
Previously, to hold a Commonwealth Compass Adjuster's licence, the applicant was required to complete a course and hold an AMSA issued Master Class One Certificate of Competency.
To achieve a Master Class One is a difficult task and this requirement has led to a shortage of licenced compass adjusters.
With the change in requirements The Navigation Centre in Townsville, Qld, will conduct an AMSA approved 20-day course in August for the first ten applicants.
For more information, phone (07) 4772 1069, or email: thenavcentre@bigpond.com
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