ISO 25862:2009

According to the design of the ship, two types of binnacle are specified.

ISO 25862:2009 applies to liquid-filled magnetic compasses:

• intended for ship's navigation and steering purposes in sea navigation according to regulations in force;
• having a direct reading system;
• which may be of the reflecting, projecting or transmitting types.

In the context of ISO 25862:2009, a magnetic compass is an instrument consisting of a directional system supported by a single pivot inside a bowl which is completely filled with liquid, and which is supported in gimbals inside or outside the bowl. Compasses without gimbals are also covered by ISO 25862:2009; the requirements relating to gimbals do not apply to such compasses.

ISO 25862:2009 applies to

• all ships to which SOLAS applies (ships of gross tonnage W 150 t, engaged on international voyages and ships of gross tonnage W 500 t not engaged on international voyages) fitted with class A magnetic compasses,
• all ships to which SOLAS does not apply, fitted with the class A or class B magnetic compasses, and
• lifeboats/rescue boats fitted with a class B magnetic compass (as specified in Annex H).

ISO 25862:2009 does not apply to:

• dry card compasses,
• types of compass designed on principles different from those stated above or not complying with the descriptions given, or
• hand bearing compasses.

The requirements for the testing and certification, positioning in ships and the deviation adjustment of compasses are also given.

ISO 25862:2009 unifies (i.e. cancels and replaces) ISO 449, ISO 613, ISO 694,ISO 2269 and ISO 10316.