Type approval of gyro compasses: UK21/N006

Adopted EU recommendation NAV-021. UK approved recommendation on the type approval of gyro compasses without an in-built display.

Question

IMO Res.A.424(XI) provides definition of a gyro compass as 鈥渢he complete equipment and includes all essential elements of the complete design.鈥� It also states, 鈥淭he compass card should be graduated in equal intervals of one degree or a fraction thereof. A numerical indication should be provided at least at every ten degrees, starting from 000掳 clockwise through 360掳.鈥�

ISO 8728 provides definition of a gyro compass as the 鈥渃omplete equipment including all essential elements of the complete design, including both the gyro-compass as heading sensor and the associated heading transmission system鈥�.

Is it therefore possible to type approved a gyro compass without in-built display?

Recommendation

A gyro compass may be type approved without in built display as far as it is compliant with IEC 61162 series and is installed on board associated with a gyro compass repeater also compliant with IEC 61162 series, IEC 60945 and the relevant requirements of ISO 8728.

References

  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
  • IMO Res.A.424(XI)

Items affected

  • UK/4.3, Gyro compass
  • UK/4.31, Gyro compass for high-speed craft

More information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Updates to this page

Published 18 July 2023