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 “the complete equipment and includes all essential elements of the complete design.” It also states, “The 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° clockwise through 360°.”

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

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: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Published 18 July 2023