ISO 11606:2022

Overview

ISO 11606:2022 - "Ships and marine technology - Marine electromagnetic compasses" specifies general requirements, type tests and individual tests for marine electromagnetic compasses intended for steering and/or taking bearings on board ships. The standard implements applicable IMO/SOLAS requirements and is intended for marine electromagnetic compasses fitted before 1 July 2002. It normally applies to ships with overall length not less than 24 m.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 11606:2022 covers the full lifecycle of marine electromagnetic compasses with emphasis on safety, reliability and performance. Major technical topics include:

• Construction and materials

  • Non‑magnetic housings, secure electrical wiring, gimbal design and mounting requirements
  • Accessibility for maintenance and inspection

• Graduation and markings

  • Graduation of main compass card, verge ring and repeater indicators
  • Fore‑and‑aft lubber marks, readability and illumination requirements

• Compensation and accuracy

  • Procedures and provisions for compensation of deviation and heeling error
  • Indication and protection of compensation values; backup of compensator data

• Outputs and interfaces

  • Heading output, transmission to repeater indicators and outputs to other equipment
  • Synchronized accuracy between main compass and repeaters

• Performance and testing

  • Static and dynamic accuracy, follow‑up accuracy of transmission, directional error checks
  • Type tests, individual tests, environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing

• Safety and failure precautions

  • Power supply protection, failure alarms and safeguards against dislodging
  • Watertightness of repeater indicators and protection against power interruptions

• Certification and marking

  • Test certification, manufacturer statements, marking checks and sample inspections

Practical applications and users

ISO 11606:2022 is essential for ensuring that legacy marine electromagnetic compasses meet SOLAS and IMO guidance. Typical users:

• Shipowners and ship operators maintaining older installations
• Marine equipment manufacturers and retrofitters working on pre‑2002 compass systems
• Marine surveyors, flag state inspectors and classification societies performing inspections and certification
• Shipyards and marine electricians installing, testing or servicing electromagnetic compasses
• Safety and compliance teams referencing SOLAS Chapter V and the HSC Code requirements

Related standards and regulations

• IMO Resolution MSC.166(78) (requirements incorporated in ISO 11606)
• SOLAS, Chapter V (safety of navigation requirements)
• International Code of Safety for High‑Speed Craft (HSC Code)
• ISO 22090‑2 - applicable to marine electromagnetic compasses installed on or after 1 July 2002

Keywords: ISO 11606:2022, marine electromagnetic compasses, SOLAS, HSC Code, type tests, compass compensation, repeater indicator, EMC testing, heading output, maritime certification.