Magnetic Compass adjustment and issue of deviation cards by certified Master Mariners for all types of vessels.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAGNETIC COMPASS ADJUSTMENTS
Each magnetic compass required to be carried by the Regulations shall be properly adjusted and its table or curve of residual deviations available at all times.

Magnetic compasses should be adjusted when:
  a).They are first installed.
  b).They become unreliable.
  c).The ship undergoes structural repairs or alterations that could affect its permanent and induced magnetism.
  d).Electrical or magnetic equipment close to the compass is added, removed or altered.
      Or
  e).A period of two years has elapsed since the last adjustment and a record of compass deviations has not been maintained, or the recorded deviations       are excessive or when the compass shows physical defects.

Effects of Changes in Magnetism During the Life of a Ship
Because the magnetism of a new ship can be particularly unstable, the performance of magnetic compasses should be monitored carefully during the early life of a ship, and adjustments made if necessary.

Masters are advised that it is essential to check the performance of magnetic compasses particularly after:
  a).Carrying cargoes which have magnetic properties.
  b).Using electromagnetic lifting appliances to load or discharge.
  c).A casualty in which the ship has been subject to severe contact or electrical charges.
      Or
  d).The ship has been laid up or has been lying idle - even a short period of idleness can lead to serious deviations, especially for small vessels.

Further, the retentive magnetism can alter a ship’s magnetism, making compasses unreliable. However, a large amount of the magnetism induced by an electromagnet may subsequently decay so immediate readjustment is not advised. Every effort should be made to determine the compass deviation.

Monitoring Compass Performance
Compass performance should be monitored by frequently recording deviations in the compass deviation book. Compass errors should be determined after every large alteration of course, and at least once every watch when there have been no major course alterations. Checking the compass deviation regularly may show the need for repair, testing or adjustment.
 

 

 

 
• Seaworthiness Inspection.
• Marine and Aviation cargo damage claim investigation.
• Pre-shipment inspections.
• Load and Discharge surveys.
• Load out surveys.
• Cargo Hold Inspection and testing of water tightness.
• Lashing Certification.
• Towage approval surveys (vessels under tow, wet and dry tows, single and double tows).
• Voyage approval surveys (vessels under own power).
• Tug suitability or towage approval surveys.
• Feasibility studies for marine transports and heavy lift operations.
• Pre-entry surveys (H&M) for Insurance Companies.
• Shipyard Risk Assessments.
• Lay up condition surveys.
 

 

 
A number of specific risk criteria must be focussed on to adequately assess ocean towage exposures & set any initial/additional premium:
  • The barge needs to be capable of carrying the cargo – size & dimension has a direct correlation to centre of gravity & stability.
  • The tug requires sufficient power to tow the barge (often expressed as the “bollard pull”)..
  • detailed route planning is necessary to ensure the cumbersome tow has adequate sea room to manoeuvre & a contingency plan in the event of bad weather     (portof refuge).

Navtech International carries out a specialized “Tug, Tow & Towage” survey to ensure all exposure aspects have been attended to. The surveyor will issue a ‘towage approval certificate’ as confirmation.
The surveyor’s focus will be concentrated on:
  • Weather prior to and during the voyage.
  • Tow line set-up & configuration.
  • Confirmation of tug capability & crew experience - includes sufficient fuel, spare parts & spare tow equipment..
  • Appropriate towing lights & day signals (as required by International law).
  • Cargo securing & tow stability (where cargo is carried).

For longer voyages the surveyor will monitor & report on the progress of the tow including - position, speed, sea state & weather, fuel consumption & endurance, estimated arrival.

 
Valuations based on documentary evidences or physical inspection can be carried out for following purposes.
  • Security for a proposed mortgage: banks will require independent appraisals of value to accompany a loan.
  • Security for an existing mortgage: banks need to keep abreast of the underlying value of their security.
  • Reserve price for a court sale: courts require an indication of what a vessel will achieve at auction in order to advise creditors.
  • Insurance or general averag.e
  • Investment prospectus: stock market floatation will require valuation of assets; recently a number of owners have raised finance by issuing 'junk bonds' in the USA.
  • Annual accounts/audit: companies need to report to shareholders on asset values.
  • Accounting for vessels which are under shared or family ownership.
  • Legal disputes: the values of vessels are regularly germane across a range of legal cases.
  • Government regulations.
  • Sale and purchase.
 

Technical Superintendence

Ship Management

Ship Chartering and Broking

Sale and Purchase of vessels

Demolition Surveys

Project feasibility studies

Commercial Management of Vessels

Logistics