Autopilots, magnetic compasses and deviation work
NAVION installs, tunes and repairs autopilots, interfaces gyro, satellite and fluxgate heading sensors, and overhauls and adjusts magnetic compasses on vessels calling at ports in Busan, Vladivostok and China. Work is planned around the port call: bench-type jobs and steering checks are done alongside, and the swing and sea trial are taken when the vessel is turning. Every adjustment ends with a signed, dated deviation card in the wheelhouse.
Message us on TelegramSteering and heading are the two systems a bridge crew cannot work around. When the autopilot drops out or the compass card hangs, the vessel is on hand steering for the rest of the voyage. We install, tune and repair autopilots, interface heading sensors, overhaul magnetic compasses and carry out compass adjustment in Busan: alongside at Gamcheon fishing port, in the Yeongdo repair yards, at Busan New Port, and at other yards on request.
What the job includes
- Autopilot supply, installation and commissioning
- Rudder feedback and drive unit work
- Heading sensor and satellite compass interfacing
- Autopilot tuning and sea trial
- Magnetic compass overhaul and bowl refill
- Compass card, pivot and gimbal replacement
- Compass adjustment and deviation card
- Steering alarm and NFU/FU control checks
- Compass and binnacle relocation or re-siting
- Fault finding on existing steering systems
Timing
- Magnetic compass overhaul alongside
- typically 3-6 hours
- Autopilot replacement and setup
- typically 1-2 days
- Heading sensor interfacing
- typically 3-6 hours
- Compass swing and deviation card
- typically 1-2 hours turning
- Steering alarm and control checks
- typically 2-4 hours
What we need from the vessel
- Access to the wheelhouse, the binnacle and the steering gear room, with the steering gear available on power for rudder movement tests.
- Ship's supply confirmed at the distribution board for the autopilot and heading sensors, and agreement on when it may be isolated.
- A crew member on the helm and in contact with the steering gear room while rudder and changeover tests are run.
- Permission to move the rudder alongside, or a slot during shifting or departure if the berth does not allow it.
- Existing wiring diagrams, equipment manuals and the previous deviation card, if the vessel still holds them.
- The vessel's schedule as early as possible, so the swing can be planned into a shift, departure or anchorage stay.
Documents issued
- Deviation card, signed and dated, for the steering position, with a copy for the ship's file
- Record of correctors fitted and their final positions, including heeling magnet and Flinders bar
- Autopilot commissioning record: gains, rudder limits, alarm settings and sea trial observations
- Interface record for heading sources, showing wiring, sentence types and verified offsets
- Service report listing parts fitted, work carried out and any outstanding recommendations
Frequently asked
Can the compass be adjusted while we stay alongside?
Only partly. Overhaul, refill, card and pivot replacement, corrector inspection and binnacle work are all done at the berth. Reading deviation requires the vessel to turn through headings, so the swing is normally taken while shifting between berths, on departure, or at anchorage. We agree that step with the master at booking and issue the card once the swing is complete.
How often should the magnetic compass be swung?
Flag and class requirements differ, so check what your administration expects. In practice a swing is due when the card is old, when deviation found on passage no longer matches the card, after a drydocking or major structural work, after welding or a lightning strike, and whenever new equipment, a mast, bracket or cable run has been fitted near the binnacle.
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Read moreBook compass adjustment or autopilot work for your Busan call
Send the ETA, berth area and what is fitted now: autopilot make, heading source and the date of the last deviation card. We confirm scope, parts and a realistic time alongside.