This International Standard gives general requirements regarding construction and performance for magnetic compasses, binnacles and azimuth reading devices, class A. According to the design of the ship, two types of binnacle are specified.

This International Standard applies to liquid-filled magnetic compasses:

• intended for sea navigation according to regulations in force;
• having a direct reading system;
• which may be of the reflecting, projecting or transmitting types.

In the context of this International Standard, a magnetic compass is an instrument consisting of a directional system supported by a single pivot inside a bowl which is completely filled with liquid, and which is supported in gimbals inside or outside the bowl. Compasses without gimbals are also covered by this International Standard. The requirements relating to gimbals do not apply to such compasses.

This International Standard does not apply to:

• dry card compasses;
• types of compass designed on principles different from those stated above or not complying with the descriptions given.