Section 27 in The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction And Survey) Rules, 1974
27. Compasses.
(1)Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (2), every ship shall be provided with two efficient magnetic compasses which shall be mounted in binnacles and sited on the ship's centre line. One of such compasses shall be provided for use as a standard compass and shall be sited near the normal steering position and in a position from which the view of the horizon is least obstructed. The other of such compasses shall be provided for use as a steering compass and shall be sited at the normal steering position unless the projected or reflected image of the standard magnetic compass is provided for this purpose or gyrocompass or a repeater from a gyro or transmitting magentic compass is positioned near the normal steering position, in which case the second magnetic compass, mounted in a binnacle or in a pedestal, may be fitted at the emergency steering position.(2)Where there is no emergency steering position, two magnetic compasses and binnacles shall not be required, provided that the ship is equipped with a standard projector magnetic compass and a gyrocompass with repeaters and provided also that a spare magnetic compass bowl with its gimbal units is carried on board so that it may be interchanged with the standard compass if that compass should become unserviceable.
