Rates (All rates exclude GST)

• Up to 12 hours. This rate generally applies to FG ships. Due to multiple variables such as departure delays, S-S transfers, harbour traffic etc – $1,800.
• Per hour. Directly related to the adjustment, including specific remote communications, time in yard, on transfer, or aboard vessel – $180
• Per hour. Standby and travel time – $100
• Corrector Magnets, Quadrantal Correctors and other materials provided during the adjustment – @ cost
• Payment terms are 7 days nett unless otherwise arranged.

Surcharges
Adjustments conducted during hours of darkness, on weekends or public holidays may incur a surcharge of up to 50%.

Cancellations and Postponements
Each cancellation or postponement will be treated on its own merits. With our background in marine merchant and passenger shipping we understand most of the issues experienced by operators. We will do our best to work in your best interests if these situations arise.
Occasionally, we may request a postponement of a scheduled adjustment due to unforeseen circumstances. A good example is if AMSA detains a vessel in port due to a faulty magnetic compass and no other adjusters are available. If attending this adjustment conflicts with an existing booking we may seek to postpone your adjustment if convenient.
Cairns Queensland Australia is our home port. Usually local postponements can be organised without penalty. In the case of adjustments outside our region usually involving flights however, these conditions will generally apply:

Local Adjustment Cancelled or Postponed within 24 hours of vessel boarding time – $500
Boarded Aircraft – Full cost including the adjustment, relevant remote work completed as quoted and travel.
Within 24 hours of Departure – 50% of quoted fee relevant remote work completed plus travel cancellation or postponement costs.
Within one week of Departure – Travel cancellation or postponement costs if applicable.

Background to Terms and Conditions
We are AMSA Licensed Unrestricted Compass Adjusters. All we have to offer are our accredited skills and time; whether it be onboard vessels actually adjusting compasses or communicating remotely with technical advice associated with specific adjustments. To limit billable time spent before the onboard adjustment, and issues which may arise on the day of the adjustment, we have created a suite of online forms. These forms are part of the engagement process. They include the Contact Form, Compass Pre-Adjustment Form and the Engagement Form.

There are many variables associated with the adjustment of Marine Compasses. It is challenging to specify Terms and Conditions that meet all of the criteria that may be associated with a specific adjustment. These are some of the circumstances that we have experienced over time and we describe them here to assist our clients in understanding the background to our Terms and Conditions.

FOR EXAMPLE:

The compass is faulty and needs to be replaced or repaired.
This may include:

1. A worn pivot or cracked float causing the compass card to ‘stick’.
2. A bubble in the bowl that is big enough to interfere with the observation of headings. Sometimes the adjuster can refill the fluid on the day. Sometimes the compass model is not designed to permit refilling.
3. Cloudy or crazed bowl/dome serious enough to potentially affect heading observations.
4. A compass light which cannot be repaired.

Insufficient dedicated time on the day made available to conduct a swing associated with the adjustment.

Depending on many factors, up to 2 hours may be required to conduct the swing through the cardinal and intercardinal headings. During this period the adjuster requires absolute priority with respect to the operation of the vessel, subject to safe navigation. Any activity which could influence the magnetic signature on board the ship such as electrical maintenance or testing, welding, movement of cranes or cargo for example, needs to be suspended throughout the actual swing.

Changes to agreed time and date of adjustment.

We know that this is often out of your control. However if the changes are close enough to the adjustment day to directly trigger extra costs , such as travel arrangements, or loss of time to conduct other adjustments, fees may be charged out according to the schedule listed above.