First experience as a trainee Compass Adjuster

On 16th. May 2006, Captain Ken Murray, an experienced ships' magnetic compass adjuster and a good friend of mine, invited me to join him while he did a compass adjustment aboard the containership
CMA CGM La Tour, sailing from Swanson Dock, Melbourne.

As well as being a most enjoyable outing, this opportunity enabled me to decide that I'd like to qualify as a Compass Adjuster myself. Ken kindly agreed to be my mentor, allowing me to join him and learn the practical side of adjusting on the requisite number of jobs. To qualify, applicants also have to pass a demanding set of exams to prove their theoretical knowledge of ships' magnetism and compass adjusting. I did this study and sat these exams in Townsville and Brisbane in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Aboard CMA CGM La Tour a West Swanson Dock, waiting for Maersk Denia to berth before we can sail.

Maersk Denia berthing at 2 West Swanson Dock.

The Port Phillip Sea Pilot and the ship's Captain discuss the sailing plan. 

Captain Ken Murray (right) watching as the ship undocks.

Lifting off the wharf.

Maersk Denia all fast.

Passing under the West Gate Bridge.

Approaching Williamstown at the river entrance.

(L-R) Ken, the PPSP Pilot and the ship's Captain.

Turning into the Port Melbourne channel before heading for the anchorage to commence the compass swings.

The reason we're there - the magnetic compass and binnacle on the monkey island.

A pilot launch coming alongside to take us off and return us to Station Pier.

Compass adjustment completed and the La Tour heads down the bay and out to sea.