Compass Adjustment and Marine Compliance for New Zealand and the Pacific
I'm Mark Rothwell, Master Mariner. I adjust magnetic compasses on everything from trailer boats to a 75,000 ton cruise ship, and I sort navigation and compliance problems for the people who run vessels. When you ring, you get me.
Compass work is the core of it. Around that sit bridge assessments, compliance advice, licence exams and training. Different jobs, same person doing them.
I swing the vessel, correct the compass, and issue the deviation card and the Compass Certificate required under SOLAS and accepted for Flag and Port State inspections.
Most of my work is superyachts, cruise ships and bigger commercial jobs, anywhere in New Zealand and out into the Pacific. I fly to the Islands for major work. Fiji, Tahiti, that sort of range. Smaller coastal and inshore boats are welcome too if you're in my area.
Running a superyacht? A good chunk of my work is superyacht compass work, planned around the yacht's programme.
A Mega Sailing Yacht 81 m three-masted sailing superyachtAuckland · January 2026Yacht Senses 60 m superyachtTahiti · June 2026Yacht Iceberg 34 m expedition yachtAuckland · November 2025FV Ocean Dawn 64 m deep sea fishing vesselNelson · February 2026M/V Explorer Dream 75,000 ton cruise shipWellington to Napier · December 2019Cook Strait ferries Six ferries operated by Interislander and Bluebridge
Plus plenty of smaller vessels, coastal and inshore, right down to trailer boats.
Testimonials
What clients say
I have had the pleasure of working with Mark for over 15 years across a range of maritime roles, and I have always found him to be highly professional, knowledgeable, and dependable.
Whether acting as a Maritime New Zealand assessor, examiner, or compass adjuster, Mark consistently delivers a high standard of service backed by extensive practical experience and sound technical expertise. His attention to detail, commitment to safety, and ability to communicate clearly make him a trusted professional within the New Zealand maritime industry.
Most recently, Mark carried out the compass adjustment and swinging for my vessel Wayfinder as part of its certification process. As always, the work was completed efficiently, accurately, and with the utmost professionalism.
I have no hesitation in recommending Mark to anyone requiring navigation assessment, examining, or compass adjustment services. He is someone I trust implicitly and would confidently recommend to any commercial or recreational vessel operator.
Barry NielsonDirector, Manaaki Marine
We have had Mark from Maritime Masters come and check and swing our compasses on two occasions. We have 12 vessels across Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds. Mark worked in with us to ensure the minimum disruption to our workload; this included going out and transferring from one vessel to another, and driving to Golden Bay from Marlborough to meet with our vessels there.
We have also had Mark examine several of our people for seafarers' certificates. He was found to be both knowledgeable and fair when dealing with our people.
I have no reservations in recommending Mark and look forward to working with him in the future.
Dean CondonMarine Manager, Clearwater Mussels Ltd
I have had the pleasure of working with Mark over the past 20-odd years. He is a consummate marine professional who has helped many clients across a broad spectrum, from compass adjusting through to assisting vessel operators and owners navigating MOSS requirements, procedures and maritime training.
One of Mark's outstanding qualities is his customer focus, helping achieve positive outcomes. I look forward to continuing our relationship.
Steve MabbettDirector, Steve Mabbett (2014) Ltd
About
Mark Rothwell, Master Mariner
I've got over 40 years at sea, much of it in command and training others to command, from the British Navy to superyachts, coastal vessels and Coastguard rescue vessels. Master Mariner, MSc in Applied Navigation, Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and Fellow of the Nautical Institute.
Maritime Masters is me. No front desk, no handovers. The person you talk to on the phone is the person who turns up to do the job, whether that's a compass swing, a bridge assessment or a licence exam.
