Hong Kong Regulations

SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (PLEASURE VESSELS) (CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY) RULES - SCHEDULE 5

SYLLABUS FOR PLEASURE VESSEL MASTER GRADE I

1. To express a position on a chart in terms of latitude and longitude or bearing and distance from a charted object.
2. Given the latitude and longitude, or bearing and distance from a charted object, to plot the position on a chart.
3. Given a table of deviations to convert true courses to compass courses and vice versa.
4. To find the compass course and distance between 2 positions, and, given the vessel's speed, to calculate the estimated time of arrival (E.T.A.).
5. Given compass courses steered and distances run, to work up the dead reckoning (D.R.) position by plotting on the chart.
6. Given compass course steered, the speed of the vessel and the direction and rate of the tidal stream or current, to find the course and speed made good over the ground (ground track angle).
7. To find the compass course to steer to make allowance for leeway and/or tidal stream or current so as to achieve a specified course made good.
8. Given compass course steered, distances run or speed of ship and time intervals, direction and rate of tidal stream or current and leeway allowance, to find the estimated position (E.P.) by plotting on a chart.
9. To fix the vessel's position on a chart by simultaneous cross bearings, bearings and ranges or by radio direction finder (D.F.) bearings.
10. To find the vessel's approximate position from a line of soundings.
11. Use of clearing lines and transits.
12. Full knowledge of important chart symbols.
13. Use of tide tables, tidal stream atlas and tidal information on charts for Hong Kong waters.

1. A full knowledge of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea and to demonstrate their application. Candidates will be considered to be in charge of vessels up to 20 metres in length.
2. Berthing alongside, and unberthing from jetties and piers making due allowance for the effect or wind and tide on large pleasure vessels, both single and twin screw.
3. Action to be taken in unusual circumstances such as stranding, collision, fire, etc.
4. Assisting a person or vessel in distress, including towing and beaching of a vessel.
5. (a) To identify the permanent marking on a liferaft as regards the number of persons to be carried.
(b) To know the equipment in a liferaft required under the Merchant Shipping (Life Saving Appliances) Regulations (Cap 369 sub. leg.) and its correct use.
(c) Method of launching a liferaft and the precautions to be taken before, during and after launching.
(d) Boarding a liferaft from a vessel or the water.
(e) Righting an inverted liferaft.
(f) Survival procedures.
6. Fire prevention and fire fighting, including maintenance of fire fighting equipment.
7. Precautions to be taken in fog or heavy weather.
8. Ability to recognize the alphabetical flags and numerical pennants of the International Code of Signals and to know the meaning of single letter hoists and multi-flag hoists in common use in Hong Kong.