Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (INSTRUCTIONS TO SURVEYORS) (PASSENGER SHIPS) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 79

Delay in obtaining compass certificate

(1) In order to facilitate the preparation of passenger certificates,
declarations may be issued in the absence of the relevant compass certificate
in either of the following cases-

   (a)  If the master of a ship has not been able to procure a certificate of
        adjustment of the compasses and the omission does not appear to be due
        to any negligence or fault of the master or owner.

   (b)  If there is delay in obtaining the certificate of the master and mate
        and there is no reason to believe that they will refuse to sign this
        certificate or that the owners will decline to attest it.

(2) When the requisite certificate is not available for enclosure with the
declaration, the surveyor is to report the fact in writing to the
Principal Surveyor of Ships so as to ensure that the passenger certificate
will be withheld until the necessary compass certificate is produced.