HK Coxswain Grade 3 cheat sheet

Chart datum in Hong Kong is Chart Datum (CD), approximately Lowest Astronomical Tide; charted depths are below CD and drying heights above CD, so predicted tide height must be added to charted depth to get actual depth.

Hong Kong harbour is divided by the harbour limit line at Lei Yue Mun; inside the limit the Harbour Master's speed and anchoring rules apply, and vessels must not anchor in the fairway without permission.

Main navigable channels: Tathong Channel (east approach), Sulphur Channel and East Lamma Channel (west approach), Rambler Channel (Container Port), and the Urmston Road/Ma Wan fairway to the west.

Cardinal marks: North = two cones both pointing up; South = both pointing down; East = cones base to base (looks like a diamond/egg); West = cones point to point (looks like a wine glass).

Preferred channel marks are red/white or green/white vertically striped; the topmark shape (can or cone) indicates the preferred side to pass.

Safe water marks are red and white vertically striped with a single red sphere topmark; isolated danger marks are red and black with two black spheres.

Position fixing by transit (two charted objects in line), bearing and distance from a charted light or landmark, and GPS; always cross-check GPS against visual fixes near reclamation and new works.

Tidal streams in Hong Kong generally flood westward/northward and ebb eastward/southward, but local streams in narrow channels and around headlands can reverse; use the Hong Kong tide tables and local knowledge.

Rule 5 lookout, Rule 6 safe speed, Rule 7 risk of collision, Rule 8 action to avoid collision, Rule 9 narrow channels, Rule 10 traffic separation schemes - the core duties of the officer of the watch.

Rule 13: any vessel overtaking any other keeps out of the way; an overtaking vessel remains the give-way vessel until finally past and clear.

Rule 14 head-on: both power-driven vessels alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.

Rule 15 crossing: the vessel with the other on her own starboard side is the give-way vessel and should pass astern of the stand-on vessel, avoiding crossing ahead.

Rule 18 hierarchy: power-driven vessel gives way to sailing vessel, vessel not under command, vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre, and vessel engaged in fishing; a vessel constrained by draught has special status.

Rule 19 restricted visibility: reduce speed to a safe speed, sound fog signals, and take action in ample time; if a close-quarters situation develops, avoid altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam.

Sound signals: one short = altering to starboard; two short = altering to port; three short = operating astern propulsion; five short and rapid = doubt or danger.

Rule 34 and Rule 35: in fog, power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding 2 minutes; stopped, two prolonged blasts.

Pivot point of a vessel going ahead is about one-quarter of the length from the bow; going astern it moves aft to about one-quarter from the stern, which governs how the bow swings in a turn.

Right-handed propeller: going ahead, the stern walks to starboard and the bow to port; going astern, the stern walks to port - use this to plan berthing.

Transverse thrust and paddle-wheel effect are strongest when the propeller is heavily loaded at low speed; a burst of astern power swings the stern to port on a right-handed screw.

Spring lines: a headline and sternline control fore-and-aft movement; a bow spring prevents the bow from swinging out; a stern spring prevents the stern from swinging out.

In a following sea, reduce speed to avoid broaching and keep the stern square to the waves; in a head sea, reduce speed to avoid pounding and keep the bow into the swell.

Mooring to a typhoon shelter buoy: approach into the wind/current, pass the buoy line, secure a bow line first, then a stern line, and allow enough scope for the vessel to swing.

Man overboard: shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy, press the MOB button on the GPS, and manoeuvre to return; the Williamson turn is used when the person is lost in the dark or in poor visibility.

Anchor scope in Hong Kong's sheltered waters: about 3 to 5 times the depth for chain; in exposed water, 5 to 7 times; always veer scope before the tide changes.

Hong Kong Observatory issues the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals: Signal 1 (standby), 3 (strong wind), 8 (gale or storm), 9 (increasing gale), 10 (hurricane); Signals 8, 9 and 10 mean all small craft should be secured in typhoon shelters.

Strong Monsoon Signal is issued when the monsoon is expected to bring winds of force 6 or above over a wide area, usually in winter from the northeast.

Thunderstorm Warning and Very Hot Weather Warning are separate from tropical cyclone signals; squalls and waterspouts can occur with thunderstorms in summer.

The Northeast Monsoon (November to March) brings strong, cool, dry winds and rough seas in the eastern waters; the Southwest Monsoon (June to August) brings humid, unsettled weather with heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Sea breeze: by day the land heats faster than the sea, so the breeze blows from sea to land; by night the reverse (land breeze) occurs.

Beaufort scale: force 4 = moderate breeze, small waves with crests; force 6 = strong breeze, large waves, whitecaps; force 8 = gale, moderately high waves with streaks of foam.

Fog is most common in spring (February to April) when warm, moist air moves over cooler sea; visibility can drop below 200 m, so reduce speed and sound fog signals.

Weather forecast sources include the Hong Kong Observatory website, the HKO mobile app, VHF marine broadcasts, and the Marine Department's notices to mariners.

Distress signals under COLREGS Annex IV include: MAYDAY by radiotelephone, red parachute or hand flares, orange smoke, SOS by any means, and a square flag with a ball above or below.

MAYDAY is spoken three times followed by the vessel's name and callsign, position, nature of distress, assistance required, and number of persons on board.

Lifebuoys must be fitted with a self-igniting light and a smoke signal on vessels over 12 m; lifejackets must be provided for every person on board and stowed accessibly.

Fire triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen; extinguishing methods are cooling (water), smothering (foam, CO2), and starvation (shutting off fuel).

Classes of fire: A = solid combustibles (water, foam), B = flammable liquids (foam, CO2, dry powder), C = flammable gases (dry powder, shut off supply), D = metals (special dry powder), F = cooking oils (wet chemical).

Abandon ship: only on the master's order, broadcast MAYDAY with position, don lifejackets, take the grab bag, launch the liferaft, board from the lee side, and stay clear of the vessel until it sinks.

Hypothermia prevention: get survivors out of the water, huddle together, and do not remove wet clothing unnecessarily; survival time in Hong Kong winter water is short.

Fire in the engine room: shut off fuel and ventilation, use fixed CO2 or dry powder, and do not open the engine hatch until the fire is out and the space has cooled.

MARPOL Annex I prohibits any discharge of oil or oily mixtures into Hong Kong waters; oily bilge water must be retained and discharged to a reception facility.

MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all garbage into the sea; plastics are never permitted, and food waste may only be discharged outside 3 nautical miles (or 12 nm for some categories).

MARPOL Annex IV controls sewage discharge; within Hong Kong waters, discharge of untreated sewage is prohibited and holding tanks must be used.

The Marine Department administers Hong Kong's pollution legislation under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations and the Waste Disposal Ordinance.

Oil spill response: stop the source, contain with booms, use absorbent material, notify the Marine Department's Pollution Control Unit, and do not use dispersants without authorisation.

Antifouling paints containing TBT (tributyltin) are prohibited; use approved antifouling and avoid cleaning hulls in the water.

Garbage Record Book is required for vessels of 400 GT and above, and for all vessels certified to carry 15 or more persons; small local craft should keep a garbage management plan and record.

Environmental responsibility includes avoiding anchoring on coral or seagrass, reducing wash in sheltered anchorages, and reporting pollution incidents to the Marine Department.

The Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) and its subsidiary regulations govern the registration, licensing, manning and operation of local craft in Hong Kong waters.

The Coxswain Grade 3 certificate is issued by the Marine Department under the Shipping and Port Control (Local Craft) Regulations; it authorises the holder to act as coxswain of specified local craft within specified limits.

Local craft must be licensed and have a valid Certificate of Survey; the licence states the vessel's permitted area of operation, passenger capacity and manning requirements.

The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation sets out the classes of local vessels and the certificates required for each.

The Harbour Master may issue directions under the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance, including speed limits, anchoring restrictions and typhoon procedures.

Speed limit in Hong Kong harbour is generally 10 knots unless otherwise indicated; in typhoon shelters and near bathing beaches, a 5-knot limit usually applies.

All vessels must report to the Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) on VHF Channel 02 (or as directed) when entering or leaving the harbour, and must comply with VTC directions.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety and Pollution Prevention) legislation and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance apply to local craft; the master is responsible for the safety of all persons on board.

Chart datum in Hong Kong is Chart Datum (CD), approximately Lowest Astronomical Tide; charted depths are below CD and drying heights above CD, so predicted tide height must be added to charted depth to get actual depth.

Hong Kong harbour is divided by the harbour limit line at Lei Yue Mun; inside the limit the Harbour Master's speed and anchoring rules apply, and vessels must not anchor in the fairway without permission.

Main navigable channels: Tathong Channel (east approach), Sulphur Channel and East Lamma Channel (west approach), Rambler Channel (Container Port), and the Urmston Road/Ma Wan fairway to the west.

Cardinal marks: North = two cones both pointing up; South = both pointing down; East = cones base to base (looks like a diamond/egg); West = cones point to point (looks like a wine glass).

Preferred channel marks are red/white or green/white vertically striped; the topmark shape (can or cone) indicates the preferred side to pass.

Safe water marks are red and white vertically striped with a single red sphere topmark; isolated danger marks are red and black with two black spheres.

Position fixing by transit (two charted objects in line), bearing and distance from a charted light or landmark, and GPS; always cross-check GPS against visual fixes near reclamation and new works.

Tidal streams in Hong Kong generally flood westward/northward and ebb eastward/southward, but local streams in narrow channels and around headlands can reverse; use the Hong Kong tide tables and local knowledge.

Rule 5 lookout, Rule 6 safe speed, Rule 7 risk of collision, Rule 8 action to avoid collision, Rule 9 narrow channels, Rule 10 traffic separation schemes - the core duties of the officer of the watch.

Rule 13: any vessel overtaking any other keeps out of the way; an overtaking vessel remains the give-way vessel until finally past and clear.

Rule 14 head-on: both power-driven vessels alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.

Rule 15 crossing: the vessel with the other on her own starboard side is the give-way vessel and should pass astern of the stand-on vessel, avoiding crossing ahead.

Rule 18 hierarchy: power-driven vessel gives way to sailing vessel, vessel not under command, vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre, and vessel engaged in fishing; a vessel constrained by draught has special status.

Rule 19 restricted visibility: reduce speed to a safe speed, sound fog signals, and take action in ample time; if a close-quarters situation develops, avoid altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam.

Sound signals: one short = altering to starboard; two short = altering to port; three short = operating astern propulsion; five short and rapid = doubt or danger.

Rule 34 and Rule 35: in fog, power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding 2 minutes; stopped, two prolonged blasts.

Pivot point of a vessel going ahead is about one-quarter of the length from the bow; going astern it moves aft to about one-quarter from the stern, which governs how the bow swings in a turn.

Right-handed propeller: going ahead, the stern walks to starboard and the bow to port; going astern, the stern walks to port - use this to plan berthing.

Transverse thrust and paddle-wheel effect are strongest when the propeller is heavily loaded at low speed; a burst of astern power swings the stern to port on a right-handed screw.

Spring lines: a headline and sternline control fore-and-aft movement; a bow spring prevents the bow from swinging out; a stern spring prevents the stern from swinging out.

In a following sea, reduce speed to avoid broaching and keep the stern square to the waves; in a head sea, reduce speed to avoid pounding and keep the bow into the swell.

Mooring to a typhoon shelter buoy: approach into the wind/current, pass the buoy line, secure a bow line first, then a stern line, and allow enough scope for the vessel to swing.

Man overboard: shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy, press the MOB button on the GPS, and manoeuvre to return; the Williamson turn is used when the person is lost in the dark or in poor visibility.

Anchor scope in Hong Kong's sheltered waters: about 3 to 5 times the depth for chain; in exposed water, 5 to 7 times; always veer scope before the tide changes.

Hong Kong Observatory issues the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals: Signal 1 (standby), 3 (strong wind), 8 (gale or storm), 9 (increasing gale), 10 (hurricane); Signals 8, 9 and 10 mean all small craft should be secured in typhoon shelters.

Strong Monsoon Signal is issued when the monsoon is expected to bring winds of force 6 or above over a wide area, usually in winter from the northeast.

Thunderstorm Warning and Very Hot Weather Warning are separate from tropical cyclone signals; squalls and waterspouts can occur with thunderstorms in summer.

The Northeast Monsoon (November to March) brings strong, cool, dry winds and rough seas in the eastern waters; the Southwest Monsoon (June to August) brings humid, unsettled weather with heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Sea breeze: by day the land heats faster than the sea, so the breeze blows from sea to land; by night the reverse (land breeze) occurs.

Beaufort scale: force 4 = moderate breeze, small waves with crests; force 6 = strong breeze, large waves, whitecaps; force 8 = gale, moderately high waves with streaks of foam.

Fog is most common in spring (February to April) when warm, moist air moves over cooler sea; visibility can drop below 200 m, so reduce speed and sound fog signals.

Weather forecast sources include the Hong Kong Observatory website, the HKO mobile app, VHF marine broadcasts, and the Marine Department's notices to mariners.

Distress signals under COLREGS Annex IV include: MAYDAY by radiotelephone, red parachute or hand flares, orange smoke, SOS by any means, and a square flag with a ball above or below.

MAYDAY is spoken three times followed by the vessel's name and callsign, position, nature of distress, assistance required, and number of persons on board.

Lifebuoys must be fitted with a self-igniting light and a smoke signal on vessels over 12 m; lifejackets must be provided for every person on board and stowed accessibly.

Fire triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen; extinguishing methods are cooling (water), smothering (foam, CO2), and starvation (shutting off fuel).

Classes of fire: A = solid combustibles (water, foam), B = flammable liquids (foam, CO2, dry powder), C = flammable gases (dry powder, shut off supply), D = metals (special dry powder), F = cooking oils (wet chemical).

Abandon ship: only on the master's order, broadcast MAYDAY with position, don lifejackets, take the grab bag, launch the liferaft, board from the lee side, and stay clear of the vessel until it sinks.

Hypothermia prevention: get survivors out of the water, huddle together, and do not remove wet clothing unnecessarily; survival time in Hong Kong winter water is short.

Fire in the engine room: shut off fuel and ventilation, use fixed CO2 or dry powder, and do not open the engine hatch until the fire is out and the space has cooled.

MARPOL Annex I prohibits any discharge of oil or oily mixtures into Hong Kong waters; oily bilge water must be retained and discharged to a reception facility.

MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all garbage into the sea; plastics are never permitted, and food waste may only be discharged outside 3 nautical miles (or 12 nm for some categories).

MARPOL Annex IV controls sewage discharge; within Hong Kong waters, discharge of untreated sewage is prohibited and holding tanks must be used.

The Marine Department administers Hong Kong's pollution legislation under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations and the Waste Disposal Ordinance.

Oil spill response: stop the source, contain with booms, use absorbent material, notify the Marine Department's Pollution Control Unit, and do not use dispersants without authorisation.

Antifouling paints containing TBT (tributyltin) are prohibited; use approved antifouling and avoid cleaning hulls in the water.

Garbage Record Book is required for vessels of 400 GT and above, and for all vessels certified to carry 15 or more persons; small local craft should keep a garbage management plan and record.

Environmental responsibility includes avoiding anchoring on coral or seagrass, reducing wash in sheltered anchorages, and reporting pollution incidents to the Marine Department.

The Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) and its subsidiary regulations govern the registration, licensing, manning and operation of local craft in Hong Kong waters.

The Coxswain Grade 3 certificate is issued by the Marine Department under the Shipping and Port Control (Local Craft) Regulations; it authorises the holder to act as coxswain of specified local craft within specified limits.

Local craft must be licensed and have a valid Certificate of Survey; the licence states the vessel's permitted area of operation, passenger capacity and manning requirements.

The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation sets out the classes of local vessels and the certificates required for each.

The Harbour Master may issue directions under the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance, including speed limits, anchoring restrictions and typhoon procedures.

Speed limit in Hong Kong harbour is generally 10 knots unless otherwise indicated; in typhoon shelters and near bathing beaches, a 5-knot limit usually applies.

All vessels must report to the Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) on VHF Channel 02 (or as directed) when entering or leaving the harbour, and must comply with VTC directions.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety and Pollution Prevention) legislation and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance apply to local craft; the master is responsible for the safety of all persons on board.