HK Coxswain Grade 3 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Chart Datum

The reference level from which charted depths are measured, approximately the lowest astronomical tide in Hong Kong. Actual depth equals charted depth plus the height of tide above chart datum.

Cardinal mark East

A buoy with two black cones placed base to base, looking like a diamond. It marks the east side of a danger and should be passed to the east.

Safe water mark

A red and white vertically striped buoy with a single red sphere topmark, indicating navigable water all around. It is often used to mark a channel entrance or mid-channel.

Head-on situation Rule 14

When two power-driven vessels meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses, both must alter course to starboard so that they pass port-to-port, and each should sound one short blast.

Overtaking vessel Rule 13

Any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way until finally past and clear. The overtaking vessel remains the give-way vessel throughout the manoeuvre.

Crossing give-way Rule 15

When two power-driven vessels cross, the one with the other on her own starboard side gives way. She should avoid crossing ahead and normally pass astern of the stand-on vessel.

Five short blasts

The sound signal meaning doubt or danger, indicating the vessel does not understand the other's intentions or fears a close-quarters situation. It is sounded at short intervals.

Restricted visibility Rule 19

In fog or poor visibility, vessels must proceed at a safe speed, sound fog signals and take avoiding action in ample time. Avoid turning to port for a vessel forward of the beam.

Pivot point

The point about which a vessel turns. Going ahead it lies roughly one-quarter of the length from the bow; going astern it moves aft to about one-quarter from the stern.

Right-handed propeller effect

With a right-handed screw, going ahead the stern walks to starboard; going astern the stern walks to port. This effect is strongest at low speed with heavy propeller loading.

Williamson turn

A man-overboard manoeuvre: alter course to starboard, then turn hard to port to reverse the turn, bringing the vessel back on a reciprocal course near the casualty. Used in poor visibility.

Bow spring line

A mooring line led from the bow aft to a point on the quay. It prevents the bow from swinging out and allows the engine to be used to bring the stern in.

Anchor scope

The ratio of anchor line or chain veered to the depth of water. About 3 to 5 times depth in sheltered water and 5 to 7 times in exposed water.

Signal 8

The Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal meaning gale or storm force winds are expected. All small craft should proceed to typhoon shelters and be securely moored.

Strong Monsoon Signal

Issued by the Hong Kong Observatory when monsoon winds of force 6 or above are expected over a wide area, usually the northeast monsoon in winter.

Northeast monsoon

The winter monsoon from November to March, bringing strong, cool, dry northeast winds and rough seas, especially in the eastern waters of Hong Kong.

Sea breeze

A local wind that blows from sea to land during the day because land heats faster than the sea. At night the reverse land breeze may occur.

Beaufort force 6

A strong breeze with large waves, whitecaps and some spray. Small craft should reef or reduce speed, and conditions are near the limit for open boats.

MAYDAY message

The distress call spoken three times, followed by vessel name and callsign, position, nature of distress, assistance required, and number of persons on board.

Fire triangle

The three elements needed for combustion: fuel, heat and oxygen. Removing any one extinguishes the fire - by cooling, smothering or starving it of fuel.

Class B fire

A fire involving flammable liquids such as fuel or oil. Extinguish with foam, CO2 or dry powder; never use a solid water jet, which can spread the burning liquid.

Abandon ship order

Only the master may order abandon ship. Don lifejackets, broadcast MAYDAY with position, take the grab bag, launch the liferaft and board from the lee side.

Lifebuoy requirements

Lifebuoys must be provided and, on vessels over 12 m, fitted with a self-igniting light and a smoke signal. They must be stowed where they can be reached quickly.

MARPOL Annex I

The annex controlling oil pollution. It prohibits any discharge of oil or oily mixtures into Hong Kong waters; oily bilge water must go to a reception facility.

MARPOL Annex V

The annex controlling garbage. It prohibits disposal of plastics anywhere at sea and restricts other garbage; food waste may only be discharged outside specified distances from land.

Oil spill response

Stop the source of the spill, contain it with booms, absorb it with suitable material, notify the Marine Department, and do not use dispersants without authorisation.

TBT antifouling

Tributyltin-based antifouling paint is prohibited because it harms marine life. Vessels must use approved antifouling and avoid cleaning hulls in the water.

Shipping and Port Control Ordinance

Cap. 313, the main Hong Kong legislation governing registration, licensing, manning and operation of local craft in Hong Kong waters, with subsidiary regulations.

Coxswain Grade 3 certificate

A Marine Department certificate allowing the holder to act as coxswain of specified local craft within stated limits. The licence states the permitted area and passenger capacity.

Certificate of Survey

A document issued after a vessel is surveyed, confirming it meets the required standards. A valid certificate is needed for the vessel's licence to remain in force.

Vessel Traffic Centre

The Marine Department's VTC monitors and directs traffic in Hong Kong harbour. Vessels must report on the designated VHF channel and comply with VTC directions.

Harbour speed limit

The general speed limit in Hong Kong harbour is 10 knots unless otherwise indicated. Lower limits, often 5 knots, apply in typhoon shelters and near bathing beaches.