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HK Coxswain Grade 3 study materials
HK Coxswain Grade 3 study resources

HK Coxswain Grade 3: Meteorology and its effect on local boating: weather forecasts, warnings and local conditions

HK Coxswain Grade 3 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Meteorology and its effect on local boating: weather forecasts, warnings and local conditions

What the exam tests

Meteorology questions test whether you can interpret Hong Kong Observatory forecasts and warnings and apply them to local waters. The exam focuses on monsoon winds, typhoons, thunderstorms, rainstorms, visibility and the difference between sheltered and exposed waters.

Core rules and concepts

  • Check the Hong Kong Observatory's local and marine forecasts, warnings and radar before departure, and update underway by VHF or mobile app. Marine Department notices may add local restrictions.
  • Winter brings the northeast monsoon: strong, cool, gusty winds and rough seas on exposed eastern and southern coasts. Summer brings the southwest monsoon, heat, thunderstorms and typhoons. Spring often brings fog and reduced visibility.
  • Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals: No. 1 means a tropical cyclone is near and may affect Hong Kong; No. 3 means strong wind is expected; No. 8 means gale or storm force winds; No. 9 means gale increasing; No. 10 means hurricane force. No. 1 is not an all-clear.
  • The Strong Monsoon Signal warns of strong monsoon winds. Thunderstorm and Rainstorm warnings (Amber, Red, Black) warn of squalls, lightning, heavy rain and poor visibility. Black rain can reduce visibility and cause flash flooding.
  • Local effects matter: wind funnels through Victoria Harbour and Tolo Harbour; headlands accelerate wind; sea breeze can oppose the monsoon; wind against tide produces steep chop; squalls can arrive with little warning.

Worked example

The forecast is northeast 5 to 6, gusting 7, with a Strong Monsoon Signal. You planned Cheung Chau to Hong Kong Island in an open 8 m launch. The route is exposed to the northeast swell, so you choose the lee of Lamma where possible, reduce speed, brief passengers, check lifejackets and carry a bailer and VHF. You plan a return before the wind strengthens and identify a safe harbour. You do not treat the sheltered water at Cheung Chau as representative of the open sea.

Traps

Treating No. 1 as safe to continue; assuming No. 8 affects all waters equally; ignoring squalls because the general forecast is moderate; forgetting wind-against-tide chop; and relying on a forecast issued hours earlier without checking radar.