HK Coxswain Grade 3 study plan

Recall the layout of Hong Kong waters: major harbour areas (Victoria Harbour, Rambler Channel, Junk Bay, Tolo Harbour), islands (Lantau, Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau), and key headlands.

Identify the standard IALA Region A buoyage system used in Hong Kong: lateral marks (red can to port, green cone to starboard when entering), cardinal marks, safe water marks, and special marks.

Locate and interpret the main shipping channels, precautionary areas, and anchorages shown on Hong Kong charts (e.g., HMS Tamar, Waglan Island, Lei Yue Mun).

Outline the structure of Hong Kong shipping legislation: the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313), the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, and the role of the Marine Department.

List the certificate and licensing requirements for a Coxswain Grade 3, including the local knowledge and sea service prerequisites.

State the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) rules on lookout, safe speed, and risk of collision (Rules 5, 6, 7).

Apply the steering and sailing rules (Rules 8–19) to local scenarios: narrow channels, traffic separation schemes, overtaking, head-on, and crossing situations.

Interpret lights and shapes for power-driven vessels, sailing vessels, fishing vessels, and vessels at anchor or aground (Rules 20–31).

Demonstrate position fixing using visual bearings, transits, and depth soundings on a Hong Kong chart, and calculate a dead reckoning position.

Explain the meaning of sound and light signals in restricted visibility (Rules 32–37) and their practical use in local fog-prone areas.

Demonstrate the actions to take in a crossing situation, including the give-way and stand-on vessel responsibilities, and the use of a series of small alterations to avoid collision.

Describe the manoeuvring characteristics of small local craft: turning circles, stopping distances, effect of wind and current, and propeller walk.

Execute basic seamanship tasks: securing to a buoy, anchoring with correct scope, and mooring alongside a pontoon in varying conditions.

Explain the procedure for recovering a person overboard (MOB) under power and under sail, including the Williamson turn and quick stop methods.

Identify the effects of squat, shallow water, and bank suction when navigating narrow channels such as the Ma Wan Channel.

List the mandatory life-saving appliances for small local craft under Hong Kong regulations (lifejackets, lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit) and their stowage locations.

Describe the actions to take on discovering a fire aboard, including the use of fire extinguishers (water, foam, CO2, dry powder) and the fixed fire-fighting system if fitted.

Demonstrate the distress signals and communication procedures: MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITE, including the correct use of VHF Channel 16 and DSC.

Explain abandon-ship procedures: donning lifejackets, launching a liferaft, boarding, and immediate actions to survive in the water.

Apply the COLREGs rules on conduct in restricted visibility to a local fog scenario and state the sound signals required.

Interpret the Hong Kong Observatory forecasts: the 24-hour local weather forecast, extended outlook, and the meaning of the Strong Monsoon Signal, Thunderstorm Warning, and Typhoon Signal No. 8.

Explain the seasonal weather patterns affecting Hong Kong: the northeast monsoon (winter), southwest monsoon (summer), and the typhoon season (May–November).

Describe local effects: sea breezes, land breezes, funnelling in Tolo Harbour, and the acceleration of wind around headlands.

Use a marine weather forecast to decide whether to proceed with a planned passage, stating the go/no-go criteria.

Recognise the early signs of deteriorating weather and the actions to take to seek shelter in Hong Kong waters.

State the requirements of Annex I, IV, and V of MARPOL as applied to small craft: oil discharge, sewage, and garbage disposal.

Identify the local regulations on garbage disposal and the locations of reception facilities in Hong Kong ports and marinas.

Explain the penalties for marine pollution offences under the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance and the Waste Disposal Ordinance.

Outline the procedures for reporting a pollution incident to the Marine Department and the actions to minimise environmental damage.

Describe best practices for fuel handling, bilge water management, and antifouling to prevent pollution.

List the key provisions of the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) relating to the registration and licensing of local craft.

State the requirements for manning, safe navigation, and the carriage of nautical publications under Hong Kong law.

Explain the role of the Marine Department in port state control, search and rescue coordination, and accident investigation.

Describe the procedures for reporting accidents, incidents, and casualties to the Marine Department.

Apply the local regulations on speed limits, restricted areas, and the use of personal watercraft in Hong Kong waters.

Complete a full-length mock examination covering all seven domains under timed conditions.

Review all incorrect answers and create a personal list of weak areas for final revision.

Revisit the most heavily weighted domains (1 and 2) with focused practice on chartwork and COLREGs scenarios.

Simulate an oral examination by explaining key procedures (MOB, fire, abandon ship) to a study partner or recording yourself.

Finalise a quick-reference revision sheet for the day before the exam.