Hong Kong Part A Written Test flashcards

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

Rule 13 overtaking

A vessel approaching from more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam is overtaking and must keep clear; the overtaken vessel maintains course and speed until the overtaking vessel is finally past and clear.

Rule 14 head-on

Two power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses, each seeing the other ahead, alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.

Rule 15 crossing

When two power-driven vessels cross, the vessel with the other on her starboard side is give-way and keeps clear; the stand-on vessel holds course and speed.

Safe speed factors

Rule 6 lists visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, background lights, state of wind, sea and current, and draft relative to available depth as factors in determining safe speed.

Rule 34 sound signals

In sight of one another: one short blast means altering to starboard, two short altering to port, three short operating astern propulsion, and five short expresses doubt or danger.

Fog signal making way

A power-driven vessel making way through the water in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

IALA Region A port mark

In Region A, which includes Hong Kong, port-hand lateral marks are red can-shaped buoys with a red cylindrical topmark and a red light.

South cardinal mark

A south cardinal mark has two cones point-to-point downward, black over yellow bands, and a light of six flashes plus one long flash every fifteen seconds.

Safe water mark

A safe water mark has red and white vertical stripes, a single red sphere topmark, and an occulting, isophase or Morse A light, indicating navigable water all around.

Isolated danger mark

An isolated danger mark is black with red horizontal bands, carries two black spheres as topmark, and shows a white flashing group of two.

Special mark

A special mark is yellow, carries a yellow X topmark and a yellow light, and marks spoil grounds, pipelines, moorings, race areas or other special features.

Latitude scale distance

One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, so distance on a chart is measured on the latitude scale at the same latitude as the position.

Chart datum soundings

Charted soundings are measured below chart datum, normally Lowest Astronomical Tide; actual depth equals charted depth plus height of tide at that time.

Compass conversion

True bearing equals compass bearing plus deviation plus variation, with easterly errors added and westerly errors subtracted; deviation is read from the vessel's deviation table.

Cocked hat

A small triangle formed when three position lines do not meet at one point; a large cocked hat suggests a bearing error or misidentified object.

Tidal set and drift

Set is the direction toward which the tidal stream flows, expressed in degrees true; drift is its speed in knots, used to calculate the estimated position.

Beaufort force 6

Beaufort force 6 is a strong breeze with wind speeds of 22 to 27 knots, producing large waves, whitecaps and some spray.

Rule of twelfths

The tidal rise over six hours follows the pattern 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1 twelfths of the total range per hour, with the fastest rise in the middle hours.

Spring and neap tides

Spring tides occur at new and full moon with the greatest tidal range; neap tides occur at first and last quarter moon with the smallest range.

Hong Kong Signal 8

Signal 8 means gale or storm force winds of 63 to 117 kilometres per hour are expected, and small craft should shelter and secure.

MAYDAY call

A MAYDAY call announces grave and imminent danger; it states the vessel name, position, nature of distress, assistance required and persons on board.

PAN PAN call

PAN PAN is the urgency signal used for messages concerning the safety of a vessel or person that does not yet constitute grave and imminent danger.

DSC distress alert

A digital selective calling distress alert is sent on VHF Channel 70, followed by a voice MAYDAY on Channel 16 after a short delay.

EPIRB registration

A 406 MHz EPIRB must be registered with the authority so that rescue coordination centres can identify the vessel and contact the owner.

Fire triangle

Combustion requires fuel, oxygen and heat; removing any one of the three extinguishes the fire, for example by shutting off fuel and closing ventilation.

Propeller transverse thrust

A right-handed propeller going astern produces transverse thrust that pushes the stern to port, which must be anticipated when berthing and manoeuvring.

Anchor scope

Scope is the ratio of anchor chain or rope veered to the depth of water; about 5:1 to 7:1 is usual in calm weather and 10:1 in strong conditions.

Man overboard first actions

Immediately put the helm hard over toward the casualty side, bring the engine to neutral, throw a buoyant marker and post a lookout to keep the person in sight.

Harbour speed limit

In Hong Kong's main harbour a speed limit of about 10 knots generally applies, reduced to 5 knots in typhoon shelters, the Ferry Route and near moored vessels.

Shipping and Port Control Ordinance

Cap. 313 governs the regulation of Hong Kong waters, including harbour rules, speed limits, moorings and the powers of the Harbour Master.

Local vessel licensing

Under Cap. 548, a local vessel must hold a valid licence and its operator must hold an appropriate certificate such as a Pleasure Vessel Operator's Certificate.

VHF Channel 16

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety and calling channel, monitored continuously by the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre.