MASTERS AND MATES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 51, 7 September 1928, Page 10

MASTERS AND MATES

EXAMINATION SUCCESSES

WELLINGTON TO THE FORE

During the past twelve months the total number of examinations held in New Zealand for certificates of competency as master and as mate, and for certificate-holders who desired to have their certificates endorsed as having passed the \ roluntary examination in compass deviation, was 87. Fourteen of these examinations were for certificates for restricted limits ships. The proportion of passes to the total number of examinations held during the past live years, according to tho aumiul report of the Marine Department, shows 49i per cent, iv 1927-28, 384 per cent, in 102(5-27, 34 per cent, in 1925-20, 40 per cent, in 1924-25, and 51 per cent, in 1923-24. Tho percentage of passes shows an improvement 'when compared with that of tho previous year. Tho number of candidates who were successful in passing their examination at first attempt was 25, this number for last year being 18. Two candidates were successful in passing for the-higher certificate —that of extra- master—and four succeeded in passing the voluntary examination in compass deviation. Examinations for a license as colonial pilot or in tho volun- ' ",v examination in signalling were not hckl, there being no applicants for these qualifications. Wellington continues to pr.ovido the greatest number of candidates for examination, tho percentages of the total number of examinations held for eacli of the three ports being—Wellington 69 per cent., Auckland 22 per cent., and Ijyttelton 9 per cent. These figures for 1926-27 were 59 per cent., 23 per cent., and 18 per cent., and for 1925-26, 52 per cent., 2S per cent., and 19$ per cent, respectively. The Department's regulations relating to tho examination of masters and mates have been revised so as to conform with those issued Jby the Board of Trade of Great Britairf in 1927, thus ensuring that the examinations for foreign-going certificates conducted by this Department, aro identical to those parried out by tho Board of Trade. Kxaminations for all grades of certificates aro hold at Wellington monthly, and every three months at both Auckland and Lyttclton. During the year 70 deck officers passed the wireless' signaller examination, making a total of 251 deck officers who have become so qualified since Ist Jannary, 1920, the date on which tho regulations as to ships being provided with wireless telegraph installations came into force.