EXAMINATION FOR MASTERS AND MATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10127, 9 May 1896, Page 5

EXAMINATION FOR MASTERS AND MATES.

[by telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington, Friday. After January 1, 1898, a number of changes will take place in tho nature and scope cf examinations for masters and mates. For example, in the examination for masters (ordinary) certificate, candidates are required to find the latitude by the pole star, and also by the moon, while first mates Imve to judge the time tho star will bo on the observer's meridian, for the purpose of find the latitude, to determine what bright stars are in the best position for taking the azimuth at certain hours, and other observations. They will require to find the latitude and longitude by stars, to calculate the freight and its commission, and to oalculate the capacity of a given bunker or hold. For second mates' examination three or four problems have been added, and the candidates have to draw diagrams to illustrate astronomical definitions which have been considerably extended. The whole of tho sextant examination is now vive voce. Candidates in every case have to prove their knowledge of the construction and principle of the barometer, thermometer, and hydrometer, All grades have to pass an examination in dictation and spelling. Candidates for an extra master's certificate, or for an extra master's certificate for steamships, will not be allowed to present themselves for examination more than three times within a period of 12 months. If the candidate does not obtain 85 per cent, of the total number of marks allotted for the papers, he will be declared to have failed. The viva voce part of the examination for extra certificates will be conducted on tho same principle as at present. It is also laid down that candidates for voluntary examination will be required to show a practical knowledge of ; eiectrioity as applied on board ship. The examination in navigation for certificates i of competency as masters of ploasure yachts' will be the same as that proscribed for an ordinary master's ceriilicate, except that in the civil duties of a shipmaster the master of a yacht will be expected to possess only knowledge of what ho is required to do by the Shipping and Seamen's Act, while the examination in seamanship will remain as laid down in the examination regulations of i [ 1894. <> __ I =-—■ - : !