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"NEW ZEALAND NAUTICAL ALMANAC AND TIDE TABLES" This publication for 1950 (forty-eighth edition) was published in ample time for circulation before the beginning of the year. It is very desirable that articles of interest to mariners should be included in the " Almanac," and in this year's edition a chart of New Zealand showing the magnetic declination or variation of the compass for epoch Ist January, 1950, is included. Every endeavour is made to keep the port information up to date by co-operation with the various Harbour Boards and to maintain the accuracy of that information by the issue of " Notices to Mariners." The " Almanac " will have to be redesigned next year to bring it into line with the new set-up of the abridged " Admiralty Almanac." Information has been received that the " Admiralty Almanac " will be completely redesigned as from the year 1952. The new form will eliminate entirely the quantities R and E, which were introduced in 1925, and the quantities G.H.A. of the sun and G.H.A. of Aries are to be substituted. Although specimen sheets of the abridged " Admiralty Almanac " appear in " Admiralty Notices to Mariners No. 7 Weekly Edition of 1949," the form the New Zealand " Nautical Almanac and Tide Tables " is to take will require much study. It can be stated that the new " Almanac " will differ radically from the present form both in principle and arrangement. Every endeavour will be made to publish the 1952 " Almanac " as early as possible in 1951 to enable users to become accustomed to the new elements introduced and to the new form of setting up. RADIO REGULATIONS These regulations are now being revised and should be completed in the near future. COMPASSES The regulations for ships' compasses have been carefully administered and compasses have been maintained in a good state of efficiency. SEARCH AND RESCUE ORGANIZATION This organization continues to render valuable service to small ships in distress, and steps have been taken to improve its efficiency by setting up a committee representative of all bodies interested in land and sea rescues. SMALL CRAFT REGULATIONS Full agreement was not possible between the Department and yacht clubs regarding the proposed Small Craft Regulations. The majority of yacht clubs have been very co-operative, and it is hoped that the safety measures desired by the Department will be incorporated in Yacht Clubs' rules. NAVIGATION SCHOOLS The tuition at both schools has been of a very high standard, and the Directors are making every endeavour to improve the academic side of the seafarer's education. It should be appreciated that our schools are mainly for the purpose of teaching navigation, and-must not be confused, with residential nautical schools overseas, where young men are trained in all phases of the duties of a seaman. The number of candidates attending the schools during the year was made up as follows : Wellington. Auckland. Extra Master .. .. . . 1 Nil Master, F.G. .. .. .. 7 5 First Mate . . .. 6 15 Second Mate . . .. .. 13 17 Vol. Exam. Comp. Dev. .. 3 1 Master, H.T. . . .. .. 4 4

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