The Marine Department (MD) today (September 15) published "Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Certificate Examination Guidebook", which introduces the criteria for the Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Certificate Examination, the examination format and the syllabus, and provides sample questions for reference. The Guidebook facilitates public understanding on the examination requirements and the deck and engineering knowledge required for the professional qualification for maritime-related jobs, thereby promoting industry development.
 
     The Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificates consist of two grades. Holders of the Operator Grade 2 Certificate may take charge of a pleasure vessel that is of not more than 15 metres in length overall operating in Hong Kong waters, while holders of the Operator Grade 1 Certificate may take charge of any pleasure vessel operating in Hong Kong waters.
 
     The contents of the Guidebook include knowledge on navigation, seamanship and safety such as local knowledge, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, safety equipment to be carried on board and handling of emergency situations. The engineering knowledge includes the basic principles, operations and maintenance of various types of machinery and safety measures. The contents are presented with illustrations and photos, as well as questions and answers, so as to give the public an easier means to understand the required deck and engineering knowledge.
 
     To be eligible for issuance of the Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Certificate, an applicant must:

* be at least 18 years old;
* have passed the MD's Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Part A and Part B examinations, or have satisfactorily completed and passed the assessment in the course approved by the MD; and
* reach the eyesight standard prescribed by the MD.
 
     "Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Certificate Examination Guidebook" (Chinese version) has been uploaded to the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/exam.html). Preparation of the English version of the Guidebook is under way and it will be uploaded to the website soon.

Ends/Friday, September 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:00

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