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Chapter 11 - Master 150 Gross Tonnage, Domestic

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General

11.1 General requirements

General The general requirements for a certificate as Master 150 gross tonnage, Domestic, are listed in section 129 of the Marine Personnel Regulations.

11.2 Validity of certificates

  1. The holder of this certificate may act as Master on board a vessel of not more than 150 gross tonnage engaged on a near coastal voyage, Class 2 and as Master on board a vessel of not more than 500 gross tonnage engaged on a sheltered waters voyage.
  2. In addition, the holder of this certificate may act as Master on board a vessel of not more than 150 gross tonnage engaged on a limited voyage, contiguous waters, if endorsed as such.
  3. To obtain a limited voyage, contiguous waters endorsement in respect to the Master 150 gross tonnage, Domestic certificate, the holder must meet the requirements of section 129 (2) of the Marine Personnel Regulations.

Syllabuses of Examinations

11.3 Chartwork & Pilotage, level 2 (Examination Code: C/P 2)

  1. The examination consist of:
    1. A practical chartwork paper; and
    2. A multiple-choice examination.
  2. The examination is of a three hours duration.
  3. The examination is based upon:
Subject Knowledge required
Competence: Plan and conduct a passage and determine position
Ability to determine the ship’s position by use of: landmarks; aids to navigation, including lighthouses, beacons and buoys; dead reckoning, taking into account winds, tides, currents and estimated speed Definitions and Datums – Earth

Definition of great circles, small circle, spherical angle, spherical triangle, poles of a great circle;

Definition of earth’s poles, equator and meridians; Definition of latitude and parallels of latitude, prime meridian and longitude; Definition of difference of latitude, and difference of longitude;

Definition of international nautical mile, cable and knot; The earth as an ellipsoid; Definition of compression, and state its value; Definition of directions on the earth’s surface; The direction of the ship’s head on a gyro-compass (gyro course); The direction of the ship’s head on a magnetic compass (compass course); The North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) and the Geodetic Reference System of 1980.

Position lines and position fixing

Definition of position; Ability to fix the ship’s position by means at the disposal of the OOW, including electronic navigational aids; Considerations to be taken into account, including errors and limitations of equipment; the correction and plotting of bearings taken visually or by radar and the limitations of accuracy inherent in each of these methods; Given the radar distance of a charted object, ability to plot the position circle on a chart; Ability to plot a position on the chart from simultaneous cross bearings and from a bearing and distance off; Definition of dead reckoning position (DR), estimated position and fixed position; Ability to plot a dead reckoning position on the chart; Ability to plot an estimated position on the chart; Ability to plot position lines – straight line, circle, hyperbola; Ability to find a position line by bearing, horizontal angle, vertical sextant angle, transit line and radio aids; Ability to determine a position by a combination of bearing distance and the methods in the above objective; Ability to find a position by simultaneous bearings of two objects; Ability to find the distance that the ship will pass off a given point when abeam; Ability to construct a position line to clear a navigational danger by a given distance.

Courses and distances

Definition of course and distance; Ability to convert true courses laid-off to magnetic courses, including determination of variation at any place; conversion of true courses to gyro, magnetic and compass courses and vice versa; determining the up-to-date value of variation and interpolating for variation at a given locality from isogonic lines or compass roses; use of transit lines, azimuth and amplitude to determine compass error; Ability to lay off true course between two positions; Ability to find the distance between two positions; Knowledge of distance measurement on nautical chart.

Effect of wind and current

Ability to calculate the speed between two positions; Definition of set, rates, drift and leeway due to wind; Definition of ship’s speed, effective speed, course and distance made good, applied leeway; The allowing for effects of wind and tide; the problem of combining vectors of wind, current, tidal effect and course to steer to arrive at course made good; Ability to find the course and distance made good with a tidal stream or current; Ability to find the course to steer, allowing for tidal stream or current; Ability to find the set and rate of tidal stream or current; Ability to find the set and rate of tidal current that may be expected at a given point from information given in tide and current table or on the chartand awareness of the possibly of a significant effect of weather on the reliability of the information so obtained ; Explain the term running fix and use the method to plot a position; Ability to find positions by running fix in a tidal stream or current

Theory of Tides.

Definition of tidal terms in common use in CHS and United States tide tables as spring tide, neap tide, height of tide, high water, low water, mean high water springs, mean high water neaps, mean low water springs, mean low water neaps, range, chart datum; General understanding of tidal phenomena necessary for the comprehension of tidal terms; The methods of predicting tides; The non-astronomical component of sea level; Other irregularities of the tide.

Knowledge of principles of construction of the different types of charts and their use Charts construction and projections

Basic knowledge of chart projections; Definition of natural scale of a chart; large scale charts show a small area in greater detail than small-scale charts; numbering and mode of presentation of information on charts; the cause of chart distortion; The requirements for a chart appropriate for marine navigation; The principles of construction, properties and limitations of the Mercator chart; Ability to classify chart projections by construction methods, properties and characteristics; The values, limitations and purposes in practical navigation of conformal (orthomorphic), Gnomonic, Polyconic, Mercator, Transverse Mercator projections and the Universal Transverse Mercator System; Reliability of charts; indications by which reliability may be judged (e.g., date of original survey and possibility of subsequent surveys, adequacy of recorded soundings, with corrections having been made to date); ECDIS and other electronic chart systems meeting IMO performance standards may substitute for traditional charts.

Thorough knowledge of and ability to use navigational charts Chart Usage

 Ability to use charts of various projections in common use and produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service, including Mercator, Polyconic and gnomonic charts; the use of charts in the practice of coastal navigation and on ocean passages; the transfer of positions from a chart of one projection to another of a different projection; care and upkeep of charts; Ability to make chart corrections; The replacement of superseded editions; possessing and using latest available charts and publications, including large-scale charts of the pilotage area duly corrected to date; chart catalogues and numbering.

Information from charts

Ability to recognize and to demonstrate the use of the symbols and abbreviations on a chart, especially lighthouses, buoys, beacons, radio beacons and other navigational marks; Ability to identify the characteristics and range of lights; Ability to recognize coastlines, coast and radar-responsive targets; Ability to interpret coastline contours, bottom topography, depths and nature of bottom; Ability to use the tidal information given on a chart; Ability to recognize traffic lanes and separation zones; Ability to recognize the different type of charts overlaid with lattice charts; Ability to use lattice charts; The danger of placing implicit reliance upon floating navigational aids; The danger of approaching navigational aids too closely; Demonstrate simple passage planning and execution; The use of clearing marks and horizontal and vertical danger angles; Ability to recognize suitable passages, approaches and anchorages in clear weather and thick weather, using radar-responsive targets.
Keeping a log Knowledge of the record of navigational activities and incidents to be kept in accordance with the SOLAS Convention and the Navigation Safety Regulations; common practice regarding keeping a log; Knowledge of the proper keeping of different kinds of log during ocean passages, coastal navigation and in port; the duty of the OOW to maintain an accurate log.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to use up-todate publications Sailing directions

 Familiarity with the contents of preface to Sailing Directions, the important general navigational information contained in the preambule and opening chapter of these volumes.

Tide tables

 Ability to calculate tides and heights and low water at reference and secondary ports, and the calculation of depth of water at those times; Use of the calculated depth of water at high and low water to determine the height of water at a given charted position; Ability to determine the predicted time for a given tide level; Ability to estimate set and rate of tidal currents by reference to tidal current tables and by actual observation; The tentative nature of tabulated tidal current values and the need for caution in using them; The use if tidal stream charts; The zero level of the charts.

Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations

 General knowledge of the Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations.

Monthly Notices to Mariners and Annual Edition of Notices to Mariners:

 Familiarity with the contents; Correction of charts and publications; The importance of chart corrections being kept up to date.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to use up-to-date publications Symbols, abbreviations and terms (Chart no.1): Familiarity with chart symbols and abbreviations published in the Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart No. 1.

Radio aids to marine navigation: Nature of content.

List of lights:

 Familiarity with light characteristics, colours and sound signals used as aids to navigation; Use of Lists of lights, buoys and fog signals; the terms used to define the power of lights; (e.g., geographical range, luminous range, charted range computed range, nominal range, computed visibility; use of a luminous range diagram); Knowledge of factors controlling the range of visibility; The effect of abnormal refraction fog signals of different types, anomalies of sound propagation in fog, notices regarding lights, lighthouses and buoys; Ability to calculate the distances of sighting lights and dipping distances.

Ice navigation in Canadian waters: Nature of content
Ability to navigate in confined waters Altering course; transits; leading marks and bearings; Recording the vessel’s progress; Making allowance for height of tide; Preparatory details to be attended to in entering confined waters (e.g..., a review of the relevant sections of the sailing directions, ready availability of large-scale charts of the area with proposed track drawn to indicate distances, courses and near dangers noted); Navigational aids with their characteristics to be identified, clearing lines, marks and bearings to be used during the passage to be drawn in, pre-calculation of tidal heights where critical depths of water may be encountered; The maintenance of a record of the vessel’s progress on both charts in logbook, including times of passing successive points, course’s compass error, speed, weather; Fixing the vessel’s position by relative and true bearings, transits; Dead reckoning position, estimated position and observed position.
Knowledge of the use of navigational aids in pilotage situations Pilotage

 Thorough knowledge regarding preparations for pilotage; possessing and using latest available charts and publications, including large-scale charts of the pilotage area duly corrected to date, latest sailing directions, Notices to Mariners, Lists of Lights, Traffic Zone Regulations (as applicable), tide tables, copy of Charts and Publications Regulations, Radio Aids to Marine Navigation and chart catalogue; Familiarity with bridge practices and procedures in pilotage situations; the requirement to continue the practice of good navigation procedures by the OOW and ship’s personnel generally, and the realization that the presence of a pilot on the bridge does not absolve the ship’s personnel from their continuing responsibility for the safe navigation of the ship; The duty of the officer of the watch to ensure that the pilot’s advice is understood and effectively carried out; The extent to which reliance is placed on buoys.
Thorough knowledge of the Canadian system of buoyage Knowledge of the Canadian System of Buoyage in detail; Difference between lateral and cardinal systems; Use of Sailing Directions for determining other buoyage systems in use; Principles and rules of the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities Maritime Buoyage System, Systems “A” and “B”; Understanding of the basic principles employed in the lateral and the cardinal buoyage systems; The importance of consulting the applicable volume of Sailing Directions for details of buoyage system in-force locally prior to entering unfamiliar waters of other countries; Aids to navigation.

11.4 Navigation Safety, level 1 (Examination Code: NS 1)

  1. The examination consists of a multiple-choice test.
  2. The examination is of an one and a half hours duration.
  3. The examination is based upon:
Subject Knowledge required
Competence: Maintain a safe navigational watch
Thorough knowledge of the content application and intent of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea with Canadian Modifications 1983 Knowledge and application of the content of the Collision Regulations with Canadian Modifications and as amended from time to time, include distress signals.
Thorough knowledge of the Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch as set out in the STCW Code, section A-VIII/2 regarding watchkeeping at sea and watchkeeping under different conditions and different areas including ship at anchor and watchkeeping in port; Recommendations on operational guidance for officers in charge of a navigational watch as set out in the STCW Code B-VIII/2.
Thorough knowledge of effective bridge teamwork procedures Bridge Teamwork Procedures

 Knowledge of the principles of bridge teamwork; Follow principle and procedures regarding: Conduct, handover and relief of the watch; Proper look-out maintained at all times; The responsibility for the safety of navigation to be clearly defined at all times, including periods when the master is on the bridge and while under pilotage; Bridge tasks are effectively coordinated; Communications and acknowledgements are well understood; Grounds on which decisions are made are verified; Mistakes and unclear situations are promptly reported, accounted for and appropriately corrected.

11.5 Meteorology, level 1 (Examination Code : MET 1)

Refer to section 8.5, Chapter 8 of this TP.

11.6 Ship Construction and Stability, level 3 (Examination Code SCS 3)

Refer to section 8.7, Chapter 8 of this TP.

11.7 General Ship Knowledge, level 3 (Examination Code: GSK 3)

  1. The examination consists of multiple-choice questions.
  2. The following open-book resources will be allowed in the examination room:
    1. Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations;
    2. Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations;
    3. Boat and Fire Drill and means of exit Regulations;
    4. Canada Labour Code;
    5. Canada Shipping Act-2001;
    6. Fire Safety Regulations;
    7. Life-Saving Equipment Regulations;
    8. Marine Occupational Safety and Health Regulations;
    9. Marine Personnel Regulations;
    10. Pollutant Discharge Reporting Regulations, 1995;
    11. Regulations for Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals;
    12. Safety and Health Committees and Representatives Regulations;
    13. Shipping Safety Control Zones Order;
    14. Vessel Certificates Regulations;
  3. The examination is of a three hours duration.
  4. The examination is based upon:
Subject Knowledge required
Competence: Ensure compliance with pollution-prevention requirements
Knowledge of the
precautions to be taken
to prevent pollution of
the marine environment 		Knowledge of precautions to be taken during fueling or oil transfer; Precautions to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine environment by oil, sewage, garbage, antifouling system or other pollutant and air pollution; Take appropriate action in response to pollution incidents onboard and found at sea
Anti-pollution procedures and all associated equipment Ability to describe the content and key points in a typical shipboard oil pollution emergency plan (SOPEP); Basic knowledge of anti-pollution equipment required by MARPOL Convention and Canadian regulations; Basic knowledge of Garbage management plans.
Knowledge of the pollution prevention requirements as contained in the Canadian Regulations Basic knowledge of the content, application and ability to use the following Canadian Regulations:

Regulations for Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals; Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations;

 Shipping Safety Control Zones Order.

 Knowledge of the statutory requirements to report pollution incidents as contained in the Pollutant Discharge Reporting Regulations, 1995.
Competence: Monitor compliance with legislative requirements
Basic working knowledge of the relevant IMO conventions concerning safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment Awareness of the layout, application and content of the following conventions and codes: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships, 1973, and the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78) and its Annexes;

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended (SOLAS);

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code;

International Ship and Shore Facility Security (ISPS) Code;

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1995 (STCW).
Knowledge of the Canada Shipping Act-2001 Canada Shipping Act (CSA) :

 Basic knowledge of the content, application and ability to use the Canada Shipping Act-2001, Part 1 to 6, 7 and 8.
Knowledge of Canadian Regulations and vessels documentation Basic knowledge of the content, application and ability to use the following Regulations:

Boat and Fire Drill and means of exit Regulations;

Life-Saving Equipment Regulations;

Fire Safety Regulations;

Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations;

Vessel Certificates Regulations;

Marine Personnel Regulations.
Knowledge of management of personnel Knowledge of the basic safety and familiarization training required for all members of the complement; Knowledge of the organization and training of crews for emergencies and related drills; Emergency procedure plans and station bills for tankers, passengers and cargo vessels; Practical knowledge of organization and training of the crew for routine operations and maintenance.
Competence: Marine Occupational Safety and Health
Comply with Marine Occupational Safety and Health legislation Canada Labour Code

 Basic knowledge of the content, application and ability to use the Canada Labour Code, the Marine Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and the Safety and Health Committees and Representatives Regulations.

11.8 Oral examination on General Seamanship (Examination Code: M150D-O)

  1. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge outlined in this oral examination syllabus by appropriate responses, anticipations and reactions to a range of routine, non-routine and contingency scenarios as presented by the examiner, from the perspective of the duties and responsibilities associated to the validity of the Master 150 gross tonnage, Domestic certificate, as set out in section 11.2 of this chapter.
  2. The examination is of an unlimited duration
  3. The examination is based upon:
Subject Knowledge required
Competence: Communications
Lifesaving and distress signals Recognition and knowledge of the meanings of distress signals contained in the Collision regulations; Recognition and knowledge of the meanings of the lifesaving and distress signals contained in the International Code of Signals.
Competence: Plan and conduct safe navigation
Routeing in accordance with the General Principles on Ships’ Routeing and weather routeing Demonstrate an ability to undertake voyage planning, taking into consideration the requirements set out in section A-VIII/2, Part 2 of the STCW Code; Knowledge of the importance of weather forecasts; Ability to consult weather forecasts; Take into account weather forecast when making voyage planning; Take into account actual and forecasted weather before undertaking a voyage and for decision making during the voyage; Awareness of Environment Canada weather warnings and how they are transmitted.
Competence: Maintain a Safe Navigational Watch
Establish and maintain a Safe Navigational Watch Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch as set out in the STCW Code, section A-VIII/2, including watchkeeping at anchor and in port; A thorough knowledge of the content, application and intent of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at sea, 1972 with Canadian Modifications 1983; Knowledge of the Canadian System of buoyage; ability to determine magnetic compass error and care of magnetic compass.
Competence: Manoeuvre the ship and operate small ship power plants
Ship-Handling in various conditions Basic knowledge of manoeuvring and handling a small vessel; The pivoting point and effects when the propulsion system is used in the ahead and astern direction; Practical manoeuvres for berthing, unberthing, when navigating and for anchoring; effect of wind, tide and current on manoeuvres.
Operate small ship plants Basic knowledge of the operation of small ship power plants and auxiliaries, such as the engine, the propulsion system, the fuel, lubrication and cooling systems of the engine, electrical systems, steering gear, bilge pumps, quick shut-off valves, fire dampers; Basic knowledge of engine surveillance systems and measures to be taken in case of alarm of failure.
Proper procedures for anchoring and mooring Preparation of anchors to be ready for use; Safety measures to be taken; Method of letting go; Fittings and cable markings; Preparation and procedures during heaving up;
Competence: Manoeuvre the ship and operate small ship power plants
Towing operations Basic knowledge of towing and in particular of the following elements: Taking and being taken in tow; Cables used for towing and the required length; The towing point; Towing bitts and hooks; How to approach a vessel to be towed and pass the first connection by line-throwing apparatus or other methods; How to pay out the towing wire under control; Methods of securing the towing wire at the towing ship; How the towing wire should be protected from chafing at fairleads; How to take the weight of the tow; How the towing speed should be decided; The effect of the towing cable on the centre of gravity of the tug and on its stability; Events that may result in the capsizing of the tug; The different ways to instantly release the towing cable in an urgent situation; The use of an emergency tow line; How to disconnect the tow on arrival at the destination.
Competence: Response to emergencies
Knowledge and understanding of the precautions for the protection and safety of passengers in emergency situations Contingency plans for response to emergencies

Knowledge of evacuation plans required on passenger vessels; Knowledge of the content of a muster list and emergency instructions; The concept of dividing the crew into teams; Knowledge of the composition of emergency teams; Communication links between emergency teams; The importance of drills and training and practical organization of drills.

Protection and safety of passengers

Familiarization of Crew members with their specific duties for the mustering and control of passengers; Knowledge of the specific duties to assign to crew members; Content of the pre-departure safety briefing to passengers; the need to communicate effectively with passengers during an emergency.

Knowledge and understanding of the actions to be taken following different emergency situations Actions to be taken following emergencies such as fire onboard, collision, accidental flooding, grounding, person overboard, etc ; Passengers management during an emergency; Procedures for vessel’s evacuation; Rescuing persons and assisting vessel in distress.
Emergency steering Arrangements of auxiliary steering gear; How the auxiliary steering gear is brought into action; How to change from bridge control to local control in the steering gear compartment; Possible course of action which may be taken by a disabled ship.
Competence: Respond to a distress signal at sea
Knowledge of the contents of the IMO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue manual (IAMSAR) Search and Rescue

Knowledge and understanding of the content and application of the IMO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue manual (IAMSAR).

Competence: Ensure compliance with pollution-prevention requirements
Prevent pollution Knowledge of the precautions to be taken during fueling; Knowledge of the statutory requirements to report pollution incidents; Precautions to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine environment by oil, garbage or other pollutant; Take appropriate action in response to pollution incidents onboard and found at sea.
Competence: Maintain Seaworthiness of the ship
Seaworthiness of the ship Watertight integrity and adverse weather

Understand the fundamentals of watertight integrity; Precautions to be taken before the onset of heavy weather such as closing and securing of watertight hatches, manholes, doors and portholes, lowering and securing weights onboard, ensuring that freeing arrangements are functional, etc; Necessary monitoring on a vessel caught in heavy weather, such as water detection in compartments; Actions to be taken in case of water ingress or vessel becoming disabled; Practical considerations of boat handling in heavy weather; How to prevent ice accretion; Actions to be taken if ice starts to accumulate on a vessel.

Stability

Working knowledge of stability and damaged stability data supplied to small vessels; Effect on stability of passengers gathering on one side of the vessel; Understanding of ship’s plans and specifications; an appreciation of the meaning and characteristics of stiff and tender ships; effects of reduction in freeboard on stability and seaworthiness.

Competence: Monitor compliance with legislative requirements
Responsibilities and duties Appreciate master’s overall responsibilities; Responsibilities and duties of a chief mate, including when joining a vessel; Duties and responsibilities of the master of a small vessel as required by the Canada Shipping Act; Master’s duties on taking over and relinquishing command; Preparation of the vessel for inspection and surveys; Knowledge of master’s responsibilities under part 2 and 3 of the Marine Personnel Regulations; Vessels required to have articles of agreements and an official log book; Basic knowledge of the regulations concerning life-saving and fire-fighting appliances; Precautions and requirements for safe embarkation of passengers on a vessel. Initial and subsequent reports to be made in case of a marine occurrence.
Competence: Seamanship
Mooring Lines Names, types, use and care of mooring lines and their characteristics; Making fast on-shore bollards being used by another ship; Use of moorings on the bight and doubling up; Preparation to be made for berthing.

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Date modified:
2010-01-21