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Chapter 19 - Chief Mate, Limited

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General

19.1 General requirements

  1. The general requirements for a Chief Mate, Limited certificate for a vessel of 60 gross tonnage or more are set out in section 137 of the Marine Personnel Regulations.
  2. The general requirements for a Chief Mate, Limited certificate for a vessel of less than 60 gross tonnage are set out in section 138 of the Marine Personnel Regulations.

19.2 Examinations

The examinations are based on the syllabus as modified in accordance with the criteria set out in section 19.11, as appropriate to the area of operation, the vessel, and the equipment carried on board the vessel for which the certificate is to be valid.

Syllabuses of Examinations

19.3 Chartwork and Pilotage, level 1 (Examination Code: C/P 1)

Refer to section 12.3, Chapter 12 of this TP.

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

Refer to section 11.4, Chapter 11 of this TP.

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

Refer to section 8.7, Chapter 8 of this TP.

19.6 Ship Construction and Stability, level 4 (Examination Code: SCS 4)

Refer to section 5.12, Chapter 5 of this TP.

19.7 General ship knowledge – less than 60 gross tonnage (Examination Code: 1MLW < 60T)

  1. The knowledge required for this examination is shown on the table found in this chapter, subject to the remarks in section 19.11.
  2. The examination consists of multiple-choice and essay type questions, and may also contain practical chartwork (see paragraph 19.11 (2) (e)).
  3. The examination is of a three hours duration.

19.8 General ship knowledge – 60 gross tonnage or more (Examination Code: 1MLW ≥ 60T)

  1. The knowledge required for this examination is shown on the table found in this chapter, subject to the remarks in section 19.11.
  2. The examination consists of multiple-choice and essay type questions.
  3. The examination is of a three hours duration.

19.9 General seamanship – less than 60 gross tonnage (Examination Code: 1MLO < 60T)

  1. The knowledge required for this examination is shown on the table found in this chapter, subject to the remarks in section 19.11.
  2. The examination is oral and practical.
  3. The examination is of an unlimited duration.

19.10 General seamanship – 60 gross tonnage or more (Examination Code: 1MLO ≥ 60T)

  1. The knowledge required for this examination is shown on the table found in this chapter, subject to the remarks in section 19.11.
  2. The examination is oral.
  3. The examination is of an unlimited duration.

19.11 Minimum standard of competence

  1. The first column of the table below contains 18 fields of competence that may be applicable to a candidate depending on the type, gross tonnage (GT) and area of operation of the vessel or vessels to which the certificate sought by the candidate would apply. The second column specifies knowledge, understanding and proficiency that the candidate must possess to be considered competent in each of the corresponding fields. The third and fourth columns set out the method of evaluation that will be used to check the competence, depending on whether the vessel is <60 GT or ≥ 60 GT. The last column gives, as a rough guide, the references that may be of use in preparing for examinations.
  2. The examinations will be adapted to the type and gross tonnage of the vessel or vessels to which the certificate sought by the candidate would apply and the area of operation of the vessel or vessels. An evaluation of each case will be carried out and the examiner will determine the scope of the examination in accordance with the following criteria:
    1. Items 1 to 8: Items 1 to 8 will be covered in every case.
    2. Item 9: Questions on survival craft and liferafts will not be included in the examination for vessels that do not carry such equipment.
    3. Item 10: Questions on inspection certificate issuance will be omitted for vessels that are not required to have such a certificate.
    4. Item 11: Questions on the Collision Regulations will be omitted if the vessel operates only in an isolated area, where there is no chance that another vessel would be met, but the examiner will make sure that the candidate knows which lights the vessel has to carry.
    5. Item 12: This section will not be included if there are no marine charts for the area where the vessel will operate.
    6. Item 13: Questions on the magnetic compass will be omitted if the vessel is less than 5 gross tonnage and is not equipped with a compass.
    7. Item 14: Questions on the buoyage system will be omitted if no official buoyage system exists in the area of operation of the vessel.
    8. Item 15: Competence in radar will be omitted if the vessel does not have radar.
    9. Item 16: The electronic navigating instruments enumerated in section 16 that are not installed on the vessel will be omitted.
    10. Item 17: Competence 17 will be omitted if the vessel is not required to have a VHF radio and does not carry one, except for the knowledge of the use of sailing plans.
    11. Item 18: Competence 18 applies only if the vessel engages in towing operations.
Item Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence References
Vessel < 60GT Vessel ≥ 60GT
1. Demonstrate a good knowledge of the area for which the certificate will be valid - Ability to demonstrate that intended route is safe
- Knowledge of the places where the depth of water is sufficient for the vessel
- Knowledge of sea conditions that may be met in the area of operation and actions to be taken if conditions become too severe
- Knowledge of local currents and the effect of tides, if applicable, for the area of operation
- Knowledge of the importance of weather forecasts and ability to consult them
- Knowledge of the geographical limits of sheltered waters and near coastal waters 		1MLO < 60T 1MLO ≥ 60T Practical experience
Training courses
Marine chart of the sector
Canadian Tide and Current
Tables
Sailing directions
2. Manoeuvre the vessel - Capacity to manoeuver the vessel for berthing, departure from the dock, navigation and anchoring
- Manoeuver to recuperate a person overboard
- As applicable, the effect of propellers, rudders, jets and outboard engines when moving ahead and astern and when manoeuvring
- Effect of winds and currents when manoeuvring 		1MLO < 60T 1MLO ≥ 60T Practical experience
Training courses
Publications on the subject
3. Operate the propulsion system and use of all other systems or devices of the vessel - Knowledge of the principle of operation of the engine and the propulsion system
- Knowledge of the use of the propulsion system
- Knowledge of the vessel arrangement and of the functioning of all the systems and devices on board, such as the fuel system, lubrication and cooling of the engine, electrical systems, steering gear, bilge pumps, through-hull and drains of cockpit if applicable, quick shut-off valves, fire dampers in ventilation systems
- Engine and system monitoring and measures to be taken in case of alarm of failure 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T and 1MLO ≥ 60T Practical experience
Training courses
Publications on the subject
4. Dealing with emergency situations - Be able to identify measures to be taken in emergency situations such as:

a) Collision
b) Grounding
c) Flooding
d) Fire
e) Injured person or person overboard
f) Release of a polluting substance or liquid

- Measures to be taken to ensure protection and safety of crew members and passengers in emergency situations
- The master’s obligation with regard to initial and subsequent reports to be made in case of a marine occurrence
- Knowledge and meaning of distress signals as prescribed by appendix IV of the Collision Regulations

Measures to be taken to assist a vessel in distress 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T Collision Regulations (TP 10739) or Chap. 1416 Transportation Safety Board Regulations - Reportable Marine Accidents and Incidents Shipping Casualties Reporting Regulations (SOR / 85-514)
Form of a marine occurrence report
Training courses
Practical experience
5. Prevent and fight fires - Knowledge of precautions to be taken to prevent fires
- Knowledge of precautions to be taken during fuelling
- Knowledge of fire-fighting and fire detection equipments
- To be able to use all the fire-fighting equipment on the vessel 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T (Vessel < 15GT) Construction Standards for Small Vessels (TP-1332) and Small Vessel Regulations (Chap 1487) (Vessel > 15GT and < 150GT) Standards for the Construction and Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels (TP-11717) (Vessel > 150GT) Hull Construction Regulations (Chap. 1431) and Fire Safety Regulations Safe Boating Guide (TP-511) MED courses
6. Moor the vessel and perform related seamanship work - Knowledge and use of mooring ropes and their use
- Knowledge and use of mooring ropes and their use
- Knowledge of the various knots and their uses
- Knowledge of the various knots and their uses 		1MLW < 60T− Ability to make knots 1MLW < 60T and CLO ≥ 60T Practical experience
Training courses
Seamanship manuals
7. Prevent pollution - Knowledge of the precautions to be taken during fuelling
- Requirements regarding the Oil Record Book
- Knowledge of the statutory requirements to report pollution incidents 
- Knowledge of the Division 5 - Garbage of the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals Regulations 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T and 1MLO ≥ 60T Small Vessel Regulations (Chap on 1487) Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals Regulations.
8. Maintain the vessel’s stability Vessel < 60GT

- Knowledge of the basic principles of stability
- Practical application of stability principles to a vessel
- Free surface effect

Vessel ≥ 60GT

- Understanding basic stability terminology
- Knowledge of the basic principles of stability
- Knowledge of KG, GM and righting lever GZ
- Ability to explain using a sketch of a heeled vessel, how the centre of gravity (G) and the centre of buoyancy (B) are acting to create a righting lever (GZ)
- Effect on stability of adding, removing, transferring and suspending weights
- Stable equilibrium, unstable equilibrium, neutral equilibrium
- Maintain watertight integrity
- Free surface effect

Practical use of the vessel’s stability booklet, in order to evaluate stability in different operating conditions of intact and damaged stability if applicable

Tug or Ro-Ro passenger vessel ≥ 60GT

In the case of a tug, refer to SCS 3 exam syllabus at section 8.6, Chapter 8 of this TP.

In the case of a Ro-Ro passenger vessel, refer to SCS 4 exam syllabus at section 5.12, Chapter 5 of this TP 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T
or SCS 3 examination if the vessel is a tug, or SCS 4 examination if the vessel is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel,

and 1MLO ≥ 60T 		Small Fishing Vessel Safety Manual (TP-10038) Vessel stability book Stability publications Training courses
9. Ensure the safety of passengers and use safety and lifesaving equipment - Knowledge of all the safety and lifesaving equipment on the vessel, such as lifeboats and liferafts, life jackets, lifebuoys, oars, bailers, pumps, anchors and distress flares
- Ability to use all the safety and lifesaving equipment on the vessel
- Knowledge of the master’s and first mate’s responsibilities with regard to the safety of crew members and passengers
- Ability to conduct boat and fire drills
- Understanding of the importance of lifesaving equipment demonstrations and safety instructions given to passengers before sailing
- Familiarization of new crew members with the vessel’s equipment and safety procedures
- Required training before being assigned to any duty on a vessel
- Ability to deal with crisis situations and control crowds if applicable
- Knowledge of the requirements for gangways 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T (Vessel < 15GT) Construction
Standards for Small Vessels
(TP-1332) and Small Vessel
Regulations (Chap 1487)
(Vessel > 15GT and < 150GT) Standards for the Construction and Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels (TP-11717) (Vessel > 150GT) Life Saving Equipment Regulations (Chap. 1436) and Boat and Fire Drill and Means of Exit Regulations Small Fishing Vessel Safety Manual (TP-10038) Safe Boating Guide (TP-511) Ship Safety Bulletins 4/95, 2/96 and 12/98 Personal experience
MED courses
10. Carry out necessary checks and inspections and t make sure that the vessel has all required certificates and documents Vessels subject or not subject to regulatory inspections

- Knowledge of the principal structural members of a vessel and the proper names for the various parts
- Checks to be made before departure

In addition, for vessels subject to regulatory inspections

- Preparation for a regulatory inspection
- Knowledge of statutory requirements with respect to crewing, inspection of the vessel and required equipment
- Knowledge of required documents and certificates, their limits and their validity
- Knowledge of requirements for the agreement with the crew, if applicable
- Knowledge of record-keeping requirements 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T) and 1MLO ≥ 60T Canada Shipping Act, 2001 Regulations applicable to the vessel Standards for the Construction and Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels (TP-11717) Safe Boating Guide (TP-511) Marine Safety Inspection Record (SIRS print out) Model certificates
11. Ensure safe navigation and prevent collisions Vessel < 60GT

- Knowledge of the Collision Regulations, in particular regarding:

a) Steering and sailing rules
b) Lights and shapes
c) Sound and light signals

In addition, for vessel ≥ 60GT - Thorough knowledge of content, application and intention of the Collision Regulations
- Knowledge of the principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T or, if applicable to the vessel or area of operation, NS 1 and 1MLO ≥ 60T Collision Regulations (TP-10739) or Chap. 1416 STCW Code, Chap. VIII
12. Use marine charts and nautical publications to plan and execute a voyage Knowledge of and ability to use marine charts, especially with regard to:

a) Abbreviations and symbols
b) Geographic coordinates

1. Use latitude and longitude to fix a position on the chart
2. Extract the latitude and longitude of a given position on the chart

c) The use of magnetic deviation and variation to convert compass bearings into true bearings and to calculate compass courses to be steered to follow a true course
d) Determining the position of the vessel on a chart by various means including:

1. Compass bearings
2. Visual ranges
3. Estimated position of the vessel according to its course and speed

e) Planning an charting a course to follow a given route
f) Determining the direction of a course drawn on a chart g) Properly measure distances on a chart
h) The course to steer to counteract the effect of winds and currents

- Ability to use and knowledge of the following marine publications:

a) Annual edition of notices to mariners
b) Tide tables
c) Radio aids to marine navigation
d) List of lights, buoys and fog signals

In addition, for a vessel ≥ 60T

- Knowledge of principles for constructing the various types of charts and their uses 		1MLW < 60T and a practical exercise on a marine chart 1MLW ≥ 60T or, if applicable to the vessel or area of operation, C/P 1 Coastal navigation manuals Chart # 1 of the Hydrographic Service The following nautical publications: Annual edition of Notices to Mariners Tide Tables Radio Aids to Marine Navigation List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals Sailing Directions
13. Use the magnetic compass for taking bearings and for steering - Knowledge of basic magnetic properties in relation to compasses and the Earth’s magnetic field
- Ability to steer using the compass
- Ability to take compass bearings
- Ability to use a deviation card or curve
- Ability to find the compass deviation

In addition, for a vessel ≥ 60T
- Ability to determine errors of the compass using terrestrial means, and to allow for such errors 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T or, if applicable to the vessel or area of operation, C/P 1 Navigation manuals Practical experience
14. Use the Canadian Buoyage System Knowledge of the Canadian buoyage system and ability to:

a) Identify buoys
b) Situate buoys in the lateral and cardinal system
c) Recognize the various buoy lights 		1MLW < 60T 1MLW ≥ 60T or, if applicable to the vessel or area of operation, C/P 1 Canadian Aids to Navigation (TP-968) Safe Boating Guide (TP-511)
15. Use radar for navigation safety - Knowledge of the basic principle of radar and its functioning:

a) Start-up procedure
b) Function and effect of main commands
c) Interpretation of the radar image

- Ability to use radar for positioning:

a) Identification of radar marks useful for navigation
b) Bearing-taking and distance measurement by radar

- Ability to use radar as an anti-collision device:

a) Evaluation of the risk of collision by observing radar bearings
b) Determining the approximate closest distance of approach
c) Effect of a change of heading or speed or both on the closest distance of approach 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T Training certificate from the SEN Limited course
16. Determine the positionof the vessel using electronic navigation aids Ability to correctly use all of the following instruments: GPS:

a) Starting procedure and functioning of the device
b) Correct use of data supplied by the instrument
c) Recognizing possible errors, lack of reliability and the need to double check

Loran C:

a) Starting procedure and functioning of the device
b) Correct use of data supplied by the instrument
c) Recognizing possible errors, lack of reliability and the need to double check

Echo sounder:

a) Starting procedure and functioning of the device
b) Correct use of data supplied by the instrument 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T Electronic navigation manuals Equipment instruction manuals Radio Aids to Marine Navigation Practical experience
17. Carry on radiocommunications - Knowledge of the categories of vessels on which a VHF transmitter-receiver is required
- Knowledge of Coast Guard radio stations and the services they provide
- Identify vessels required to report to the various Vessel Traffic Centres
- Knowledge of the publication Radio Aids to Marine Navigation
- The functioning and use of EPIRBs, if applicable
- Understanding of the use of MMSI number, if applicable
Use of sailing plans 		1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T Ship Station (Radio) Regulations 1999 Radio Aids to Marine Navigation Annual edition of Notices to Mariners Ship Safety Bulletin #4/95 Coast guard pamphlets
18. Carry out towing operations - Practical knowledge of towing, in particular:

a) Cables used for towing and their required length
b) The towing point
c) Towing bitts and hooks
d) The effect of the towing cable on the centre of gravity of the tug and on its stability
e) Events that may result in the capsizing of the tug
f) Different ways to instantly release the towing cable in an emergency
g) Taking and letting go the tow
h) The use of an emergency tow line 		1MLW ≥ 60T and 1MLO ≥ 60T 1MLW < 60T and 1MLO < 60T Practical experience Publications on the subject

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Date modified:
2010-01-21