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EXAMINATION OF MASTERS AND MATES Examinations have been held in Auckland and. Wellington on statutory days, and on occasions special examinations have been held where candidates from overseas ships are unable to attend on the regular days. The examinations have been conducted in a satisfactory manner and, in case of Foreign-going Certificates, in accordance with the requirements of the Imperial Ministry of Transport. The number of examinations, 140, is an increase of 6 on the figures for last year, and it is to be expected that the normal number will be reached in the near future. The passes and failures are as follows : Foreign-going Certificates— p er c en t. Full pass .. .. .. .. . . .. 54 Partial pass .. .. .. . .. 30 • 4 Partial failure .. .. .. .. .. 2-6 Failure .. .. .. .. .. 13 Home-trade Certificates — Full pass .. .. .. .. .. .. 65 • 1 Partial pass .. .. .. .. .. 20*9 Partial failure .. .. . . .. .. 2*3 Failure .. .. .. .. .. .. 11*7 Examinations in sight tests during the year amounted to 91, of whom 85 passed. " NEW ZEALAND NAUTICAL ALMANAC " AND TIDE TABLES This publication for 1948 (forty-sixth edition) was published in time for circulation before the beginning of the year. In co-operation with the various Harbour Boards, every effort is made to keep the port information and harbour plans up to date and to maintain it during the year by notices to mariners. New plans of Napier, Otago Harbour, Wellington, and Manukau provided by the local Boards appear in this year's edition of the Almanac. This publication is becoming increasingly popular with the general public, so much so that the entire stock was sold out in three months. RADIO REGULATIONS The revision of the Radio Regulations for ship installations has been further delayed until the deliberations of the London Conference have been finalized. COMPASSES The regulations for ships' compasses have been carefully administered, and compasses have been maintained in a good state of efficiency. AIR-SEA RESCUE SERVICE An inspection of craft covered by Wellington Control suitable for air-sea rescue service was made by the Supervisor of Small Craft and a representative of the Air Department. Owners of craft were interviewed and arrangements made for requisition should such be necessary. The area covered included Plimmerton, Paekakariki, and New Plymouth on the west coast, and Opotiki, Gisborne, Napier, Wairoa, Cape Turnagain, and Castlepoint on the east coast. The air-sea rescue can be swung into action at short notice should assistance to craft in distress be required.

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