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100+ Free HK Coxswain Grade 3 Practice Questions

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Sample HK Coxswain Grade 3 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your HK Coxswain Grade 3 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Hong Kong Marine Department Examination Rules, what is the maximum length of local vessel (other than a pleasure vessel) that a Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate holder may command?
A.Not more than 15 m in length (and not more than 16.5 m length overall)
B.Not more than 10 m in length
C.Not more than 24 m in length
D.Any local Class I–III vessel without length limit
Explanation: A Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate authorises the holder to act as coxswain of a local vessel that is not a pleasure vessel, not more than 15 m in length, and not more than 16.5 m in length overall. Grade 2 covers vessels up to 24 m; Grade 3 is the entry-level local coxswain certificate.
2How many multiple-choice questions are in the Marine Department Coxswain Grade 3 written examination?
A.20 questions
B.30 questions
C.40 questions
D.50 questions
Explanation: Paragraph 6.1.1 of the Examination Rules for Local Certificates of Competency states that the Coxswain Grade 3 examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. The time allowed is 50 minutes and the passing mark is 60%.
3What is the official passing mark for the Coxswain Grade 3 written examination?
A.50%
B.70%
C.60%
D.80%
Explanation: The Examination Rules set the Coxswain Grade 3 passing mark at 60%. By contrast, the Coxswain Grade 2 practical chart-work paper uses a 70% pass mark.
4How much time is allowed for the Coxswain Grade 3 written examination?
A.30 minutes
B.45 minutes
C.90 minutes
D.50 minutes
Explanation: Paragraph 6.1.1 allows 50 minutes for the 30-question Coxswain Grade 3 written paper. The examination may be delivered on an interactive computer system.
5What is the maximum permitted speed in the entrance to or within a Hong Kong typhoon shelter?
A.5 knots
B.3 knots
C.8 knots
D.10 knots
Explanation: Under Cap. 313A and Cap. 548F, the maximum permitted speed in the entrance to or within a typhoon shelter is 5 knots. Speeding in a typhoon shelter can attract a fine of HK$5,000 for the coxswain.
6For a motor vessel about 12–13 m long navigating in the central part of Victoria Harbour (Speed Limit Zone A), what is the typical maximum permitted speed published for vessels of 60 m or less?
A.5 knots
B.10 knots
C.8 knots
D.15 knots
Explanation: In Zone A (central Victoria Harbour), vessels of 60 metres or less are limited to 10 knots, while vessels over 60 metres are limited to 8 knots. A Grade 3-sized craft therefore falls under the 10-knot limit in Zone A.
7In Speed Limit Zone C of Victoria Harbour waters (major western fairways such as Western Fairway, Kap Shui Mun Fairway, Ma Wan Fairway and the northern East Lamma Channel), what maximum speed applies to all vessels?
A.5 knots
B.8 knots
C.15 knots
D.10 knots
Explanation: Zone C covers major western fairways where a maximum speed of 15 knots is imposed on all vessels. Coxswains must still keep a safe speed under COLREG Rule 6 even when below that statutory ceiling.
8In many Marine Department Group 1 speed-restricted recreational zones (A1–A11 and L1), what maximum speed applies between 8 a.m. and midnight on Saturdays, public holidays, or any day from 1 April to 31 October?
A.3 knots
B.8 knots
C.15 knots
D.5 knots
Explanation: Group 1 speed-restricted zones (A1–A11 and L1) have a 5-knot limit between 8 a.m. and midnight on Saturdays, public holidays, or any day from 1 April to 31 October inclusive. Coxswains should check charts and Cap. 313A Schedule 18 for zone boundaries.
9When the Ma Wan Channel traffic-light warning signal is shown — three red lights in a vertical line occulting every 8 seconds — what should restricted small vessels do?
A.Wait in the designated Waiting Area(s) until the warning signal is turned off
B.Proceed at full speed through Ma Wan Fairway before large ships arrive
C.Anchor in the middle of Ma Wan Fairway
D.Ignore the lights if VHF Channel 16 is quiet
Explanation: Three signal masts warn of restricted movement through Ma Wan. When the warning (three vertical red lights occulting every 8 seconds) is shown, vessels restricted for movement must wait in designated Waiting Areas until the signal is extinguished, and follow Vessel Traffic Centre instructions.
10Which VHF channel should vessels equipped with VHF keep a listening watch on when transiting the Ma Wan Marine Traffic Control area?
A.Channel 06
B.Channel 14
C.Channel 12 only
D.Channel 16 only
Explanation: The Ma Wan Marine Traffic Control system, call sign MARDEP, operates on VHF Channel 14. Vessels with VHF should keep a listening watch on Channel 14 when transiting the area and follow VTC instructions.

About the HK Coxswain Grade 3 Exam

The Local Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate of Competency is the Marine Department entry-level local-vessel coxswain ticket for non-pleasure craft up to 15 m (16.5 m overall). The written syllabus covers Hong Kong local knowledge and pilotage (sheltered waters, fairways/TSS, speed limits, restricted areas, public piers, Ma Wan traffic lights, environmental rules, accident reporting, buoyage and storm signals), COLREGs as applied in Hong Kong traffic, and seamanship with basic engine knowledge including emergencies, stability and LPG safety.

Assessment

Written competency examination of 30 multiple-choice questions aligned to Chapter 7.1 Local Knowledge and Pilotage, COLREGs, and Seamanship and Basic Engine Knowledge (Examination Rules for Local Certificates of Competency, June 2025 Edition). The paper may be conducted on an interactive computer system. Candidates unable to attempt the written paper through illiteracy may take an oral form with acceptable evidence and may be required to undergo a practical boat test at the Director's discretion. The certificate authorises command of non-pleasure local vessels not more than 15 m in length and not more than 16.5 m length overall, subject to eligibility in Chapter 3.1.

Time Limit

50 minutes for the written examination.

Passing Score

60%.

Exam Fee

Schedule 1: HK$660 (written) or HK$1,140 (oral). Fees include certificate issue on pass. Confirm the current Schedule 1 figure with the Marine Department. (Marine Department of Hong Kong)

HK Coxswain Grade 3 Exam Content Outline

40%

Local Knowledge and Pilotage

Sheltered waters, fairways/TSS, harbour and shelter speed limits, restricted areas, piers, Ma Wan lights, environment, accidents, signals, buoyage and storms.

30%

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Lights/shapes, lookout and safe speed, risk of collision, steering rules, restricted visibility, sound signals and distress.

30%

Seamanship and Basic Engine Knowledge

Mooring, MOB, large-vessel dangers, engine checks/instruments, fuel/battery/steering, emergencies, LSA, stability and LPG.

How to Pass the HK Coxswain Grade 3 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 60%.
  • Assessment: Written competency examination of 30 multiple-choice questions aligned to Chapter 7.1 Local Knowledge and Pilotage, COLREGs, and Seamanship and Basic Engine Knowledge (Examination Rules for Local Certificates of Competency, June 2025 Edition). The paper may be conducted on an interactive computer system. Candidates unable to attempt the written paper through illiteracy may take an oral form with acceptable evidence and may be required to undergo a practical boat test at the Director's discretion. The certificate authorises command of non-pleasure local vessels not more than 15 m in length and not more than 16.5 m length overall, subject to eligibility in Chapter 3.1.
  • Time limit: 50 minutes for the written examination.
  • Exam fee: Schedule 1: HK$660 (written) or HK$1,140 (oral). Fees include certificate issue on pass. Confirm the current Schedule 1 figure with the Marine Department.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

HK Coxswain Grade 3 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn Victoria Harbour Zones A/B/C and the 5-knot typhoon-shelter limit from the MD Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge guidebook — speed and Ma Wan traffic-light items appear constantly in Grade 3 prep.
2Drill COLREG Rules 5–8, 13–15, 17–19 and 34–35 with Hong Kong fairway examples (keep clear of large ships; do not impede in narrow channels).
3Memorise exam-day logistics: 30 MCQs, 50 minutes, 60% pass, CBT possible, Schedule 1 fees HK$660 written / HK$1,140 oral — then confirm the live MD schedule, MD 818 medical fitness and recognised-course requirements before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Hong Kong Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate allow you to do?

Under the Examination Rules for Local Certificates of Competency, a Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate certifies that the holder may act as coxswain of a local vessel that is not a pleasure vessel, not more than 15 m in length, and not more than 16.5 m in length overall.

How many questions, how long, and what is the pass mark?

The written Coxswain Grade 3 examination has 30 multiple-choice questions, lasts 50 minutes, and the passing mark is 60%. It may be conducted with an interactive computer system (Examination Rules, June 2025 Edition, para. 6.1.1).

What is the examination fee?

Schedule 1 of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Local Certificates of Competency) Rules lists HK$660 for the written examination and HK$1,140 for the oral examination route for Coxswain Grade 3. Those fees include issue of the certificate if you pass. Confirm the current Schedule 1 amount with the Marine Department before you apply.

What topics does this free practice bank cover?

This bank has 100 multiple-choice questions mapped to Chapter 7.1 of the official syllabus: Local Knowledge and Pilotage (about 40%), COLREGs as applied in Hong Kong traffic (about 30%), and Seamanship and Basic Engine Knowledge (about 30%). Official percentage weights are not published, so practice weights follow syllabus-section density.