§ MR. GOURLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, If the Circular recently issued relative to the examination and granting of Certificates of Competency to registered masters or owners, registered as masters of pleasure yachts, is in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act; and, if not, if it is his intention to introduce a Bill to legalize the granting of Certificates to those who qualify themselves for examination in conformity with the Circular?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYSir, the Merchant Shipping Act of 1854 provides for the examinations and certificates 854 of competency of masters and mates of foreign-going ships and home-trade passenger ships, for which the Board of Trade lays down rules. Masters of yachts being owners as well have voluntarily submitted themselves to examination as to competency, and a special certificate has been very usefully given, entitling the holder only to command his own yacht, whether foreign-going or only cruising within home limits. The fee for such examination is £2, and in all respects, so far as applicable to yachts, the regulations for examination are the same as for merchant ships.
§ MR. GOURLEYIs the Certificate granted by the Board of Trade a legal one?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYIt is with respect to merchant ships, and is so also with regard to yachts.