The pupils are admitted on examination in the elementary studies, physical ability, and aptitude for sea-service.
The course in the best schools embraces, besides a review of the elementary branches, a knowledge of geography, especially of the climate and products of different countries; mathematics, including trigonometry, nautical astronomy, practical use of instruments at sea, and the calculation of latitude and longitude, a knowledge of the code of signals, the laws of storms and tides, mercantile laws and usages, and practice in letter-writing, keeping the ship’s books, and chart-drawing.
Opportunities of practice are secured on vessels in port, in coasters, and even long voyages to the West and East Indies.
Ability to hold the rank of mates depends on the results of the final examination, and promotion from one position to a higher depends on successive examinations, after leaving the schools.
The statistics of attendance at these schools in 1867 were as follow:
Rotterdam, 133 pupils; Leyden, 87; Amsterdam, 87; Amsterdam, 18; Harlingen, 59; Nes, 19; Schiermonnikoog, 84; Vundam, 37; Groningen, 85; Delfzye, 68; Nautical section of the Groningen Academy, 39.
Footnote for Part IV (Bavaria, Saxony, Holland)
[1] Document.
Bericht über (report on) die Kgl. Turnlehrer Bildungsanstalt, von Dr. Kloss, 1864, pp. 34, (with a representation of the grounds and buildings.)