Preparing for a near coastal oral examination

Resources and advice on how to prepare for your oral exam.

This information is for seafarers applying for:

Master <45m
Master <100m
Marine Engine Driver (MED) Grade 1
Engineer Class 3

Prepare for the exam

(1) Read the exam checklist

Download your exam checklist:

The checklist tells you which topics we might ask you about in the exam. Each topic is marked with A, B, or C. These letters tell you:

how critical each topic is in the exam, and
the level of knowledge you will need to have on that topic.

Letter	Expectation
A	These questions are safety-critical and required to pass your exam.
B	Thorough operational knowledge.
C	General knowledge.

Your knowledge on a topic must also be in line with the qualification you’re applying for. E.g. a Master <100m must understand how the legislation that applies to vessels up to 100m and a Master <45m must know the legislation applies to vessels up to 45m.

Use the checklist as a study map. Tick off each topic as you revise, and keep in mind the letter assigned to each topic.

(2) Check the course syllabus

After looking at the checklist, download the course syllabus:

Review the Standards for evaluating competence column. You should feel confident that you can show your understanding in line with these standards.

(3) Think about your sea service

Think of examples from your sea service that relate to each topic. When have you applied your knowledge in practice, and what lessons have you learned?

Be ready to explain what you actually did in situations (anchoring, emergencies, handling passengers, etc.).

An examiner will always appreciate if you reference your practical experience in your answers.

(4) Study your knowledge gaps

If you came across any topics in the checklist or syllabus that you don’t feel confident with, take steps to improve your understanding.

This may mean:

revisiting your course materials
contacting your RTO
visiting an operational vessel
talking to a mentor.

(5) Practice answering questions out loud

You must be able to explain what you know about a topic during the exam. Practice this skill ahead of the oral examination.

You’ll need to apply critical thinking to test scenarios, this means explaining:

what you know in theory and from experience
how you would approach a given situation in practice.

Use a structured approach: state the action, explain why, then link to rule/procedure.

If you don’t know the answer to a question, explain where you would look to find that information.

Consider recording your answers and listening back so you can hear what the examiner will hear.

Advice from our examiners

“Make full use of the checklist as a structured preparation tool. It’s specifically designed to identify the key knowledge areas and skills expected at each level. Go through the checklist item by item and assess whether you can confidently explain or apply each point in an oral exam setting.”

“Wherever possible, I encourage group study, as it tends to enhance both understanding and communication skills .”

“We need to see demonstration of their trade. Technical knowledge that is underpinned by a grasp of the enabling legislation. Then if you get into trouble you can roll back to the printed word, reset and untangle yourself. We expect to see book work matched with practical application and critical thinking.”

“It’s not enough to just memorise. Candidates will need to understand, apply, and explain their knowledge confidently.”

”Don’t rush your answers. Pause, think, and then respond clearly. If you’re unsure, explain what you would check (SMS, charts, manuals, etc.).”

“Revise often, cramming knowledge in 2 weeks for an oral exam is rarely successful.”

Example questions

Select the certificate you are applying for to see some examples of questions you could be asked in the exam. The questions in each exam vary.

Which certificate are you applying for?

Master <45m

1. What certificates are required to take a DCV to sea? How do you know if they are valid? Where would you find the requirements?

2. As the master of a vessel, how do you expect your watchkeepers to maintain a bridge watch in your absence?

3. What limitations do electronic charts present, and how can you manage those limitations as Master?

4. What information would you find in a stability book, what is its purpose, and what would you do if the vessel has been modified since the book was written?

5. What checks or considerations would you take into account when using lifting gear on your vessel?

6. What factors would you consider when selecting and using an anchorage?

Master <100m

1. What certificates are required to take a DCV to sea? How do you know if they are valid? Where would you find the requirements?

2. As the master of a vessel, how do you expect your watchkeepers to maintain a bridge watch in your absence?

3. What limitations do electronic charts present, and how can you manage those limitations as Master?

4. What information would you find in a stability book, what is its purpose, and what would you do if the vessel has been modified since the book was written?

5. What checks or considerations would you take into account when using lifting gear on your vessel?

6. What factors would you consider when selecting and using an anchorage?

Marine Engine Driver Grade 1

1. Gauge glass blowdown. Why there is 2 glasses and describe safety features.

2. What causing the high exhaust temperature on one of the cylinders? What other consequences of leaking g pump or fuel injector?

3. Purpose of non-return valve of high-pressure pump and what happened if it is not holding?

4. List/Explain safeties during the working on ship electrical systems. What is RCD and purpose?

Engineer Class 3