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Select the certificate you are applying for. We will show the syllabus and examiner checklist for that oral exam.
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What happens in an oral exam
During the oral exam, an examiner will ask questions based on the knowledge and skills required for your certificate.
You may be asked to:
- explain how you would respond to a situation
- describe examples from your sea service
- explain why you made particular decisions
- refer to relevant legislation, procedures or guidance.
The examiner is assessing how you apply your knowledge, not whether you can memorise information.
What examiners assess
The oral exam assesses how you apply your knowledge, not just what you remember.
You need to show that you can:
- apply knowledge safely in real situations
- make sound decisions
- explain what you would do and why
- use relevant legislation, procedures and guidance to support your answer.
Getting ready for your exam
Before you book your oral exam, make sure you have:
- gathered resources for your study
- used the examiner checklist to plan your study
- studied the syllabus and standards for competence
- prepared examples from your sea service
- practised clear spoken answers.
Don't treat the exam as a practice run
You should only book your exam when you are ready to show you can apply your knowledge safely in real situations.
- (1) Use the checklist and syllabus to study
Use the examiner checklist as your study plan. It shows the topics you need to understand and the level of knowledge expected for each topic.
Use the ratings to decide how much time to spend on each topic. Spend the most time on A-rated topics because they cover safety-critical knowledge you must demonstrate to pass.
Rating What it means A Safety-critical knowledge. You must demonstrate competence in these topics to pass. B Thorough operational knowledge. C General knowledge. The syllabus lists the knowledge and skills you will be assessed against. Pay close attention to the standards examiners use to assess competence for your certificate.
Before your exam, make sure you can explain:
- the required knowledge
- how you would apply that knowledge in practice
- the rules, procedures or guidance that support your decisions.
Work through each topic and note anything you need to revise before you book. Your knowledge must match the level of certificate you are applying for.
- (2) Prepare examples from your sea service
Examiners may ask how you have applied your knowledge in real situations.
Think about examples from your own sea service, such as:
- navigation
- vessel operations
- emergencies
- passenger management
- engineering operations
- maintenance
- watchkeeping.
For each example, be ready to explain:
- what happened
- what you did
- why you made those decisions
- what happened as a result
- what you learned.
Practical examples help show that you can apply your knowledge, not just recall information.
- (3) Review topics you aren't confident in
Spend more time studying any topic you are not confident in before you book.
You could:
- revisit your course materials
- contact your registered training organisation
- speak with an experienced mentor
- visit an operational vessel
- review relevant legislation and guidance.
Good preparation can help you avoid repeat exam fees, delays in getting back to or starting work and longer waits for another exam booking.
- (4) Practise spoken answers
Practise answering questions out loud. This helps you structure your response and explain your reasoning clearly.
When you practise, explain:
- what you would do
- why you would do it
- what legislation, procedure or guidance supports your decision.
If you do not know an answer, say so, but explain where you would find the information.
This could include:
- the vessel’s safety management system
- Marine Orders
- charts
- operating manuals
- manufacturer’s instructions.
Practising with a colleague, mentor or trainer can help you improve the clarity and structure of your answers.
- (5) Check if you are ready to book
Book your oral exam when you are ready to show that you can apply your knowledge safely in real situations.
Do not treat the exam as a practice run.
Before you book, make sure you can:
- explain the key topics in your syllabus
- apply your knowledge to practical situations
- give examples from your sea service
- explain why you would take a particular action
- refer to relevant legislation, procedures or guidance
- answer questions clearly out loud.
Find out how to book your oral exam.