What is in the Master Code Vessels less than 200GT and Officer of the Watch Yachts less than 500GT oral exam syllabus?

The MCA oral exam is broad and you are expected to give answers based on the rank you are being examined for (e.g. Master or Officer of the Watch) and the type of vessel you are on, such as a workboat, pilot boat or yacht.

So what exactly are you expected to know for your MCA orals?

Passage planning, chartwork and position fixing

You will be expected to be able to describe to the examiner how to plan a passage, using the APEM principle, as well as describe the use of nautical publications such as light lists, tide tables and navigational warnings.

Candidates are expected to know all buoys, including their uses, lights and top marks for both IALA region A and B, including preferred channel marks.

Candidates also need to be aware of how to use electronic charts, radar and ARPA and be aware of their limitations.

Oral exam candidates should also be able to describe to the examiner how to fix the ship’s position on a chart from a range of methods for near coastal and open water passages, as well well as convert compass courses using deviation and variation.

Finding a tide is also required for both European and Pacific Standard and Secondary ports.

Maintaining a safe navigational watch

Candidates need to demonstrate understanding of how to keep a safe navigational watch, both at sea and at anchor that is line with the requirements of the STCW Code A-VIII and the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.

You’ll be expected to be able to apply the COLREGS in all navigational situations, identify lights and shapes and understand how to use all bridge equipment. This includes the use of the autopilot.

All candidates should know when the Master should be called to the Bridge and the principles for handing over and taking over the watch at sea and at anchor.

Manoeuvring

Candidates should be able to describe to the examiner the preparations for before proceeding to sea and before entering a harbour, as well as before berthing alongside jetties, other ships and buoys.

Candidates are expected to have a solid understanding of helm orders, how to conn the ship and the use of the propellers for manoeuvring. The examiner can also ask about preparations and how to anchor a vessel.

The examiner may ask about emergencies such as the failure of the bridge control, telegraph or steering gear.

Meteorology

Orals candidates should be able to interpret a synoptic chart and be able to predict the weather at a specified location.

The use of meteorological instruments can also be tested.

Emergencies and distress signals

The examiner can question you on what to do in the event of:

• A man overboard
• Grounding
• Collision
• Flooding
• Mechanical damage
• Pollution incidents

Candidates should be able to describe the different distress signals and how to use the EPIRB and SART.

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate an understanding of how to use GMDSS equipment.

You should also be able to describe the use and care of fire fighting appliances and life saving equipment that would commonly be found on the type of vessel you are sitting your exam for (e.g. workboat or yacht).

Candidates should also know about basic survival skills.

Pollution prevention

The examiner can ask you about the pollution prevention requirements, both in port and at sea, as well as the actions to take if a pollution prevention incident occurred.

You should understand how garbage should be managed on board and how garbage and oil should be disposed of.

Seaworthiness of the vessel

Candidates must understand how to keep a ship seaworthy. You must understand what makes a ship stable and unstable and the effect of actions such as raising and lowering weights, having a low freeboard and slack tanks has on a vessel.

Candidates should also be able to describe how the vessel should be prepared for heavy weather.

Business and law

All candidates should have a sound working knowledge of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers and understand how it applies to their vessel.

Candidates studying for the Master Code Vessels less than 200GT should be familiar with the contents of the Small Vessels Commercial Code and those studying for their OOW Yachts less than 500GT need to be familiar with the Large Yacht Code, however, you can be questioned on both Codes. Ensure you are revising from the most current version of each Code!

You should be able to describe the requirements for musters and drills for a fire, abandon ship and other emergency drills.

Candidates should also be able to state the required hours of work and rest under STCW and when a crew agreement is required.

The other topic that candidates may be questioned on is the laws of salvage.

A broad knowledge required

Most candidates are surprised by how broad the syllabus actually is. That’s why we’ve built a complete learning platform covering every subject area in one place, with notes, videos, quizzes and visual learning tools designed specifically for oral exam preparation.

Frequently asked questions

What subjects are assessed for Master Code Vessels less than 200GT and Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 500GT)?

⚓ Passage Planning

🗺 Chartwork & Position Fixing

🌦 Meteorology

📚 Business & Law

🚢 Maintaining a Safe Navigational Watch

🚨 Emergency Response

↔️ Manoeuvring

📖 COLREGs

🛟 Seaworthiness

How can I study for my oral exam?

It’s entirely up to you! We would always suggest that you get familiar with the topics in a way that suits your learning style. We have had oral exam candidates make flash cards, voice notes and just normal notes to study, it’s entirely up to yourself.

Is the platform enough to study from?

The platform contains all the theory that you need to pass part A and part B of your MCA orals. It does not however contain individual mock orals practice and is intended as a self study tool. If you’d like a little more support or a mock oral, we can provide this at an additional cost.

Can this be used to help me pass part A of the orals?

Yes it can, it contains all theory required by the syllabus so you will know that you have covered all topics that could come up in both part A and part B of your MCA orals.

Can I get individual tuition to prepare me for my orals?

Yes, we offer individual mock orals to help you identify any weak areas, receive feedback on your performance and to help you gain confidence and clarity.

How much does the platform cost?

It costs £24.99 a month, with no minimum contract so you can sign up for however long you would like.

How do I sign up for the platform?

If you wish to sign up, please use this link and the content will be automatically unlocked after payment.