Here are some simple tips to succeed and pass your MCA orals exam
MCA oral examiners last for 60 – 90 minutes, in that time the examiner can ask whatever question they want within the Orals Exam Syllabus. In my experience they keep to the syllabus but they generally have a standard set of questions. This is evident from previous MCA orals reports. Most of the questions on this website have stemmed from past MCA papers.
The past papers have allowed me to shape the questions to what the MCA have been asking, and predict what they will be potentially asking in the future.
Can I base my answers off previous exam questions?
Yes and no.
Yes because they are a brilliant starting point.
No because every vessel is different. A tanker cadets answer will be different to that off offshore supply vessel.
But remember, the MCA can ask any question from any ship type. My background has always been offshore supply / construction vessels. There are not many MCA examiners with that background. However, during my OOW Orals exam I was on a general cargo vessel which also did coal. Followed by my own ship for Chief Mates; however this exam focused on a complete voyage from A to B. The Masters exam was on a Container vessel.
Always read through as many previous orals reports as possible. The most recent the better as it shows what the ‘flavour of the month is’.
The easiest is to be well prepared for any questions.
How can I know what the flavour of the month is?
As above, get your hands on the latest Orals report for that location and others.
If the the MCA notice a decrease in knowledge in either exams, ship inspections or legislation either coming out soon or already out and naturally they will focus on it as it is a talking point and ensures you are staying up to date with the industry. In order to stay up to date keep an eye on the MCA homepage, the MAIB and IMO.
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Marine Accident Investigation Branch – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- International Maritime Organization (imo.org)
At the time of writing the MAIB and DMAIB (Danish) have published a 96 page document on the Application and Usability of ECDIS. This is a fine example of what to read before an exam and digesting it. Even if they don’t directly ask a question, if you are confident you can try and sway the conversation towards it.
Does Ship type experience really matter?
Again, the MCA can ask anything about anything within the syllabus. It is imperative to have a good sound knowledge of different vessel types. For most candidates they are going towards an Unlimited ticket with no restrictions. There is a large amount of vessel types out there! The examiners expect knowledge but not heavily in depth unless you have been on that vessel. They will also base the level of knowledge on your rank.
What you can do is understand the vessels & the basics and most importantly, find out where you will get more information.
This could be from the
- SMS (Safety Management System)
- Procedures and Arrangement Manual
- Cargo Stowage and Securing arrangement.
- Code of Safe Working Practices
- Etc etc
Is there an easy Exam Centre?
Depends on how much you have prepared! For a long time people said South Tyneside College was tough. My Chiefs and Masters were done in Southampton. I thought the exam was tough but fair and there were no curve balls thrown in there. I never came away feeling cheated or wronged but I put that down to heavy preparation hence the ever growing content levels!
Takeaway
Be prepared for any question
Keep up to date
Have a good level of knowledge
Know where to find answer