ORAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONAIRE FOR CERTIICATE OF COMPETENCY
MASTERS AND CHIEF MATES ON SHIPS OF 500 GROSS TONNAGE OR MORE
Notes to Candidates:
It should be noted that the following is not a fully detailed list of orals questions, but a list of
topics about which candidates are expected to have adequate knowledge, and is provided for
the guidance of candidates only
The Examiner may ask any questions relevant to the following topic areas, and/or ask the
candidate to provide answers in diagrammatic form, or to complete simple calculations, to the
extent necessary to test the candidates competency in the managerial, operational and safety
aspects related to the duties of the grade of certificate applied for.
Candidates for both Masters and Chief Mates grade of certificate can be asked questions from
all sections listed, however the focus of the questions and the assessment, will be related to the
main management responsibilities and shipboard duties involved in the certificate being
applied for.
As this syllabus also incorporates the syllabus for lower grade certificates, the Examiner may
ask questions related to those lower grade certificates as it effects the overall safe operation of
the vessel.
Candidates should note that they may be required to demonstrate their proficiency in RADAR
plotting and chart-work.
During the examination, candidates will be required to demonstrate that they possess an
adequate knowledge and understanding in the use of the English language.
Section 1 - Management of Regulatory and Ships Administration
Knowledge of ship inspection and survey programs and the roll of Port State control and Flag
State Control Officers
Knowledge of a ships certification, documentation and records.
Knowledge of classification societies, classification and surveys of ships and equipment.
Knowledge of appropriate Georgian legislation, statutory requirements, including the ISM
Code and the application thereof.
Knowledge of relevant International Codes and Conventions and the application thereof.
Ship administration duties, shipmasters business and carriage of goods by sea
Joining a vessel and the responsibilities and duties of shipboard personnel
Section 2 - STCW Standards of Watch-keeping
Principals to be observed in keeping a watch in port, on the bridge watch at sea, at anchor and
under pilotage.
Voyage planning berth to berth
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ORAL EXAMINATION MASTERS AND CHIEF MATES
Bridge resource management
Protection of the marine environment
Section 3 - Bridge Equipment
Knowledge of the different types of bridge and navigation equipment, along with the
operation, testing, errors and precautions associated with the use of such equipment.
Section 4 - Navigation, Charts and Publications
Maintenance and practical knowledge of nautical publications and charts.
Knowledge of ship reporting systems and the promulgation of all relevant maritime safety
information.
Knowledge of the use of charts and interpretation of charted information, including the
general principles of voyage planning.
Knowledge of all aspects of practical navigation and obtaining tidal information required by
senior management shipboard personnel
Section 5 - Stress and Stability
Practical knowledge and use of all relevant sources of information to safely load a vessel and
assess a vessels stability condition, trim and list.
Principles of ship stability.
Knowledge of Load lines and seasonal zones, drafts and the effects of changes in water density.
Knowledge of the different types of shipboard stresses and means of reducing such stresses.
Management of free surface effects.
Section 6 - Cargo Work
Knowledge of Georgian and international legislation, and detailed knowledge of the
requirements, relating to the carriage, stowage, securing, loading and unloading of cargoes on
various types of vessels.
Knowledge of typical cargo handling equipment found on various types of vessels.
Knowledge of all aspects on confined space entry
Knowledge of the carriage of dangerous goods
Section 7 - Ship Handling
Knowledge of maneuvering techniques, principles and characteristics for the main ship types,
and their propulsion systems.
Knowledge of the safe principles of mooring and unmooring, anchoring and heaving to
Knowledge of the use of tugs and anchors
Knowledge of interaction and other factors affecting maneuvering in narrow channels and
shallow water
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ORAL EXAMINATION MASTERS AND CHIEF MATES
Knowledge of the principles for the safe embarking and disembarking of a pilot, and launch
and recovery of rescue craft
Management of vessel in adverse weather and the effect of wave impact on a vessel, the effect
of adverse weather on various ship operations involving maneuvering
Section 8 - Prevention of Pollution
Knowledge of International legislation in relation to pollution
Safe management principles of all relevant shipboard precautions to prevent pollution.
Knowledge of the actions to be taken in event of a pollution incident
Knowledge of bunkering precautions
Section 9 - Emergency Situations / Response and Equipment
Knowledge of contemporary safety issues, reports and papers, affecting the maritime industry
Management level response to various shipboard emergency situations both in port and at sea
Principles of damage control and salvage
Obligations to render assistance and in sending emergency signals
Knowledge of the safe management of helicopter operations
Knowledge of the safe principles of towing operations
Section 10 - Dry Docking
Preparations for docking and undocking including stability issues
Precautions and dangers whilst in dock
Management of OH & S issues in dock
Section 11 - Search and Rescue
Knowledge of search and rescue publications, procedures, communications and equipment
Knowledge of survival techniques
Section 12 - Essential Shipboard Equipment and Machinery
Knowledge of the operation of various types of shipboard firefighting and lifesaving
equipment, together with an understanding of the associated safety aspects and precautions
related to operation of such equipment.
Operation, maintenance and inspection requirements of essential shipboard equipment and
machinery
Management and organization of statutory drills.
Knowledge of all factors affecting the watertight integrity of the ship
Knowledge of correct operation of on load release gear for survival craft
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ORAL EXAMINATION MASTERS AND CHIEF MATES
Section 13 - Collision Avoidance and Buoyage
The application and content of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Collision avoidance
Knowledge of the internationally adopted system of buoyage.
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ORAL EXAMINATION MASTERS AND CHIEF MATES
