Oral Exam Questions for Class 1 (Master) – Deck

Advice

When answering oral questions the candidate should bear in mind that he is now
appearing for his Master’s oral examinations, therefore he is expected to handle all
situations onboard.
He is certainly expected to know all operational functions of the vessel in relation to
cargo, maintenance, stability, etc. Even though the topic for master’s oral is wide, the
examiners in particular are concern mainly in the candidate’s knowledge on ship
master’s business, i.e. the commercial aspect; the international conventions,
regulations, codes that are in force. The master candidate should be familiar and
knowledgeable in all the above areas, and most important he should keep himself
updated with the current international conventions and regulations that are going to be
enforced, especially on the type of vessel he is trading on.

Another important tip is to listen to the question and answer it fully. If you do not
understand the question seek for clarification; do not assume as you might provide the
wrong answer, which would unfortunately create a wrong impression.

As a master candidate you are also expected to appear confident and give your answer
in a clear and decisive manner. You are the company’s representative onboard; hence
what the examiners is gauging when listening to you, is whether you have the ability
to command a vessel.

The following are some of the usual questions that are asked.

1. How will you take command of a general cargo vessel?

As you can see from the question that it is totally a ship master’s
business question. The major and first portion of your answer will have
to cover your knowledge on signing-on procedures, vessel’s registry,
articles of agreement, port regulations in relation to port state control
requirements; any new conventions that might affect the ship; all the
official documents that the ship is required to carry in order for her to be
seaworthy.

You will also describe your company safety management systems which
have set procedures in taking over the vessel.

After completing the commercial aspect and regulatory requirement of

taking over, you will now request from the handing over master the
current operational status and details of the vessel’s cargo, engine and
crew. In addition, time permitting you will inspect the vessel with the
handing over master.

As master, your answers should be command type; therefore, do not go

into the details of operational matters.