mckeller

Was called in 5 minutes early and went through normal formalities. I did not recognise the examiner and there was another examiner in the corner observing. Discussed previous ships I had sailed on, cruise and yachts and then we began.

C/O on a bulker – discuss how you would oversee 2/O in planning a passage from Scotland to Newfoundland. I asked a few questions clarifying the nature of the voyage and then answered. I talked for about 15 minutes on everything. Left Ice and loadlines to the end and these were the points he was after.

Master on the bulker – you have just seen ice what are your actions. He wanted obligatory report.

Stand up and tell me about the magnetic compass? What checks would you make on it?

Master on this ferry (He handed me a model). She is twin screw, bow and stern thrusters and has a lot of power. Dock the vessel port side to on this berth and talk me through everything –

I berthed port side to on the left hand pier and used wind, ropes and propulsion to walk me round the corner. Practically difficult but the safest way I explained.

C/O on Bulker coming up for dry dock – how will you prepare? Another 15 – 20 mins on this.

You mentioned class – what survey is carried out for certificate of class? I did not know but instead of saying nothing I just talked about all of the certificates class usually do. I started talking about ACS and EAS and he stopped me.

Engine room fire – actions as C/O? I just thought about Safety of people, then the ship then environment. This was another lengthy answer.

Ok fire is out and tug has appeared – how will he tow you? All he wanted was Emergency towing booklet to be used. I talked about tanker ETAs also.
Tug has towed you to anchorage – who will you report to? MAIB and discussed that a bit.

How will you assist in the investigation when MAIB attend?

C/O on this supply boat – what certificates will she have? I went straight in with DG DOC and he was happy. Talked for 5 minutes on DGs and IMDG code but never had to get the books.

Back on your Bulker and you are in dry dock – tell me about cranes and cargo handling gear? What are you going to be doing with them in dry dock?

As C/O and SSO – how would you go about your security duties?

What certification would your SMS have?

You mention PMS earlier in the exam – the cause of your fire earlier was an engineer not following PMS but reporting it as done. Actions as Master?

At this point I was aware we were getting close to the end. I thought it was going well so just wanted the rules and buoys so it was over and done with. Don’t fuck the last bit up I was saying in my head.

He got a Dover straights chart out and put my bulker in the Eastbound TSS lane. He then placed a CBD I was overtaking, a SV crossing from starboard and a FV crossing from port. Discuss who is responsible and why?
Still in the lane – PDV ferry leaving Dover and crossing from port side – Actions?

Now on to smarty board –
Single red light
Anchored vessel probably over 50m seen from port side
NUC stopped

Now on to buoys – tell me everything about them
East cardinal mark – you are haeding east and see this, actions?
Region B preferred channel to starboard
Emergency wreck marking bouy

And that was it. In all the exam was very fair and the examiner would prompt you if there was something he was after you had not already given.

Cheers to GMA and the class!