[esailor Team]

Master Unlimited
Examiner: Michele Moro (Cardiff)
Candidate: T Bukowicki
Exam Time: 45mins
Started with 10 mins of conversation regarding last vessel and where I had worked, as well as routing and information on the company. He informed me that the exam was recorded, and it would last for 3 months, then be deleted. He also had a look around the room with the camera.
I am from LNG vessels, he had LNG inspection experience from Milford Haven, but in the exam was very broad brush and did not specify which vessel I was on when questioning. So, I put myself on an LNG carrier and based my answers around that. He was very much looking for key words and triggers to the correct answer, even with open ended questions. Take charge and be direct, when answering I used a lot of “as master” and delegate where needed.

1) What is ISM and how does it affect your vessel?
a. Masters Responsibilities according to ISM?
b. What are the Certification requirements regarding ISM for the vessel?
2) MARPOL Annex 6, what is it?
a. What certificates are associated with Annex 6?
b. What information would you expect to find on a IAPP?
3) Do you know any Certification systems that the UK uses?
a. Why does the UK use these systems what is the purpose?
b. Difference between ACSS & EASS?
c. Why is EASS more stringent?
d. Requirements for joining EASS?
e. What are the certificates kept by flag for both?
f. How does the Instrument of Appointment work?
4) Engineers have finished Bunkering, what would you expect to happen?
a. Bunker note & and what is on the bunker note?
5) How would you take over a new build vessel?
a. How would you ensure that the SMS was implemented onboard?
b. If the vessel is a new type what does the company need to do?
c. How does the SMC work with a New Build Vessel? Interim SMC
d. How long is the Interim SMC valid for?
6) A new Officer joins the vessel, what documents would you expect to find?
a. You mentioned ENG1 or equivalent what does that mean? (EU or Commonwealth ticket accepted by the MCA)
b. Flag State Endorsement, what is it?
7) One of the crew comes to you and complains of Bullying from the CO, what are you going to do?
a. Are you going to involve anyone (outside of the 2 persons involved and yourself in the issue)
b. If someone is being bullied what are your options? (Informal, Formal, Warnings, where to write it. Training options, new Harassment and Bullying requirements for PSSR)
c. Would you raise it to anyone else?
d. If the individual or CO is not happy with your investigation, the company response. What is the highest levels that the individual can raise the issue to?
i. Flag State.
8) On Coastal Passage, the Chief Engineer calls you up and informs you that you have had ME failure, what are your actions?
9) At sea a piece of equipment that is necessary for your operation failed. How would you deal with this situation?
a. Who to contact? (Company, Flag, Class)
b. What makes the decision (possible made by company), that class and flag should be notified?
10) Approach to anchorage. 15m of Water. Tide 1Kts from the North, wind 10kts from East. 1 Vessel already at anchor (they have stbd anchor lying 2 O’clock Long Stay.
a. How many shackles would you put out and calculation.
b. Which Anchor would you use.
c. Which direction and how would you carry out the approach.
11) TSS: SV, FV in the TSS, Vessel crossing from port. Vessel on starboard side same speed.
a. FV not engaged in FV, what does this mean?
b. What is the definition of a FV
12) Buoyage channel, 090 against the flow of traffic. S Cardinal, Isolated Danger. Preferred Channel Marker (Make sure you ask where you are coming from Primary or Secondary?)

The exam was very ISM heavy, I cannot remember all the questions, but these cover the main points.
He was extremely polite but focused, he was relaxed and asked how I was. Then told me the exam had ended and I had passed. We then had a chat about Port State control White flag/ Black Flag, the condition of the UK flag and how the 70/80s idea of Flag of convenience was dying with a lot of company systems being very similar. Then had a discussion on how to get the UK flag tonnage to increase, because with a lot of companies in the UK. Very few use the UK flag. This conversation honestly lasted almost as long as the exam.

Learn a little about a lot. Use key words associated to questions. Do not waffle, he isn’t listening. Practise questions, plenty of Mocks, good preparation and after class joint study is the only way to pass. It is an Exam in MCA land, first impressions count. Use experience and stories to support your point.

[Author]

Posts