Every year, capable mariners fail their MCA oral exams not because they lack sea time or knowledge, but because of avoidable mistakes during the examination. At CM Marine, we’ve helped hundreds of candidates prepare for their OOW, Chief Mate, and Master exams, and we’ve identified the most common pitfalls that cost mariners their certificates.
If you’re preparing for your oral exam, learning from others’ mistakes is just as important as building your knowledge. Here are the five errors that fail candidates most often—and exactly how to avoid them.
Many candidates approach their oral prep by memorising regulations, definitions, and procedures word-for-word. They can recite COLREGS Rule 5 perfectly but struggle when asked to apply it to a real-world scenario.
Why it fails: MCA examiners are trained to spot memorisation. They’ll ask follow-up questions that require you to demonstrate genuine understanding. If you’ve only memorised text, you’ll stumble when asked “Why?” or “What if…?”
A candidate perfectly recites the responsibilities of a lookout under COLREGS Rule 5. The examiner then asks: “You’re the OOW on a container vessel in restricted visibility. Your lookout reports a radar contact. What specifically do you want them to tell you, and why?”
The candidate who only memorised the rule can’t answer effectively because they haven’t thought about practical application.
Study actively, not passively:
Practice explanation: Don’t just know what Rule 19 says—be able to explain why vessels in restricted visibility can’t use assumptions about other vessels’ movements, and how this affects your actions as OOW.
Candidates often give rambling, disorganised answers that jump between topics or provide information in the wrong order. Even if the content is correct, poor structure makes examiners question your ability to think clearly under pressure.
Why it fails: As a certificated officer, you need to communicate clearly in emergencies and routine operations. If you can’t structure a simple exam answer, examiners worry about your ability to give clear orders during a crisis.
Examiner: “Walk me through your actions if you suspect cargo hold flooding.”
Poor answer: “I’d check the bilge alarms… oh, and I should probably sound the general alarm… well, first I’d confirm it’s actually flooding… then tell the Master… and close watertight doors… we’d need to check stability…”
This answer contains correct elements but demonstrates confused thinking.
Use a clear framework for answers:
Better answer structure:
“If I suspect cargo hold flooding, my immediate action is to sound the general alarm and inform the Master. I’d then confirm the flooding by checking bilge alarms, soundings, and sending crew to investigate if safe to do so. Once confirmed, I’d ensure all watertight doors are closed to contain flooding, begin emergency soundings of all compartments, and assess our stability using loading computer data. I’d prepare the crew for possible abandon ship while we work to control the flooding through pumping or damage control. Throughout, I’d maintain communication with the Master and crew, and ensure all actions are logged. After the incident, a full report would be required under SOLAS regulations.”
This answer demonstrates logical thinking and comprehensive knowledge.
Practice technique:
Candidates give textbook answers without connecting them to their actual sea time. They sound like they’re reading from a manual rather than speaking as experienced mariners.
Why it fails: Your sea time is evidence that you can apply theoretical knowledge practically. Examiners want to hear about your real-world experience because it proves you’ve actually done the job, not just read about it.
Examiner: “Tell me about passage planning procedures.”
Weak answer: “You should check charts, weather, tides, and NOTAMs. Plan your route, identify hazards, and prepare a passage plan.”
Strong answer: “During my sea time on container vessels trading Northern Europe, passage planning was completed well before departure. I’d work with the Master to appraise the voyage using up-to-date charts and publications. For example, on our Rotterdam to Felixstowe passage, we identified the TSS in the Dover Strait as our critical point, checked tidal windows for Felixstowe approach, and noted current dredging works from NOTAMs. We prepared contingency anchorages and alternative ports. I learned that thorough planning at this stage makes watchkeeping much safer and more efficient.”
The second answer shows you’ve actually done passage planning, not just read about it.
Build a bank of experiences:
Phrase it appropriately:
Caution: Don’t force irrelevant stories into answers. The experience should genuinely illustrate the point you’re making.
When faced with a question they can’t answer, many candidates try to bluff their way through. They give vague, uncertain responses or make educated guesses presented as facts.
Why it fails: Examiners can always tell when you’re guessing. Worse, giving incorrect information is more damaging than admitting you don’t know. In the maritime industry, pretending to know something you don’t can sink ships and cost lives.
Examiner: “What’s the maximum interval between servicing of EPIRB batteries?”
Bad response: “Um… I think it’s… annually? Or maybe every two years? It depends on the type…”
Good response: “I’d need to check the specific EPIRB manual and SOLAS requirements to give you the exact interval. However, I know that EPIRB batteries must be replaced before their expiry date, which is marked on the unit, and that this is checked during annual safety equipment surveys. On my last vessel, our deck officer maintained a planned maintenance system that tracked all lifesaving equipment service dates.”
The professional approach:
When you don’t know the answer:
What examiners respect:
What examiners don’t respect:
Candidates arrive at their oral exam with incomplete, poorly organized, or inadequate supporting documentation. Their training record book has gaps, their sea time evidence is unclear, or they can’t quickly reference important information.
Why it fails: Your documentation is evidence of your competency. If it’s incomplete or disorganised, examiners may question whether you’re thorough and professional in your shipboard duties.
An OOW candidate brings a training record book with:
The examiner has to work hard to verify the candidate’s experience, creating doubt before the oral exam even begins.
Training Record Book:
Document Organization:
Prepare a folder with tabbed sections:
Know your documents: You should be able to find any entry or certificate within seconds.
Pro tip: Create a one-page summary of your sea time showing:
This helps examiners quickly understand your background and shows professionalism.
Arriving late or flustered sets a terrible first impression. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Dress professionally in smart casual or business attire. You’re interviewing for a position of responsibility.
Candidates sometimes answer the question they wanted to hear, not the one actually asked. Listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed.
Blaming previous vessels, captains, or crew for gaps in knowledge reflects poorly. Take ownership of your preparation.
At CM Marine, our oral preparation sessions are designed to identify and eliminate these common errors before you face the examiner:
Realistic Mock Exams
Structured Answer Training
Documentation Review
Knowledge Application
One-to-One Support
Our candidates pass their OOW, Chief Mate, and Master exams on their first attempt because we eliminate these mistakes before they enter the exam room.
Avoiding these five common mistakes will dramatically improve your chances of success in your MCA oral exam:
Combine this approach with thorough study, adequate preparation time, and professional oral prep, and you’ll walk into your exam confident and ready to demonstrate your competency.
Ready to prepare properly for your oral exam? Contact CM Marine today to discuss how our expert oral preparation can help you avoid these mistakes and achieve your maritime career goals. Our experienced Master Mariners have seen every mistake—and know exactly how to fix them.
CM Marine - Trusted oral preparation provider for MCA Deck and Engine exams. We help mariners avoid common mistakes and pass their OOW, Chief Mate, and Master exams with confidence.