BD Deck Officer Class 1 (Master)

Eligibility is set by the Department of Shipping and generally requires a lower-class certificate of competency plus approved sea service in a deck officer role, together with valid medical and training certificates. Because the exact sea time and course requirements can change, confirm the current criteria directly with the Department of Shipping before applying.

The Class 1 process normally combines multiple-choice papers, written descriptive papers and an oral examination. The written papers test technical knowledge across navigation, stability, cargo, law and operations, while the oral examination probes your ability to apply that knowledge as a master. The Department of Shipping publishes the current paper structure and syllabus.

The number of questions, paper durations and sitting schedule are set by the Department of Shipping and may be revised between examinations. No fixed figure should be assumed. Check the Department's current examination notice or contact the examination section for the timetable and paper details applicable to your sitting.

Passing marks and the rules for carrying forward or re-sitting individual papers are determined by the Department of Shipping. These details are published in its examination regulations and notices. Candidates should read the current regulations carefully, as the treatment of failed papers and the number of attempts allowed can affect planning.

It is a demanding professional examination because it tests master-level judgement, not just recall. Written answers must be structured and technically accurate, and the oral examination rewards candidates who can explain decisions clearly under questioning. Candidates with solid sea service and systematic revision generally find the material familiar but the standard of application high.

Start with the heaviest-weighted domains such as navigation and ship stability, then move to cargo handling, law and operations. Build a revision timetable that covers every syllabus topic at least once, then return to weak areas. Practise written answers under time pressure and rehearse oral explanations with a senior officer or study group.

Typical failure modes include shallow answers that list facts without explaining reasoning, weak stability calculations, poor recall of convention requirements, and an inability to explain practical decisions clearly in the oral. Candidates who memorise without understanding shipboard application often struggle when questions move from definition to scenario.

Retake arrangements, waiting periods and any limits on attempts are governed by the Department of Shipping's examination regulations. The Department publishes the current policy, so check its official notices or contact the examination section rather than relying on informal advice about how soon or how often you may re-sit.

Validity periods, renewal requirements and all examination and certificate fees are set by the Department of Shipping and are subject to change. The official body publishes the current figures on its website and in its notices. Candidates should confirm the applicable fees and validity rules directly with the Department before making payments or travel plans.