BD Deck Officer Class 2 (Chief Mate) exam-day guide
BD Deck Officer Class 2 (Chief Mate) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admit card and photo ID
Print your admit card and carry the same photo ID used in your application. Confirm the accepted ID types and whether photocopies are allowed with the provider. needs_review - confirm exact ID policy with the provider.
Original certificates and sea service records
Bring originals of your CDC, COC/COP, STCW course certificates, medical certificate and sea service testimonials if your exam notice requires them. Confirm the exact document list and any attested copies with the provider. needs_review.
Recent passport-size photographs
Carry several recent photographs matching the provider's specification for size, background and date. Confirm the required quantity and specification with the provider. needs_review.
Plotting instruments
Bring dividers, a parallel ruler or plotter, pencils, eraser and sharpener for chartwork or plotting tasks. Confirm whether instruments are supplied or must be brought. needs_review.
Non-programmable calculator
Use a basic non-programmable calculator, check the battery and carry a spare if permitted. Confirm the calculator and spare-battery policy with the provider. needs_review.
Stationery and notebook
Carry pens, pencils, a notebook and a highlighter for working or notes. Keep them in a clear pouch if clear-bag rules apply at the venue.
Ordinary watch or small clock
Wear an ordinary watch so you can track time without using a phone. Confirm whether smart watches are prohibited before you enter. needs_review.
Professional attire
Wear clean, professional attire such as a shirt and trousers; avoid casual clothing, strong perfume and distracting accessories. Confirm any dress code with the provider. needs_review.
Venue and travel plan
Confirm the exact venue, room and reporting time. Plan transport and a backup route, and aim to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes early.
Medication and medical needs
Carry any prescribed medication and a doctor's note if needed, and declare medical needs to the provider in advance. Confirm the policy on medication in the exam room. needs_review.
Small set of revision notes
Bring a short set of your own summary notes for quiet review before entry. Be ready to surrender them or leave them outside if they are not permitted in the exam room.
Provider contact details
Save the exam office phone number and a local emergency contact. Check email and phone for last-minute changes to time, room or documents.
Plan the day
Read the exam notice line by line and make a checklist of originals, copies, photographs and fees. Confirm venue, reporting time, ID rules and instrument policy with the provider. Correct any missing item immediately rather than on exam day.
Revise high-risk oral topics such as COLREGs, collision avoidance, stability and cargo calculations, ship handling, emergency procedures and chartwork. Practise answering aloud in short structured sentences. Do not start new topics at the last minute.
Pack the bag, test the calculator and instruments, lay out clothes, charge your phone, print the admit card and confirm travel. Do one light revision pass and stop by early evening. Sleep at your normal time.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early, check in and keep notes minimal. Use waiting time for calm breathing and a one-page summary rather than cramming new material.
Listen to instructions, confirm the number and order of sections, ask the examiner to repeat or clarify if needed, and keep track of time.
Answer directly, show your working or reasoning, state assumptions clearly and, if you do not know, say so and explain how you would find out. Do not argue with the panel; stay calm and professional.
Thank the panel, collect your documents, leave quietly and do not discuss questions in the waiting area.
Rules to check
Carry and present the ID and admit card named in your notice. Entry may be refused if identity cannot be verified; confirm the accepted ID list with the provider.
Do not bring phones, smart watches, earbuds or unauthorised notes into the exam room. Switch them off and store them as directed; confirm storage arrangements with the provider.
Follow all instructions from the examiner and invigilator. If a rule is unclear, ask before acting rather than guessing.
Breaks, water and toilet access are at the provider's discretion. Request permission by raising your hand and follow any escort or sign-out rules.
Scoring is by the examiner or panel against the published standard, and marks are not negotiated during the test. Confirm the pass standard and appeal route with the provider.
Do not discuss or share exam questions with other candidates during breaks or after the test. Treat all exam material as confidential.
If you feel unwell, tell the invigilator immediately and do not leave the room without permission.
Academic honesty applies throughout: do not copy, prompt or receive help. Suspected misconduct may be handled under the provider's rules.