DGS GP Rating Exit Exam study plan

Define in writing 40 core nautical terms (bow, stern, port, starboard, draught, freeboard, air draught, list, trim, sheer, camber) and use each correctly in a sentence of your own.

Convert between compass points, degrees and relative bearings across 20 practice items, scoring at least 90%.

Recite the rating's duties during a navigational watch and repeat back 10 helm and engine telegraph orders with correct wording and confirmation.

Identify 15 IALA Region A buoys and marks by shape, colour, topmark and light characteristic from written descriptions only.

Solve 15 speed-time-distance problems and 5 latitude/longitude reading exercises without a calculator error.

Recall the lights, shapes and sound signals for 12 vessel types (power-driven underway, sailing, fishing, RAM, NUC, anchored, aground, towing) from memory.

State the four stages of the four-stroke cycle and the two-stroke cycle, and explain in writing why two-stroke engines dominate large ships.

Name 15 engine room components (main engine, auxiliary engine, purifier, boiler, air compressor, steering gear, pumps, oily water separator) and give one function for each.

Explain the permit-to-work and lock-out/tag-out sequence required before any machinery is opened for maintenance.

Identify five engine room hazards and the PPE or control measure that mitigates each.

Describe the fuel oil, lubricating oil, cooling water and compressed air systems, tracing each from tank to consumer in your own words.

Explain how bilge, ballast and oily water separator operations are carried out and how each links to MARPOL discharge limits.

Draw and label a midship section showing keel, keelson, frames, beams, girders, shell plating, decks, double bottom and tank top.

Explain watertight integrity, the collision bulkhead, cofferdams and the purpose of the load line and draught marks.

Compare longitudinal and transverse framing and state which ship types typically use each.

Describe anchor cable markings, shots, joining shackles and the sequence of anchoring and weighing, including windlass and chain locker precautions.

Explain the planned maintenance system, routine hull and deck maintenance (chipping, wire brushing, priming, undercoat, topcoat) and the survey cycle from annual to special survey and dry docking.

Calculate stowage factor, broken stowage and cargo weight distribution for 8 worked problems with correct units.

Apply the IMDG segregation rules to 10 pairs of dangerous goods and state the correct stowage position for each.

Explain how heavy, dense and fragile cargoes are distributed, Dunnaged and lashed, and why the cargo securing manual governs every lashing.

Produce a container stowage plan applying twist locks, lashing rods, stack weight limits and segregation of hazardous units.

Explain liquefaction, transportable moisture limit, angle of repose, trimming and the grain code requirements for bulk cargoes.

Match the five fire classes to the correct extinguishing media across 20 scenario items, and state why water is never used on electrical or oil fires.

Describe the fire main, hydrants, hoses, nozzles, fixed CO2, foam and sprinkler systems, and explain how the fire control plan is used at the scene.

List the fire patrol, hot work and housekeeping precautions that prevent engine room and accommodation fires.

Demonstrate the PASS technique and the correct donning and checks of a breathing apparatus set, narrating each step aloud in order.

State the abandon ship signal, the muster procedure and the individual duties of fire party, emergency party, first aid party and bridge/engine support.

Describe the launching sequence for a totally enclosed lifeboat and an inflatable liferaft, including painter, weak link, hydrostatic release unit and sea anchor.

Explain the correct use of lifebuoy, lifejacket, immersion suit and thermal protective aids, and the actions to take on entering the water.

List the pyrotechnics and distress signals carried, their range and duration, and when each is used.

Explain the prevention and treatment of hypothermia, cold shock and drowning, and the sequence for recovering and handling a casualty from the water.

Perform the ABC/DRABC assessment, adult CPR compressions and ventilations, and the recovery position on a manikin or pillow, in the correct sequence.

Control severe bleeding, immobilise a suspected fracture and treat burns and scalds using only materials available in a ship's first aid kit.

Recognise and manage shock, heat stroke and electrocution, and state when to call for radio medical advice.

State the statutory requirements for LSA and fire drills, training records and weekly/monthly equipment inspections.

Map MARPOL Annexes I to VI to the shipboard equipment and records each one requires (oil record book, garbage management plan and placards, sewage, air pollution, garbage categories).

Explain enclosed space entry, PPE selection, rest hours, fatigue, alcohol and drug policy, and the reporting route for harassment and bullying.

Compose a correct MAYDAY, PAN PAN and SECURITE message for three given scenarios and spell six names using the phonetic alphabet.

Use standard marine communication phrases for helm, telegraph and VHF exchanges, selecting the correct channel for distress, urgency and port operations.

Sit a full-length timed mock covering all nine domains and review every error against its source note.