MAJ OOW Deck Exam study guide
MAJ OOW Deck Exam · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Master or Chief Mate (OOW) Deck Examination is the competency assessment for seafarers progressing toward a certificate of competency as master or chief mate, typically after holding an officer of the watch certificate and accumulating the required seagoing service. It is intended for deck officers who already stand watches and now need to demonstrate the higher-level knowledge and judgment expected of senior officers. The MAJ OOW Deck Exam study guide has 11 sections and about 3,019 words.
01Navigation and Position Fixing
This domain tests practical position fixing, chart datum, tidal height, compass error and the limitations of GNSS/ECDIS. The examiner wants evidence that you can produce a defensible fix, not just read a screen.
285 words, about 1 min02Collision Regulations and Safe Navigation
This domain tests application of COLREGS and safe navigation, especially risk of collision, action by give-way and stand-on vessels, and conduct in restricted visibility. Rule 5: maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing and all available means.
308 words, about 2 min03Meteorology and Oceanography
This domain tests interpretation of pressure systems, fronts, fog, sea state and tropical revolving storms, and the action an OOW should recommend. Buys Ballot in the Northern Hemisphere: stand with back to wind; low pressure is to your left and slightly forward.
286 words, about 1 min04Ship Construction
This domain tests hull structure, bulkheads, double bottoms, hatch covers and the survey and maintenance standards that keep water out. The keel, floors, frames and longitudinals form the primary hull strength; corrosion at frames and tank boundaries is a survey item.
285 words, about 1 min05Stability and Trim
This domain tests intact stability: KG, KM, GM, GZ, free surface effect, list and trim. The exam expects numerical reasoning, not just definitions.
286 words, about 1 min06Cargo Operations and Carriage of Goods
This domain tests stowage, securing, ventilation, dangerous goods segregation, draft survey and the carrier's documentary duties. Stowage factor is volume per unit weight; compare it with hold bale or grain capacity before accepting a cargo.
264 words, about 1 min07Marine Engineering Systems and Maintenance
This domain tests the OOW's understanding of propulsion, steering, auxiliary systems, fuel and lubrication, and how to respond to alarms. Main and auxiliary engines need fuel, lubricating oil, cooling water and combustion air; alarm limits are not targets.
252 words, about 1 min08Emergency Response, Firefighting and Life-Saving Appliances
This domain tests action on fire, abandon ship, man overboard and rescue, and the drills and equipment that support them. Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen; remove one side of the triangle.
276 words, about 1 min09Maritime Law, Conventions and Ship's Business
This domain tests statutory certificates, SOLAS/MARPOL/STCW/MLC obligations, ISM/ISPS, bills of lading, charterparties and average. Statutory certificates have defined validity and survey windows; the OOW should know which certificate covers which item.
241 words, about 1 min10Watchkeeping, Bridge Procedures and Communication
This domain tests bridge organisation, passage planning, handover, rest hours, communications and GMDSS. STCW rest: at least 10 hours in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period; rest may be split into no more than two periods, one of at least 6 hours.
269 words, about 1 min11Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection
This domain tests MARPOL Annexes, oil record books, garbage management, sewage, ballast water and air emissions. Annex I: oily water separator discharge must be below 15 ppm; special areas and machinery-space bilge rules apply.
267 words, about 1 min