MAJ OOW Deck Exam study plan

Solve 40 coastal position-fixing problems mixing running fix, four-point bearing, and doubling the angle on the bow, showing full working for each

Compute and tabulate a full set of sight reductions for the Sun (meridian passage and one morning/afternoon sight) using Nories or a scientific calculator, and plot the resulting position

Derive course and distance between 15 waypoints from coordinates using both plane sailing and Mercator sailing, and state when each method is appropriate

Explain how to apply compass error from amplitude and azimuth observations, and work 10 variation/deviation/compass-error conversion examples without error

Set up a personal one-page checklist for the terrestrial position-fixing methods examiners ask about (visual bearings, transit, vertical sextant angle, running fix, sounding) with the main error source for each

Reduce 25 celestial sights (star, planet, Moon) to intercept and azimuth, and plot three separate fixes on a plotting sheet

Calculate compass error by amplitude and by azimuth of a body, and convert gyro to true to magnetic to compass across 20 examples

Draft a bridge watch handover checklist covering position, traffic, machinery status, weather, and outstanding orders, then rehearse it aloud twice

Write out the standard actions for a watchkeeper on detecting a developing collision risk, a vessel not under command, and a failure of bridge equipment, citing the relevant rule numbers

Log a simulated four-hour bridge watch in a notebook, recording fixes at intervals no greater than 30 minutes and noting every course alteration with its reason

Recite from memory the steering and sailing rules for all visibility conditions, and state the give-way and stand-on obligations for head-on, crossing, and overtaking encounters

Apply the lights and shapes requirements to 12 vessel-type scenarios written out in text, and identify the correct lights, shapes, arcs, and ranges for each

Work 15 close-quarters situations on a maneuvering board or plotting sheet, determining the aspect, bearing drift, and required action

State the sound and light signals for restricted visibility and for attention/maneuvering, and match each to its rule number

Explain the responsibilities under the rules for a vessel in a narrow channel, a traffic separation scheme, and a vessel constrained by her draught, and list the differences

Calculate initial stability quantities (KB, BM, KM, GM, FSC, and effective GM) for at least six loading conditions using a supplied hydrostatic table, and state whether each condition is acceptable

Compute list and trim from a given set of tank and cargo weights using the moment method, and determine the final draughts forward and aft

Explain free surface effect, angle of loll, and the effect of a suspended weight, and work three numerical examples of each

Describe the structural members of a bulk carrier and an oil tanker, and state the purpose and failure mode of each of the following: longitudinal stiffeners, transverse frames, hopper tanks, double bottom, and cofferdam

Interpret a damage stability scenario: given flooding of one compartment, estimate the change in draught, trim, and GM, and state the actions a watchkeeper should take

Draft a cargo loading plan for a general cargo or bulk shipment, showing stowage factors, deadweight utilisation, and stability check at departure, arrival, and mid-voyage

Explain the obligations and defences under the Hague-Visby Rules and the Hamburg Rules for cargo claims, and apply them to five written claim scenarios

Describe the hazards and precautions for carrying grain, timber deck cargo, steel, and containers, and list the securing and monitoring requirements for each

Outline the requirements of the IMDG Code and the International Grain Code as they affect the master's loading decisions, and state the documentation required for each

Interpret a bill of lading, charter party, and mate's receipt, and identify which clauses allocate risk for cargo damage, delay, and demurrage

Interpret a synoptic chart: identify highs, lows, fronts, troughs, and isobars, and forecast wind direction, strength, and visibility for three written chart descriptions

Explain the formation and behaviour of tropical revolving storms, and state the avoidance actions and the warning signs a watchkeeper should recognise

Describe the causes and prediction of tides and currents, and solve six tidal height and stream problems using a supplied tide table and tidal curve

Explain the operating principles of the main propulsion plant, steering gear, and auxiliary systems, and list the routine checks and common failure modes for each

Draft a maintenance schedule for a two-week voyage covering steering gear, main engine, generators, and fire and bilge pumps, with testing intervals and record-keeping requirements

Write out the actions for fire, abandon ship, man overboard, collision, grounding, and flooding, and state the immediate command and the sequence of actions for each

Explain the requirements of SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code for lifeboats, liferafts, immersion suits, and rescue boats, and state the inspection and drill intervals

Describe the classes of fire and the extinguishing agents and fixed systems appropriate to each, and explain the hazards of reflash, flashover, and toxic smoke

Outline MARPOL Annexes I to VI, and state the record books, certificates, and discharge restrictions that apply to each annex

Explain the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention and the sulphur cap, and describe how a ship demonstrates compliance with each

Summarise the master's obligations and the ship's certificates under SOLAS, MARPOL, LL, and STCW, and list the surveys and certificates required for a typical voyage

Explain the obligations for reporting marine casualties, pollution incidents, and near misses, and state the authorities to be notified

Rehearse the standard bridge communications for pilotage, port entry, and emergency, including the phonetic alphabet, standard helm and engine orders, and MAYDAY/PAN PAN formats

Complete two timed mixed-domain mock papers of 60 questions each, and review every incorrect answer to its source rule or formula

Build a two-week final revision schedule prioritising the three weakest domains identified from the mock papers