KMA Cadet 1st-Stage Exam study plan

Define the six degrees of freedom and apply the standard terms for hull motion (surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, yaw) to describe a vessel's behaviour in a stated sea condition.

Convert between compass, true and magnetic bearings using variation and deviation, and solve ten worked bearing-conversion problems without reference notes.

Explain how a marine sextant measures altitude and outline the steps of a meridian altitude sight to obtain latitude, identifying each correction applied to the observed altitude.

Describe the purpose and reading method of an echo sounder, a GPS receiver and an ECDIS display, and list two failure modes or limitations for each.

Plot a coastal passage on a paper chart using parallel rulers and dividers, allowing for set and drift over at least three course legs.

Calculate speed, distance and time from the basic relationship and apply it to four voyage-planning scenarios, showing units clearly.

Interpret the core symbols of IALA Region A buoyage and identify safe water, lateral, cardinal and isolated danger marks in a written exercise.

State the purpose of the collision regulations' steering and sailing rules and explain how a give-way vessel and a stand-on vessel should act in a crossing situation.

Describe the operating cycle of a two-stroke and a four-stroke marine diesel engine and contrast them on scavenging, power-to-weight and maintenance demand.

Explain the function of the turbocharger, air cooler and fuel injection system in a large slow-speed engine, tracing the air and fuel paths.

Identify the main components of a ship's propulsion train from engine to propeller shaft and state the purpose of the stern tube, thrust bearing and reduction gear.

Compare fixed-pitch and controllable-pitch propellers and list two operational situations favouring each.

Outline the role of the engine room alarm and monitoring system and name three parameters that are continuously monitored.

Identify the principal structural members of a ship (keel, frames, longitudinals, bulkheads, decks) and explain how they contribute to longitudinal and transverse strength.

Define centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy, metacentre and metacentric height, and explain in words why a small positive GM gives a stiff ship and a large GM gives a tender one.

Calculate a vessel's displacement, deadweight and cargo capacity from given lightship and loaded figures.

Apply Archimedes' principle and the pressure-depth relationship to three numerical problems on buoyancy and hull loading.

Explain free surface effect and describe two operational measures that reduce it.

Describe the purpose and contents of the ISM Code, SOLAS and MARPOL and state which shipboard records each requires.

Explain the master's authority and responsibility under international conventions, including the obligation to render assistance at sea.

Outline the survey and certification cycle for a cargo ship, naming the key certificates and their typical validity periods.

Describe the muster list, emergency drills and the duties of the onboard safety committee in a short written answer.

Distinguish between the flag state and the port state in enforcement, and explain what a port state control inspection may result in.

Explain the MARPOL Annexes and state the main discharge restrictions for oily water, garbage and sewage.

Describe the operation of an oily water separator and explain why the 15 ppm limit matters operationally.

Outline the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention and explain two ways compliance is achieved.

Explain the concept of a special area under MARPOL and name two examples with their additional restrictions.

Describe the shipboard garbage management plan and how garbage is recorded and landed.

Explain the main shipping markets (liner, tramp, tanker, bulk) and the difference between a voyage charter, a time charter and a bareboat charter.

Define freight rate, demurrage, despatch and laytime, and calculate demurrage for one worked example.

Describe the role of a port authority and list three factors that determine a port's cargo-handling capacity.

Draft a short professional radio or email message requesting a berth update, using standard maritime English phrasing.

Use the SMCP structure to write three standard messages: a position report, a pilot request and a distress alert.

Summarise the roles of the IMO, ILO and classification societies in regulating and verifying ship safety.

Explain the purpose of the STCW Convention and how it affects a cadet's training and watchkeeping duties.

Review your weakest two domains using your earlier deliverables and re-attempt every question you previously answered incorrectly.

Complete a timed 60-question mixed mock covering all nine domains and record your score by domain.

Build a final one-page revision sheet of the ten facts you are most likely to forget under exam pressure.