NIMASA STCW MSA exam-day guide
NIMASA STCW MSA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID)
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The name must match the name on your NIMASA/STCW application and certificate of competency records exactly. If your name differs across documents (for example a maiden name or a shortened form), bring supporting documentation and confirm with the provider in advance which ID form they will accept.
Printed admission letter, exam slip, or candidate number
If your training provider or NIMASA issues an admission slip, print a hard copy and keep it with your ID. Confirm with the provider whether a digital copy on your phone is acceptable, since some venues require paper. Check the venue address, reporting time, and any seat or candidate number on the slip.
Original STCW certificates and course completion records
Bring originals of any prerequisite certificates (for example basic safety training, advanced firefighting, medical first aid, or proficiency certificates) plus your sea service records or discharge book if the exam requires them. Photocopies are usually not accepted for verification. Confirm with the provider which originals must be presented on the day.
Passport-sized photographs
Carry several recent photographs in the size and background colour your provider specifies, in case a photograph is needed for the exam record or certificate application. Confirm with the provider the exact number, size, and whether they must be stamped or dated.
Black or blue ballpoint pens and a pencil with eraser
Bring at least two working pens and a pencil. Some multiple-choice answer sheets require pencil shading while written papers require ink. Do not rely on the venue supplying stationery. Confirm with the provider whether correction fluid or tape is permitted, as many centres prohibit them on answer sheets.
Non-programmable calculator (if the paper allows one)
Bring a simple non-programmable calculator for stability, cargo, and navigation calculations. Confirm with the provider whether calculators are permitted for your specific paper and what models are banned. Do not bring programmable or graphing calculators, smart watches, or devices with communication capability.
Watch or simple timepiece
A basic analogue or digital watch helps you pace yourself if the exam room clock is not visible. Do not bring smart watches or any device with connectivity. Confirm with the provider whether personal timepieces are allowed in the exam hall.
Knowledge of the venue, reporting time, and transport plan
Confirm the exact venue, gate, and reporting time with your training provider a few days before. Plan your route and a backup transport option, and allow extra time for security checks and document verification at the gate. Arrive early rather than cutting it close.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal before the exam
Get a full night's sleep and eat a normal meal before reporting. Bring water only if the provider permits it in the hall. Avoid heavy meals or excessive caffeine that could affect concentration during a long written paper.
Review of the applicable rules and conventions at a summary level
In the final days, review summary sheets for COLREGs, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and MLC as relevant to your paper, plus stability and navigation formulas. Do not attempt to learn new material at the last minute. Confirm with the provider the syllabus and any permitted reference materials for your specific exam.
Contact details for your provider and a backup contact
Save the provider's exam office phone number and email, and a family or sponsor contact, in case of travel delay or an emergency. If you are delayed, call the provider as soon as possible to ask about late admission. Confirm with the provider their policy on late arrivals.
Medical fitness and any required declarations
If the exam or certificate application requires a valid medical fitness certificate or a self-declaration of fitness, bring the original. Confirm with the provider whether a medical certificate must be current on the exam date and whether any health declaration form is needed.
Plan the day
Confirm the venue, reporting time, and document requirements with your training provider. Re-read the admission letter and check that your ID, certificates, and photographs are ready. Review your summary notes for COLREGs, SOLAS, MARPOL, and stability formulas, and do a timed practice paper under exam conditions. Stop studying new topics and focus on consolidating what you already know.
Pack your bag with ID, admission slip, certificates, photographs, pens, pencil, eraser, and calculator. Check the weather and transport schedule, and plan a backup route. Confirm with the provider any rules on calculators, watches, and permitted materials for your paper. Get a normal night's sleep rather than staying up late.
Do a light review only: skim formula sheets and rule summaries for 60 to 90 minutes, then stop. Lay out your clothes and documents, charge your phone, and set two alarms. Eat a normal dinner, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. Reconfirm the reporting time and gate with the provider if you have any doubt.
Eat a proper breakfast, take your packed bag, and leave with enough margin to arrive well before the reporting time. At the venue, complete security and document checks, locate the exam hall and your seat, and keep your ID on the desk. Switch off your phone and store it as instructed. Listen carefully to the invigilator's instructions before the paper starts.
Read the instructions and check the total marks and time allocation before starting. Answer the questions you know first, then return to harder ones. For multiple-choice papers, read each option fully and watch for negatives such as 'except' or 'not'. For written papers, show your working for calculations and state units. Keep an eye on the clock, leave time to transfer answers to the answer sheet, and check that your candidate number is written correctly.
Hand in all materials as instructed and do not remove question papers or answer sheets unless the invigilator permits it. Note the result announcement date and the procedure for appeals or re-sits. Confirm with the provider how results are communicated and what documentation you need for the next stage of your certificate application.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID that matches your application details. If your documents do not match, confirm with the provider in advance what alternative evidence is accepted; do not assume a photocopy will be allowed.
Arrive at the reporting time stated on your admission letter. Late admission is at the provider's discretion, so confirm their late-arrival policy in advance and call immediately if you are delayed.
Switch off mobile phones, smart watches, and any other electronic devices and store them as instructed. Unauthorised devices in the exam hall may be treated as misconduct, so confirm with the provider what is permitted.
Do not bring unauthorised notes, textbooks, or reference materials unless the provider has confirmed they are permitted for your paper. Confirm the permitted materials list for your specific exam.
Follow all invigilator instructions on seating, starting and stopping writing, and handing in materials. Talking, passing items, or looking at another candidate's work may lead to disqualification.
If you need to leave the room for a comfort break, raise your hand and wait for permission. Confirm with the provider their policy on breaks, since some papers do not allow them and others require an escort.
If you believe a question is unclear or there is an error, note it and continue; raise it with the invigilator after the paper rather than during it. Confirm with the provider the procedure for reporting exam irregularities.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the awarding body. Do not rely on rumoured pass marks; confirm the marking scheme, result timeline, and appeal procedure with your provider.