NIMASA STCW MSA study plan

Map the STCW Chapter II watchkeeping structure (OOW, bridge team roles, principles of safe watch) and write a one-page role summary from memory

Explain the COLREGs Part A and B steering and sailing rules for open water, restricted visibility and traffic separation schemes, and classify 20 rule scenarios by applicable rule number

Describe the components and correct use of magnetic and gyro compasses, including deviation, variation and compass error calculation, and work 10 error problems to within 1 degree

Outline passage planning stages (appraisal, planning, execution, monitoring) and list the chart and publication corrections required before departure

Apply position fixing methods (visual bearings, radar ranges, GPS, DR/EP) and compute set, drift and course to steer for 8 tidal and current problems

Interpret radar display information, ARPA target tracking and collision avoidance decision-making under Rule 7 and Rule 19

Identify GMDSS sea areas A1 to A4, the equipment carriage requirements for each, and the distress, urgency and safety priority levels

Demonstrate correct distress alerting procedure for DSC, Inmarsat and radiotelephony, and list the contents of a MAYDAY message

Sequence the actions for abandon ship, man overboard, fire and flooding, and state the bridge and engine room alarm signals for each

Compare life-saving appliance types (lifeboat, liferaft, rescue boat, immersion suit, lifebuoy) and state their SOLAS carriage and servicing requirements

Describe the operation of fixed firefighting systems (CO2, foam, water mist, sprinkler) and the correct extinguisher selection for each fire class

Explain mustering, headcount reconciliation, drills and training record requirements under SOLAS Chapter III and STCW

Describe the engine room watchkeeping organisation, handover and takeover checks, and the unmanned machinery space (UMS) alarm and response routine

Explain the main propulsion and auxiliary systems at a functional level: fuel oil, lubricating oil, cooling water, compressed air and steering gear

Interpret engine room parameters (exhaust temperatures, pressures, lube oil analysis trends) and state the action thresholds for abnormal readings

Outline planned maintenance systems, spare gear control and the reporting chain for machinery defects that affect safe navigation

Map the key IMO instruments (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, COLREGs, Load Lines, ISM, ISPS) to their purpose and the flag, port and coastal State obligations each creates

Explain certificate and documentation requirements: certificate of registry, safety certificates, ISM DOC/SMC, minimum safe manning and STCW endorsements

State MARPOL Annex I to VI discharge restrictions, special areas, and the oil record book and garbage record book entry requirements

Describe survey and inspection regimes (initial, annual, intermediate, renewal, PSC) and how deficiencies and detentions are handled

Explain hull construction terms, watertight subdivision, bulkheads and closing appliances, and how free surface effect and permeability affect survivability

Calculate initial stability values (GM, KG, GZ, list) from given displacement, weights and shifts, and interpret a statical stability curve

Describe cargo securing, lashing calculations, dangerous goods segregation under the IMDG Code and cargo hold ventilation requirements

Outline oil spill response equipment and procedures, including SOPEP contents and the reporting sequence for a pollution incident

State the three ISPS security levels, the ship security plan requirements and the roles of the SSO, CSO and PFSO

Describe access control, restricted areas, deck and gangway watches, and the security declaration and record-keeping requirements

Apply basic first aid for hypothermia, drowning, burns, fractures and bleeding, and state the contents and use of the ship medical chest

Explain survival at sea physiology: cold water immersion, survival craft rations and water, and search and rescue coordination (on-scene coordinator, datum, search patterns)

Complete two full-length timed mock exams under exam conditions and score each by domain

Re-teach every domain scoring below 75 percent by rewriting the underlying rule or procedure in your own words

Memorise the high-frequency numeric facts (distress frequencies, life-saving appliance capacities, MARPOL discharge limits, stability formulas) using spaced recall

Build a one-page exam-day reference sheet of formulas, rule numbers and reporting sequences