MARINA Second Engineer / Chief Engineer Theoretical Exam

It is a subject-based written examination at management level, delivered as separate papers for the engineering subjects in the MARINA syllabus. Depending on the regional examination venue, administration may be computerized or paper-based. Candidates should check the current MARINA examination schedule and notices for the exact subject list, paper structure and any permitted materials.

The number of questions, time allowed per paper and total examination duration are set by MARINA for each examination cycle. These figures are published by the Authority and are not fixed on this page. Consult the current MARINA examination schedule and candidate notices for the official counts and timings before you plan your review.

The passing score, any subject-level conditional pass rules, retake policy and validity period of results are determined by MARINA and can change between cycles. They are published by the Authority. Do not rely on second-hand figures; confirm the current rules directly with MARINA or your training institution before sitting the examination.

The management-level papers assume you can reason about why a system behaves as it does, not just describe it. Expect questions that combine machinery principles, troubleshooting judgement, regulatory compliance and damage-control decisions. Candidates with recent sea service on the relevant machinery find the applied questions more approachable than those who rely only on memorized definitions.

Build the foundation first: marine engineering knowledge and principles, then propulsion machinery and main engines, then auxiliary machinery and systems. Add electrical and control systems alongside, because they interact with both main and auxiliary machinery. Layer watchkeeping, maintenance, safety and pollution prevention on top, and finish with maritime law, STCW and ship construction, which reward recall and careful reading.

Weak fundamentals in thermodynamics and machinery principles, poor calculation discipline under time pressure, and shallow knowledge of pollution-prevention and STCW requirements are frequent causes. Another common failure mode is answering from memory of a specific ship rather than from the principle being tested. Practising written answers with clear reasoning and units helps avoid these traps.

Permitted calculators and any reference material are specified by MARINA in the examination instructions for each cycle. Non-programmable calculators are typically the only aid allowed, but you must confirm the current rule with the Authority. Bringing prohibited items can lead to disqualification, so read the candidate notice carefully before examination day.

Application deadlines and documentary requirements are published by MARINA and vary by examination cycle. A realistic preparation period is several months of structured study alongside your sea service, with the final weeks reserved for timed practice. Check the current MARINA schedule early so your sea service, training certificates and application documents are complete before the deadline.

No. This is an independent study resource written for candidates preparing for the examination. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to MARINA. Always treat the official MARINA syllabus, examination notices and STCW competence tables as the authoritative source for what is examinable and how the examination is administered.