Master <500 oral questions
Example questions for each part of the MCA's Master (Yachts less than 500 GT) oral syllabus. They are our wording, not the MCA's — the examiner works from the syllabus, so use these to find the gaps, then answer them out loud.
No — they are our examples. What the MCA publishes is the syllabus, on GOV.UK with the other yacht deck oral syllabuses, and every set below is our own wording of how one syllabus item can be asked. The syllabus is the authority; check it for the full list.
Four parts. Navigation: voyage planning, watchkeeping arrangements (including the COLREGs), compasses, and ship manoeuvring with the operation of small ship power plant. Response to Emergencies: navigational and other emergencies. Onboard Ship Operation: pollution prevention and seaworthiness. And Legislative Requirements.
No. MIN 690 Amendment 6 says only OOW Unlimited and Master (Code vessels <200 GT) / OOW (Yachts <500 GT) candidates currently take Part A. Despite sharing '<500 GT' with the OOW (Yachts <500 GT) ticket, which does have a Part A, Master (Yachts <500 GT) is a single online oral with an MCA examiner.
Out loud, and answer as the master: say what you would decide and what you would have the crew do, not only what the rule says. Then push yourself with the follow-up — 'and then what?', 'why?'.
“Plan a voyage through restricted waters. What goes into the plan?”
“Here is a synoptic chart. What weather do you expect in our area, and how does it change your plan?”
“How does a forecast of restricted visibility change the voyage plan?”
“Which ship reporting systems apply on this voyage, and what do you report?”
“What are the limitations of ECDIS and RCDS?”
“Where do you find what a port's VTS and pilot station provide?”
“What changes between IALA regions A and B?”
The syllabus asks for a thorough knowledge of the 'content, application and intent' of the COLREGs, so expect scenarios rather than recitation:
“How do you organise the navigational watch on your yacht at sea, at anchor and in port?”
“The pilot is aboard. What is your role as master?”
“In restricted visibility you hear a fog signal apparently forward of the beam. What does the rule require of you?”
“When would the rules allow you to depart from them?”
“How do you make sure the engineering watch is safe at sea, at anchor and in port?”
“What causes deviation, and what would you keep away from the magnetic compass?”
“What are the correctors at the compass for?”
“Talk me through anchoring in a crowded anchorage and working the cable.”
“Talk me through berthing in a strong crosswind, and leaving again.”
“What affects how your yacht handles at slow speed?”
“Talk me through the main engines and auxiliaries. What do you check before you sail?”
“You are disabled and in distress. What do you do?”
“After a collision, water is coming in. What are your actions?”
“How do you prepare to tow another vessel, or to be towed?”
“How do you change over to emergency steering?”
“An aircraft has ditched nearby. How do you use the IAMSAR Manual Volume III?”
“How do you run a fire drill that actually trains the crew?”
“What are fire dampers, doors and screens for, and how do you maintain them?”
“You have lost some intact buoyancy. What do you do?”
“How do you keep guests safe in an emergency?”
“An emergency in port with half the crew ashore. What do you do?”
“Where would you get medical advice and information at sea?”
“What is a MARPOL Special Area, and how does it change what you can discharge?”
“What does the SOPEP contain, and what anti-pollution equipment do you carry?”
“What are your duties and liabilities as master over pollution, and which records do you keep?”
“How do you prepare for heavy weather, and how would you handle a disabled yacht in it?”
“How do you prepare for dry-docking, with and without damage?”
“Show me how you use the yacht's stability and trim information.”
“What are MSNs, MGNs and MINs, and what is the Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners?”
“What are the main elements of a risk assessment?”
“What goes in the official log book, and what does the law require of the entries?”
“A crew member makes a complaint. What is the procedure?”
“Which accidents must you report to the MAIB?”
“What are your obligations when you find a danger to navigation?”
“What are the ISM Code, the ISPS Code and Port State Control for?”
“How do you apply the hours of work and rest rules on your yacht?”
The notices change. Always check the current version on GOV.UK before you apply or book.
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