"Knowing the prerequisites for the theoretical exam is essential for better preparation, despite the time, experience, money, and effort required to take the test..."

 

Do you aspire to become an officer in charge onboard a ship but still don't know what steps you need to take to achieve your goal of passing the exam? Are you unsure about the requirements and qualifications needed to pursue?

You don't have to wait years, feel lost, or rely on friends for guidance. This article outlines all the necessary requirements.

By the end of this, you will have a clear understanding of what it takes to become an officer in charge of the deck and engine, GMDSS radio operator, and management level officer.

Whether you're a cadet who wants to know the path or an officer who desires to reach a new stage in a seafaring career, don't let uncertainty hold you back from pursuing your dreams—let this article be part of your roadmap to success in the maritime industry. So, let's dive into it.

Revised Rules and Minimum Requirements for the Assessment of Competence of Seafarers

The MARINA-STCW released Circular nos. 2018-08 and 2018-09 to provide the revised rules and minimum requirements for the assessment of competence of seafarers pursuing licenses for Masters, Chief Mates, Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch, Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch, and GMDSS Radio Operator.

These contain general provisions on the conduct of assessment, specific provisions for removal and remedial assessment, procedures for conduct of assessment, fees, etc.

The requirements include specific training and sea service period, as well as the necessary certifications and trainings needed to qualify for each position, which will be discussed below.

What is an Assessment of Competence?

An assessment of competence, according to STCW Circular 2018-08, is the process of collecting evidence by theoretical examination and practical assessment of the knowledge, understanding, and proficiency gained from approved education and training; approved training ship experience; approved laboratory equipment training; or approved in-service experience.

It includes determining if the person has the necessary skills to perform the tasks outlined in the competency table.

Put simply, a theoretical exam assesses your knowledge through computer-aided tests in MARINA testing centers, while a practical assessment evaluates your skills, which will be conducted in approved assessment centers. It is crucial to remember that in order to be deemed passed, you must have a score of at least 70%.

It is crucial to stay updated with the latest information needed to qualify for a theoretical examination. So, let's now delve into the specific requirements outlined in MARINA-STCW Circular Nos. 2018-08 and 2018-09 for OIC, Management, and GMDSS exams.

Qualification Requirements for Theoretical Examination

DECK OPERATIONAL LEVEL

1. Valid Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in: Basic Training (BT), Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MEFA).

Note: Certificates obtained from these trainings are not required to be uploaded, as your records will be verified from the MARINA system.

2. Approved seagoing service on ships of 500 gross tons or more for a period of:

a. Not less than twelve (12) months of structured onboard training such as Deck Cadet, Deck Trainee, Apprentice Mate, or other deck department trainee nomenclatures for certification as OIC NW; OR

b. Not less than thirty-six (36) months in the Deck Department

3. SIRB first page and entries showing relevant seagoing service 

Note: Upload in order of sea service

4. Transcript of Records (TOR) for Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT)

Graduate plus: a. Updating training for Officer-in-Charge of a Navigation Watch (Parts A and B)- (REQUIRED for those who started their first year of BSMT from 2012 and below ONLY)

b. Updating Training for Officer-In-Charge of a Navigational Watch (Parts A & B) (EXEMPTED) for those who started their first year of BSMT from SY 2013-2014 onwards)

5. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format

6. MISMO Profile Picture (passport-size colored picture with white background and no name tag. Wearing a white polo with the current rank shoulder board.

DECK MANAGEMENT LEVEL

1. Valid Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in: Basic Training (BT), Survival Craft, and Rescue Boat (SCRB), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MEFA), and Medical Care (MECA).

Note: Certificates obtained from these trainings are not required to be uploaded, as your records will be verified from the MARINA system.

2. Valid COC and COE as OIC-NW or Chief Mate, as applicable.

Note: No need to upload. This will be verified in the MARINA System.

3. Approved seagoing service on ships of 500 gross tons or more for a period of:

a. For CHIEF MATE: Not less than twelve (12) months as OIC-NW;

b. For MASTER MARINER: Not less than thirty-six (36) months as OIC-NW OR Not less than twelve (12) months as OIC-NW plus not less than twelve (12) months as Chief Mate.

Note: Limitations as to gross tonnage and qualification as Chief Mate or Master Mariner will be determined during the application for COC/COE.

4. SIRB first page and entries showing relevant seagoing service

Note: Upload in order of sea service.

5. If started first year of BSMT from SY 2013-2014 onwards: Transcript of Records (TOR) for BSMT; if not: Updating Training for Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch (Part B)

Note: Item No. 5 is required ONLY to seafarers applying from operational level to management level.

6. Certificate of Training Completion in Management Level Course (MLC)—DECK

Note: Include a Certificate of Training Completion in the MLC Update, if applicable.

7. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format

8. MISMO Profile Picture (passport-size colored picture with white background and no name tag. Wearing a white polo with the current rank shoulder board.

Note: Certificates obtained from these trainings are not required to be uploaded, as your records will be verified from your MISMO account.

ENGINE OPERATIONAL LEVEL

1. Valid Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in: Basic Training (BT), Survival Craft, and Rescue Boat

(SCRB), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MEFA).

Note: Certificates obtained from these trainings are not required to be uploaded, as your records will be verified from the MARINA system.

2. Approved seagoing service on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW

propulsion power or more for a period of:

a. Not less than twelve (12) months of structured onboard training such as Engine Cadet,

Engine Trainee, Apprentice Engineer, or other engine department trainee nomenclatures

for certification as OIC-EW; OR

b. Not less than thirty-six (36) months in the Engine Department

3. SIRB first page and entries showing relevant seagoing service.

Note: Upload in order of sea service.

4. Transcript of Records (TOR) for Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) Graduate plus:

a. Updating training for Officer-In-Charge of an Engineering Watch (Parts A and B) (required for those who started their first year of BSMarE from 2012 and below ONLY)

b. Updating Training for Officer-In-Charge of an Engineering Watch (Parts A & B)

(EXEMPTED for those who started their first year of BSMarE from SY 2013-2014 onwards)

5. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format

6. MISMO Profile Picture (passport-size colored picture with white background and no name tag.

Wearing a white polo with the current rank shoulder board.)

ENGINE MANAGEMENT LEVEL

1. Valid Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in: Basic Training (BT), Survival Craft, and Rescue Boat

(SCRB), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MEFA).

Note: Certificates obtained from these trainings are not required to be uploaded, as your records will be verified from the MARINA system.

2. Valid COC and COE as OIC-EW or Second Engineer, as applicable

Note: No need to upload. This will be verified in the MARINA System.

3. Approved seagoing service on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more for a period of:

a. For SECOND ENGINEER: Not less than twelve (12) months as OIC-EW; or

b. For Chief Engineer: Not less than thirty-six (36) months as OIC-EW OR not less than twelve (12) months as OIC-EW PLUS not less than twelve (12) months as Second Engineer

Note: Limitations as to Kilowatt Propulsion Power and qualification as Second Engineer or Chief Engineer will be determined during the application for COC/COE.

4. SIRB first page and entries showing relevant seagoing service

Note: Upload in order of sea service.

5. If started first year of BSMarE from SY 2013-2014 onwards: Transcript of Records (TOR) for BSMarE; if not: Updating Training for Officer In Charge of an Engineering Watch (Part B).

Note: Item No. 5 is required ONLY to seafarers applying from operational level to management level.

6. Certificate of Training Completion in Management Level Course (MLC)—ENGINE

Note: Include a Certificate of Completion of Training in MLC Updating, if applicable.

7. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format

8. MISMO Profile Picture (passport-size colored picture with white background and no name tag.) Wearing white polo with current rank shoulder board.)

GMDSS RADIO OPERATOR

1. Certificate of training completion for GMDSS radio operator.

2. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format.

3. A certification from the employer stating that the nature of the applicant is relevant to the operation of GMDSS (for NON-BSMT/NON-SEAFARERS only).

4. Certificate of Passing the OIC-NW Theoretical Exam (requirement for those who took the exam under the MARINA Board Examination (MBE) (OLD); OR Certificate of Passing the OIC-NW Practical Assessment.

Note: Requirement for those who took the exam under the MARINA Competency Assessment System (MCAS) (NEW). Not applicable for non-BSMT graduates.

5. Any valid government issued identification (ID) showing the name, clear picture,date of birth and signature of the applicant (for non-BSMT graduates).

6. MISMO Profile Picture (passport-size colored picture with white background and no name tag. Wearing a white polo with the current rank shoulder board.

What happens if my test score is less than 70%?

You must get a score not less than 70% for each competence; otherwise, the amendments under Memorandum Circular SC No. 2021-01 for Article V—Specific Provisions, Section 14 of STCW 2018-08 and 2018-09 apply.

Section 14. For purposes of the theoretical examination, the following rules shall apply:

a. xxx

iii. xx

iv. A candidate who fails the removal assessment or was not able to take the said examination within the prescribed period shall only be allowed to retake the whole theoretical examination after six (6) months from the date of the candidate's removal assessment or after six (6) months from the date of the prescribed period to take the removal assessment, respectively.

v. A candidate who fails a retake shall only be allowed to retake the theoretical examination again after six (6) months from the date of the candidate's last examination.

Conclusion

Knowing the prerequisites for the theoretical exam is essential for better preparation, despite the time, experience, money, and effort required to take the test. Feel free to contact the MARINA helpdesk or your accredited training facility if you have any inquiries.

By following MARINA's guidelines, you can increase your chance of passing the theoretical exam and navigate the process more efficiently. Consulting with industry professionals or accredited facilities can offer insightful advice and assistance all along the preparation process.

To successfully pass the test and achieve your set goals, maintaining commitment and focus is essential.