"This comprehensive guide serves to instruct you on taking the OIC theoretical examination..."

 

Becoming an officer onboard a ship has been one of the long-term goals of a seafarer, and one could be excited to finally see it become a reality. However, it wouldn't be an easy endeavor because it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and commitment.

There are many requirements that one must meet before he can achieve this goal. In this article, you will be guided on how to take the theoretical exam at the MARINA, or Maritime Industry Authority. This is one of the processes of becoming an officer-in-charge onboard a ship, so let's dive into it.

 

Application and Requirements

1. Sign in to your MARINA Integrated Seafarer Management Online System or MISMO account.

2. On your browser type, https://online-appointment.marina.gov.ph/ .

3. If you haven't created an account yet, click 'Sign Up' and follow the steps to register for an account. Please take note that you only need one account for all of your transactions.

4. For the purpose of this article, let's assume that you already have an account. Click 'Sign In' to access your account.

 

5. Enter the email address you used to create your account and the password you set during the registration process. Click the 'I'm not a robot' checkbox and complete the captcha to sign in.

 

 

6. Once you have signed in, click' 'Select Transactions'.

 

 

7. A pop-up will appear, and select the 'EXAMINATION' section. Click 'Theoretical Exam'.

8. From the 'Select Document Type' drop-down list, choose DECK OPERATIONAL LEVEL for aspiring deck officers and ENGINE OPERATIONAL LEVEL for aspiring engineers. Read below for the qualifications and requirements for each corresponding level.

DECK OPERATIONAL LEVEL

1. Qualifications

1. First time applicant for the Deck Operational Level theoretical examination.

2. Requirements

1. 1. Approved seagoing service on ships of 500 gross tonnage 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

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

3. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format

4. SIRB first page and entries showing relevant seagoing service. (NOTE: Upload in order of sea service.)

5. The applicant should have a valid Certificate of Proficiencies (COPs) in Basic Training (BT), Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB), Advance Fire Fighting (AFF), and Medical First Aid (MEFA). NOTE: *REQUIRED, but no need to upload. This will be verified in the MARINA system.

Source: MARINA

ENGINE OPERATIONAL LEVEL

1. Qualifications

1. First time applicant for the Engine Operational Level theoretical examination.

2. Requirements

1. Transcript of Records (TOR) for Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) Graduate

2. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME Format

3. 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

4. SIRB first page and entries showing relevant seagoing service (NOTE: Upload in order of sea service)

5. The applicant should have a valid Certificate of Proficiencies (COPs) in Basic Training (BT), Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB), Advance Fire Fighting (AFF), and Medical First Aid (MEFA). NOTE: *REQUIRED, but no need to upload. This will be verified in the MARINA system.

Source: MARINA

9. Check the box: 'I hereby declare that my profile and service records are updated.

I have read the qualifications and requirements in the application for the examination.' Then click 'PROCEED' to continue the transaction.

 

10. The pop-up will automatically close, and you will be brought to the main page. Go to the 'Application' section to check your transactions and application history.

 

 

As detailed above, the specific requirements for both deck and engine operational levels ensure that candidates meet the necessary qualifications and standards. The deck operational level requirements are illustrated in the example above.

After you have completed all the requirements, you can now submit your application, and the status of your application will be marked, 'FOR ONLINE EVALUATION'. It typically takes 24 hours before you can move on to the next step because there are numerous applications that require human review.

MARINA Competency Review Portal

Normally, a message will be shown on each of your applications, and if all is set, you will be given a link to the MARINA Competency Review Portal. The purpose of this online platform is to assist prospective seafarers in getting ready for the theoretical examination required to become an officer-in-charge on a ship.

You can access this portal through this link: MARINA Competency Reviewer Portal. It is important to note , however, that this can only be accessed if you are going to take any theoretical exam.

 

 

As of May 2024, MARINA has recently introduced some changes to their platform. With a 360-hour review time for first-time takers and a 120-hour review time for retakers in 2023, all users now have unlimited access to the portal, with the correct answer not clearly indicated among the choices.

This is by far different from having an underlined, correct answer in the previous versions. Despite the changes' drawbacks and advantages, you can have limitless access to the reviewer to understand, analyze, and perform research on every question without spending a dime. 

A separate guide for using the MARINA Competency Review Portal can be found here.

 

 

When you have finished studying all of the random questions on each competency, you can take a maximum of three mock examinations consisting of 200 test items for deck and engine operational levels and 100 test items for GMDSS radio operators. 

This type of exam will give you an idea of how the actual examination system works.

Your account will automatically be deactivated once you have decided to skip using the CRP, or Competency Review Portal, finished taking three mock examinations, and scheduled your actual examination.

 

 

Scheduling the Examination

1. Sign in to your MISMO account and go to 'EXAM SCHEDULES' to check for available slots for the examination.

 

 

2. You can schedule your examination in Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. For regular or first-time takers, the schedule will usually be from 0800H to 1200H, with two-day options for deck and engine and one day for GMDSS.

Resit examinees or those who have failed function(s) will take their examination from 1300H to 1700H.

3. Go back to the 'Application' section and scroll through the application history, then select the transaction for your theoretical examination and click 'Set Online Schedule'.

 

4. Click 'Proceed' after making your desired schedule selection. You will then be routed to the payment page, where you can pay with an e-wallet, credit or debit card, or at a payment center near you. In addition to the service charge, you must pay PHP 1000.00 to finish your transaction.

 

After you have paid, your payment status is marked as 'RELEASED' and you have successfully set your schedule.

 

 

5. Click 'Print Online Permit' and save the PDF file on your device. Print the 'EXAMINATION PERMIT' and read the 'GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXAMINEE'.

Here is an example of an examination permit for deck operational level examinees, showcasing the information and format typically included.

TAKING THE OIC THEORETICAL EXAMINATION

There are 12 competencies for the deck operational level and 17 competencies for the engine operational level. On the examination day, you must arrive 30 minutes before the actual schedule to allow time for your attendance and to relax your mind.

Make sure you're well-groomed and dressed appropriately, such as in a Type B marine uniform. The proctor will be providing instructions prior to the exam, so arrive on time. 

Please bring your own black or blue ballpoint pen, two valid identification cards for verification, and a simple calculator, as scientific calculators are not permitted, and most importantly, bring your examination permit printed on long bond paper.

Throughout the exam, you will be provided with a scratch paper, and the proctors will supervise and assist you at all times. Because MARINA is adopting new technologies for the exam, you will take it on a desktop computer. 

A computer cubicle will be the barrier separating each examinee.

All function exams must be taken in one sitting by you, the examinee or candidate. The full theoretical exam consists of 200 items to be completed in 200 minutes, and there will be some administrative delays that will occur in between.

To pass a given function, you must receive at least 70% on each competency; if not, the following will take effect:

i. A candidate who fails in a specific function shall be required to take a remedial assessment after one (1) month but not to exceed one (1) year from the date of the initial examination;

ii. A candidate who was not able to take the remedial assessment within the prescribed period shall be considered to have failed the remedial assessment; thus, he may be allowed to take the removal assessment after twelve (12) months but not to exceed eighteen (18) months from his or her initial examination;

iii. A candidate who fails the remedial assessment shall only be allowed to take a removal assessment after one (1) month, but not to exceed one (1) year from the date of the remedial assessment;

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 last 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; and

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

Source: MARINA

Whether you passed all competencies and functions in the examination or failed some of them, the proctor will approach you and sign his or her initials on your examination permit. If you successfully pass, you will be asked to wait outside after all examinations are finished.

You will be instructed that the 'Certificate of Passing the Theoretical Examination' will appear on your MISMO account's assessment section after one working day.

Also, make sure to use your passed assessment of competence from your theoretical examination, as this will only be valid for three years from your initial exam; otherwise, you will have to take both the theoretical and practical assessments, as stated in STCW Circular 2018-08.

In the event of missing the exam, your payment will be forfeited, and you will need to apply for 'Reschedule with Payment' to secure a new examination date. If you fail one of the functions during the exam, you must apply for 'Resit with Payment'. 

However, you can seek a rescheduling and resit without paying if you fall into the following circumstances:

a. Force majeure (before and during examination);

b. death of an immediate member as evidenced by a death certificate;

c. a medical condition accompanied by a medical certificate; or

d. Immediate deployment supported by the Crtificate of Sea Service and SIRB/SRB.

 

 

General Instructions for Examinees.

Source: MARINA

 

Conclusion

The preparation for the OIC theoretical examination can be time-consuming, and the exam itself might be unpredictable. However, with hard dedication and determination, you may finish all criteria and qualifications, whether it takes a few months or years.

Dedicate time to studying all pertinent materials and conducting research to ensure a deep understanding of the exam questions and increase your chances of excelling. Make the most of MARINA's Competency Review Portal to familiarize yourself with the exam format and expand your knowledge base.

In the event of failure, remember that it's never too late to try again. Stay determined, continue studying, and have faith in your abilities to succeed. Don't be discouraged; you'll pass the exam soon. Never compare yourself to others because you could have a different chapter of life compared to them.

This comprehensive guide serves to instruct you on taking the OIC theoretical examination while also easing any concerns or uncertainties you may have regarding the future.

View the exam not just as a hurdle to overcome but as a valuable opportunity to evaluate your knowledge, enhance your skills, and prepare to be a proficient officer in your future onboard endeavors.