Chief Mate (FG) exam course

Chief Mate (FG) is the Certificate of Competency you need to sail as Chief Officer. It covers: Chief Mate (First Mate) on ships of 3000 GT or more, on any voyage. Before you start: Second Mate (FG).

Sea service

• At least 18 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more, including at least six months as an independent watch-keeper on ships of 3000 GT or more.
• Time as an assistant watch officer, or on doubled watches, counts at two-thirds.
• The Master issues a watch-keeping certificate for this service.

Courses before the exam

• Chief Mate Phase I competency course (3 months), open after at least nine months at sea as officer of the watch. You may sit the Phase I written exams after it.
• Chief Mate Phase II competency course (3 months), after Phase I and the full 18 months.
• Radar, ARPA and Navigation Simulator course (RANSCO, 6 days), Medical Care (MEDICARE, 10 days), and ECDIS if not done earlier.

The exam

• Written and oral exams in three functions at the management level: navigation; cargo handling and stowage; and controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board.

DGMA (formerly DG Shipping) checks your sea service and course certificates before you sit. Exam dates and booking are on the DGMA website; written exams and orals are held at the Mercantile Marine Departments (MMDs).

After this certificate

Master (FG) needs 36 months as officer of the watch, including 12 months after Chief Mate (FG).

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Source: MS (STCW) Rules 2014, Rule 21 · TEAP Part A, Section II/2 (DGMA). Course lengths and papers are as set out there; DGMA circulars can change them, so check the DGMA website before you book.