Competency exams · Deck
Master (FG) exam course
Captain. Master of ships of 3000 GT or more, on any voyage.
Master (FG) is the Certificate of Competency you need to sail as Captain. It covers: Master of ships of 3000 GT or more, on any voyage. Before you start: Chief Mate (FG).
Sea service
- At least 36 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more, including at least 18 months on ships of 3000 GT or more.
- At least 12 of those months after the Chief Mate (FG) certificate, six of them on ships of 3000 GT or more.
- The 36 months fall to 30 if 12 months were served as Chief Mate on ships of 3000 GT or more (or pro rata). Assistant or doubled watches count at two-thirds.
Courses before the exam
- Advanced Shipboard Management course (45 days).
- Ship Manoeuvring Simulator and Bridge Teamwork course (5 days), after at least 18 months of independent watch-keeping.
- ECDIS, if not done earlier.
The exam
- Written and oral examinations.
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) holders can go on to the Extra Master qualification.
Prepare with Marine One
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Source: MS (STCW) Rules 2014, Rule 22 · TEAP Part A, Section II/3 (DGMA). Course lengths and papers are as set out there; DGMA circulars can change them, so check the DGMA website before you book.