Chief Mate/Master Unlimited: Orals Notes (Macneil’s Seamanship Examiner) (1st Edition: 2025)

The comprehensive guide for maritime professionals preparing for the Chief Mate and Master Mariner (Unlimited) Certificates of Competency
Compiled by Captain Iain Macneil throughout his own Orals preparation between 2023 and 2024, this guide consolidates essential regulatory knowledge, critical subject matter and practical insights into a single, structured resource.
Designed as a comprehensive study aid, the guide covers the full syllabus, including ship certification, and statutory Codes and Conventions, with emphasis on those involving human element considerations such as the ISM Code, ISPS Code and the Maritime Labour Convention. It also addresses the professional standards expected of a Master.
The guide includes:
M-notices
revision frameworks
equipment checklists
topic-specific study notes and single-subject summaries, supporting a broad range of operational and regulatory topics
examination techniques such as exam-style Q&A sheets to aid structured preparation
self-assessment materials such as removable perforated self-study sheets for convenient on-the-go revision of key topics
the complete course syllabus as delivered by OceanWise Training and a curated list of downloadable reference PDFs for easy access to essential documents.
While not a replacement for formal instruction, this resource is intended to reduce inefficiencies in self-directed study and to provide a logical and structured approach to oral exam preparation. It is a valuable tool for any officer aiming to achieve success at the Chief Mate or Master Unlimited level.