Oral Examination Preparation
MCA & Department of Transport oral exam preparation for marine engineers, small vessel engineers, and electro-technical officers (ETOs).
Who I am
A Class 1 Chief Engineer (Unlimited) with over 20 years’ experience as a marine engineer across a wide range of vessel types and operational roles.My academic and professional qualifications include:MSc in Marine Engineering (Newcastle University)BEng in Marine and Plant EngineeringElectro-Technical Officer Certificate of CompetencyClass 1 Chief Engineer (Unlimited)I have sailed as Chief Engineer on vessels including MY Slipstream, MY Constellation, MY Ulysses, and P&O European Endeavour, with operational experience spanning oil and LNG carriers, ferries, and superyachts.Ashore, I have worked as a Superintendent supporting offshore vessels, including seismic support, survey and research vessels, tugboats, and offshore wind operations.
Oral Examination Experience
I am a Professional Review Interview (PRI) Assessor for IMarEST, with direct experience assessing engineers against professional competence standards.Alongside my seagoing and shore-based roles, I have been involved in marine engineering education since 2017, moving into a full-time lecturing role in 2024. I currently lecture undergraduate marine engineers and candidates preparing for Second Engineer (Unlimited) and Chief Engineer certificates, covering subjects including:Engineering mechanicsAuxiliary machinerySteam propulsionDry docking and hull & machinery maintenance
Oral examination preparation approach
Over recent years, alongside my lecturing role, I have supported marine engineers preparing for MCA and Department of Transportation oral examinations.Preparation does not focus on memorising model answers or scripted responses. Instead, sessions are built around understanding systems, explaining engineering decisions clearly, and responding confidently under questioning — exactly what examiners are looking for.I have extensive experience with previous oral examination question styles and themes, and preparation is tailored to the specific certificate, background, and experience of each candidate.
Who this is for
Candidates preparing for MCA oral examinations, including:• Marine Engineers (Motor and Steam)
• Small Vessel Engineers
• Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs)Support is suitable for first attempts, re-sits, or candidates returning after time ashore.
What I cover
Preparation focuses on technical understanding, structure, and examiner expectations, including:• Engine room systems and operation
• Fault-finding and troubleshooting scenarios
• Operational and safety-critical decision making
• Regulatory and certification context
• Structuring clear, confident answers under questioning