bob

[bob79]

hello all

Im bob an AB for an offshore company in the northsea

Trying to gain first coc oow.

Have passed everything to date, but due to college not being very good the oral and written prep was practically non existent now struggling to pass writtens and orals.

Any suggestions guys on the best oral prep. preferably close to Aberdeen.

kind regards

[Chiefy]

Welcome aboard.

In answer to the question, erm no idea sorry......try in the main sections though this area isnt visited as much as "down there"

[CharlieDelta]

Hi Bob and welcome!

Hopefully some of our members will be able to help!

Remember, if you have any questions about the academic side of things (e.g. how the * do I do this (tides/chartwork/stability etc) question), post in the deck section and I'm sure you'll get an answer.

[YoungMariner]

Hi Bob, someone might have more recent information on an OOW oral (7 years since I sat mine, but have sat other orals since), but hopefully this information will set you on your way. In many respects it will be harder for you, because for a cadet they are institutionalised from day one into the Officer way of thinking, and are totally focused on this for 3 years, but I've met several people who have made the jump from rating to OOW and they have all made great Officers.

Firstly make sure you have the flip cards for the lights and buoys, these will be invaluable. http://www.flipcards.co.uk/. Then look at the Seamanship International Books which are very good for preparing; http://www.witherbyseamanship.com/ca...d-masters.html particularly Seamanship Notes and Cargo Notes.

1. You need to look at the Syllabus http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mgn_069(m).pdf , read through Syllabus C, get familiar with it, and understand what is going to be asked.

2. Go through the past oral reports for OOW for the Marine Office that you'll be taking your exam, I'm not familiar with Aberdeen so I'm not certain where you'll find them for there.

3. Look at the MAIB website and become familiar with relevent recent cases, and look at what went wrong according to the MAIB to understand the fundamental theory behind issues.

4. Look on the MCA website at the latest M notice, and become familiar with recent changes in the law.

5. Google 'Oral Examination Help' or something similar and read up on how to be confident in the oral, how to prepare

6. Wear a smart suit for the Oral, greet the examiner as Sir, show him respect yet at the same time show him confidence.

Main areas which are automatic failure are 'Rules of the Road', 'Rule 19/Radar Plots' and 'Buoyage'. Also if you generally appear unsafe (i.e. don't understand risk assessments etc). It may be worth your while travelling to one of the main colleges for an orals prep course and spending a week or two there in a B&B or Halls so that you can 100% immerse yourself into the prep.