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FAQs
Q: How has the format of the Notice of Eligibility (NOE) changed? A: The Notice of Eligibility (NOE) or Notice of Assessment (NOA) format has been updated, and candidates will no longer receive a document in PDF format. Instead, the NOE/NOA will be issued in electronic form. The email will contain a link to the booking form for the online oral examination, details about the Candidate Code of Conduct, information on recording of the exam and instructions for the use of Microsoft Teams.
Q: What is the structure of the online oral examinations for OOW Unlimited, II/1, and Master candidates? A: The online oral examination for Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited, II/1, and Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) candidates consists of two parts: Part A, an online computer-based proctored examination, and Part B, an online oral examination via Microsoft Teams. Candidates must successfully complete Part A before being able to book Part B. Both parts will draw from the syllabus detailed in MIN 653 (M) Amendment 1.
Q: What devices can be used for online examinations? A: The recommended devices for both the Part A and Part B online examinations are laptops, desktop computers, or tablets (iPad). The examination cannot be accessed via a mobile phone, and the device must have a working camera and be connected to the internet via a reliable, high-speed connection (minimum 10 Mbps). Additionally, candidates must ensure that the Microsoft Teams application (for Part B) or examination platform (for Part A) is downloaded ahead of the examination.
Q: What are some of the prohibited activities that could be considered malpractice during an online oral examination? A: Activities considered as malpractice include receiving help from another person, forwarding the examination link to another person, failing to look at the camera, using unauthorized materials or internet sources, failing to present valid ID, obscuring the webcam, leaving the examination room without permission, accessing other applications, sharing the computer screen without the examiner's consent, or using a computer keyboard during the exam without the examiner's permission.
Q: What happens if a candidate experiences technical issues such as connectivity problems during an online examination? A: For Part A, candidates who experience repeated interruptions due to connectivity issues may be allowed to resit the examination, at the MCA's discretion. Connectivity issues must be reported to the exams email address within 24 hours of taking the examination. However, repeated connectivity or IT equipment issues resulting in disruption of the exam will result in a failure. For Part B, any significant technical issues will result in the postponement of the exam and will be referred to the Chief Examiner. It is the candidate's responsibility to provide a reliable connection.
Q: How is the examination recorded, and can candidates access the recordings? A: Online oral examinations (both Part A and B) are recorded to allow for a review in the event of a candidate’s appeal or an examiner’s concern. However, candidates are not permitted to access or obtain copies of these recordings. The recording will not begin until after the candidate's identity has been verified, and it will continue for the entire exam, delivery of the result and any feedback given. Recordings are stored for a maximum of 90 days, after which they will be deleted.
Q: What is the appeals process for candidates who are dissatisfied with their examination results? A: For Part A, candidates who wish to appeal the results must submit their appeal to the Exams Team via email within 10 working days of the examination. For Part B, appeals must be made within 5 working days of the examination to the Exams Team via email. All appeals will be assessed by a panel of examiners, and, if the review panel upholds the appeal, it may overturn the result.
Q: What are the waiting periods for resitting an oral examination? A: The waiting periods for resitting an oral exam depend on the number of attempts. The waiting periods apply to both Part A and Part B oral exams1. Second attempt: A candidate must wait at least two weeks after the initial examination. Third attempt: A candidate must wait at least six weeks after the second attempt and must submit all mandatory documentary evidence confirming that they meet all other requirements for the Certificate of Competency (CoC), except for the oral exam result. Subsequent attempts (4th attempt): A candidate must wait at least three months after the previous attempt, and must submit all mandatory documentary evidence confirming that they meet all other requirements for the CoC, except for the oral exam result. There will be a mandatory three months sea service requirement before applying for the 5th attempt.
Q: Do the waiting periods apply to all oral exams? A: Yes, these waiting periods apply to both Part A and Part B of the oral examinations.
Q: What happens if it has been a long time since I originally passed Part A? A: If more than 12 months have passed since you originally passed the Part A exam, and you have not yet passed Part B, you would need to retake the Part A exam again.
Q: Are these waiting periods flexible? A: No, the document states that the above timelines are not negotiable.
Q: Is there a fee for resitting the exam? A: Yes, there is a fee for resitting the exam. For exams which do not involve Part A, the resit fee is £159. For exams involving Part A, the fee for the first resit is £159, and subsequent resits cost £84.
Q: Is there anything else I should keep in mind when reapplying for an exam? A: Yes, it is your responsibility to ensure you still meet the seagoing service requirements at the time of reapplying for the exam. You may be required to send evidence of this to deck@mcga.gov.uk.