Lesson series
Part A OOW Preparation
Support for the Completion of the MCA Deck Oral Part A Exam
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Video
Text material
Assessments
Certificates
Operational Level
What is the Part A Orals Exam?
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Watch this video for an introduction to what is involved.
Exam Structure
✅ 15 Questions.
✅ 60 Marks.
✅ 40 Minutes.
✅ 60 Marks.
✅ 40 Minutes.
To pass the MCA Part A exam, you must score a minimum percentage in every topic area — not just a good overall score.
Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
- 3 questions
- Pass mark: 90% (11 out of 12 marks)
IALA Buoyage Systems
- 3 questions
- Pass mark: 90% (11 out of 12 marks)
General Navigation
General Maritime Knowledge (Mixed)
- Pass mark: 50% per question (2 out of 4 marks each)
- Score 100% in 14 questions
Score 1/4 in the Cargo Work question
❗ Result: Fail (you needed 2/4 in every topic)
Course contents
Frequently asked questions
What is the Part A oral examination?
The Part A oral examination is a computer-based, proctored examination.
It is one of the two elements that make up the MCA 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) oral examinations.
It is one of the two elements that make up the MCA 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) oral examinations.
Who needs to take Part A?
All OOW Unlimited, II/1, and Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) candidates are required to undertake the Part A examination.
For OOW Unlimited, II/1 candidates, a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) issued from 01 May 2023 requires successful completion of Part A before booking Part B. For Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) candidates, an NOE issued from 02 April 2024 requires successful completion of Part A before booking Part B.
For OOW Unlimited, II/1 candidates, a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) issued from 01 May 2023 requires successful completion of Part A before booking Part B. For Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) candidates, an NOE issued from 02 April 2024 requires successful completion of Part A before booking Part B.
What is the purpose of the Part A examination?
The purpose of the Part A examination is to assess fundamental topics of the oral examination syllabus and to confirm the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge to undertake the Part B examination.
How long is the Part A Pass result valid?
A Part A Pass result is valid for 1 year.
How do I book the Part A examination?
For candidates other than Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Reg II/1, and Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT), the NOE/NOA email will contain a link to the booking form for the online oral examination.
For OOW Unlimited, II/1, and Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) candidates, a link, username, and password for accessing the Part A examination will be provided within the NOE email.
For OOW Unlimited, II/1, and Master (code vessels less than 200 GT)/Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) candidates, a link, username, and password for accessing the Part A examination will be provided within the NOE email.
What equipment and environment are required for Part A?
It is recommended that the examination software runs on devices such as laptops, desktop computers, or tablets (iPad) equipped with the current updated software version. Access to the examination cannot be guaranteed via mobile phone. A laptop, PC, or tablet/iPad needs a reliable high-speed internet connection (recommended minimum 10Mbps), audio, and video facility to be successfully supported.
Candidates should take the examination in a suitable room with necessary amenities, such as a clear desk, comfortable chair, water, low ambient noise, and adequate lighting with no glare. The use of a working camera and an internet connection via a reliable, high-speed connection (recommended minimum 10Mbps) is required.
Candidates are not permitted to use background effects, turn off the microphone, or wear headphones during any part of the online oral examination.
Candidates should take the examination in a suitable room with necessary amenities, such as a clear desk, comfortable chair, water, low ambient noise, and adequate lighting with no glare. The use of a working camera and an internet connection via a reliable, high-speed connection (recommended minimum 10Mbps) is required.
Candidates are not permitted to use background effects, turn off the microphone, or wear headphones during any part of the online oral examination.
How long does the Part A examination last?
The Part A examination lasts for a maximum of 40 minutes.
What happens if I experience connectivity or IT issues during Part A?
If connectivity or IT equipment issues result in repeated disruption of the examination, it may be postponed or cancelled.
The candidate is responsible for providing a reliable and tested internet connection. Failure to connect, or if connectivity issues lead to a "failure", candidates must email onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk within 5 minutes of the exam start time.
A second postponement due to connectivity or IT issues will result in the examination being declared a failure by default, and no appeal will be entertained.
The candidate is responsible for providing a reliable and tested internet connection. Failure to connect, or if connectivity issues lead to a "failure", candidates must email onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk within 5 minutes of the exam start time.
A second postponement due to connectivity or IT issues will result in the examination being declared a failure by default, and no appeal will be entertained.
What actions are considered malpractice during Part A?
Any breach of assessment rules or regulations can result in actions or penalties. Examples include, but are not limited to:
•Receiving help from another person or source.
•Forwarding the examination link or information to another person.
•Failing to comply with examination rules or instructions.
•Not looking at the camera continuously or looking away during a suspicious manner.
•Using prohibited items like mobile phones, smart devices, recording devices, Bluetooth devices, or ear-piece.
•Having unapproved items or software on devices.
•Failing to present valid ID or having another person take the exam.
•Obscuring the webcam or the candidate's face.
•Leaving the examination room without permission.
•Accessing web pages or other applications.
•Inability to share the computer screen with the examiner.
•Inability to show the examiner the entire room setup.
•Unauthorised sharing of computer screen to other displays.
•Use of computer keyboard during the exam without permission.
•Behaviour considered inappropriate upon review.
•Use of external internet search engines, textbooks, notes, or any other form of external assistance.
What are the consequences of malpractice during Part A?
Malpractice can lead to: disqualification and a voided result; seagoing service penalties; referral to the MCA's Investigation Team for fraud; and prevention from taking further MCA examinations for a defined period or a lifetime ban from the UK certification system.
What happens after I complete Part A?
The result of the Part A Examination will be issued on completion of the proctoring process and emailed to the candidate within five working days.
If a candidate fails Part A, they will receive an email detailing the procedure to retake the Part A examination.
If a candidate fails Part A, they will receive an email detailing the procedure to retake the Part A examination.
Can I appeal a Part A examination decision?
Any examination appeal must be made within 10 working days of the examination. Appeals should be made to the Exams Team via email at exams@mcga.gov.uk, detailing the grounds for the appeal.
Appeals regarding a malpractice review must be made within five working days of the decision being communicated.
Appeals regarding a malpractice review must be made within five working days of the decision being communicated.
What are the fees for Part A and its resits?
The first application for a Notice of Eligibility (NOE), which involves Part A, costs £220. A first attempt at a Part A resit costs £159.
Subsequent attempts at a Part A resit may cost £84. The fees for resit NOE applications are non-negotiable.
Subsequent attempts at a Part A resit may cost £84. The fees for resit NOE applications are non-negotiable.
How many resit attempts are allowed for Part A?
For Part A, if a candidate fails, they can undertake a resit.
A second attempt is allowed at least two weeks after the initial examination.
A third attempt is allowed at least six weeks after the second attempt, provided all mandatory documentary evidence is confirmed.
Subsequent attempts (4th attempt onwards) are allowed at least three months after the previous attempt, again subject to all mandatory documentary evidence being confirmed.
A second attempt is allowed at least two weeks after the initial examination.
A third attempt is allowed at least six weeks after the second attempt, provided all mandatory documentary evidence is confirmed.
Subsequent attempts (4th attempt onwards) are allowed at least three months after the previous attempt, again subject to all mandatory documentary evidence being confirmed.
