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Orals, Class1, Class 1, Class2, Class 2, Chiefs, Seconds, 2nds, Oral prep, prep, 2nd, Second and Chief Engineer Oral Preparation, Management, Management Level

What you’ll gain
- Exam‑ready structure: answer logically and consistently under pressure
- Sharper recall: rehearse with recent oral questions and targeted prompts
- Systems confidence: explain, troubleshoot, and justify decisions for Management Level
- Actionable feedback: know exactly what to refine before your oral
- Flexible momentum: roll in, roll on – keep progressing around your rota
Why study with us?
- Maritime‑experienced tutors with a track record of MCA oral success
- Latest past oral questions embedded into every session
- Small‑group focus for maximum interaction and personalised coaching
- Mock orals on request so you know where you stand before your real oral
- Rolling entry designed around seagoing schedules
OVERVIEW
Be exam‑ready, confident and structured.
Our rolling preparation course blends focused tutor-led teaching with learner-led Q&A using the latest past oral questions. Join any week, build momentum at your pace, and request a mock oral when you’re ready to test your technique.
Who is this for?
- Engineers preparing for MCA Chief Engineer or Second Engineer oral examinations
- Returning candidates seeking a structured refresh and targeted support
- Seagoing professionals who want flexible, rolling entry and focused exam practice
What the course consists of
A rolling, modular programme you can enter at any point, covering the core domains and exam technique you’ll need for your MCA Oral Exam.
- Engineering Knowledge & Systems: propulsion & auxiliaries, fuel/lube systems, boilers & steam plant (where relevant), refrigeration & HVAC, bilge/bunker/sewage systems, UMS, condition monitoring, dry‑dock & lay‑up considerations
- Legislation & Compliance: ISM & Safety Management Systems, MARPOL, SOLAS, MLC, statutory surveys & certification, class and flag interactions
- Operations & Safety: risk assessment, permits to work, enclosed space entry, bunkering, pollution prevention, incident investigation, emergency response
- Leadership & Management: resource management, watchkeeping, communication, handover, mentoring, shipboard culture
- Oral Exam Technique: structured question and answers, scenario handling, “what if” variations,
- Learner‑Led Q&A with the latest past oral questions to deepen recall and sharpen delivery
- Mock Oral (on request): examiner‑style 1:1 with targeted feedback and a clear action plan
REMOTE LEARNING
You can now study this course remotely; this will consist of the entire course that is taught at South Shields Marine School being available to attend via Microsoft Teams. Our experienced lecturing staff will lead the session by sharing their computer screen and PowerPoint presentations.
DURATION AND START DATES
Course Dates
1st September 2026 – 21st July 2027 (rolling programme; dates are subject to change). See the full course dates timetable here.
Application Cut-Off
2 weeks prior to preferred start date
Course Code
26003CORLA
Please note: learners who wish to enrol within 6 weeks of the end of the course, 21st July 2027, will not receive as many sessions.
We can include some steam sessions on request.
Visa letters will not be issued for this course.
ATTENDANCE
There are no attendance requirements – learners can attend as many sessions as they require.
FEES
Home and Overseas
£1,540
Payment can take up to 5 working days to be activated onto the system.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Choose which course start date would work best for you and fill in the application form at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you state the date you wish to start the course on the form at the end. If Steam is required, please also state this on the form.
A member of our team will then be in touch with you about starting your course and payment of the course fees.
The cut-off date for applications is 2 weeks prior to the preferred course commencement date.
Please note: for any refund of course or exam fees, there will be an administration charge of £50 in order for us to process the refund.