Master (FG) Examination 2026: Complete Guide

The Master (FG) or Master Foreign Going examination is the pinnacle of deck officer certifications. Passing this examination along with command assessment qualifies you to take command of any merchant vessel as Captain/Master anywhere in the world.

Examination Overview

Conducting Authority

• Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai
• Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958

Eligibility Criteria

1. Hold Mate (FG) Certificate of Competency
2. Minimum 36 months sea service as OOW (Officer of Watch)
3. Of which, 12 months as Chief Officer
4. All STCW certificates valid
5. Medical fitness certificate

Examination Centers

• Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
• Noida, Goa, Kochi

Written Examination Structure

Paper 1: Navigation (Advanced)

Topics	Marks	Duration
Voyage Planning	30
Celestial Navigation	25
Position Fixing	25
Navigation Equipment	20
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Complex celestial navigation problems
• Electronic chart display and ECDIS
• Integrated navigation systems
• Voyage planning for all conditions
• Navigation in ice/restricted areas

Paper 2: Ship Handling

Topics	Marks	Duration
Maneuvering	30
Mooring/Anchoring	25
Heavy Weather	25
Emergency Handling	20
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Ship handling characteristics
• Berthing and unberthing operations
• Anchor work in various conditions
• Heavy weather seamanship
• Emergency maneuvering

Paper 3: Ship Stability (Advanced)

Topics	Marks	Duration
Intact Stability	30
Damage Stability	30
Grain Stability	20
Special Stability	20
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Large angle stability
• Damage control and flooding calculations
• Grain loading stability criteria
• Stability for different ship types
• Probabilistic damage stability

Paper 4: Ship Business and Law

Topics	Marks	Duration
Maritime Law	30
Commercial Operations	25
Claims and Insurance	25
Ship Management	20
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Charter parties and contracts
• Bills of lading
• Cargo claims and P&I insurance
• Ship sale and registration
• Master’s authority and responsibilities

Paper 5: Bridge Resource Management

Topics	Marks	Duration
BRM Principles	25
Human Factors	25
Emergency Response	25
Leadership	25
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Bridge team management
• Situational awareness
• Decision making under pressure
• Fatigue management
• Crisis management

Oral Examination

Format

• Conducted by Senior Surveyor/Chief Examiner
• Duration: 90-120 minutes
• Comprehensive assessment of knowledge

Topics Covered

Navigation and Seamanship:

• COLREGS application in all scenarios
• Traffic Separation Schemes
• Navigation in restricted visibility
• Emergency situations handling

Ship Handling:

• Detailed berthing/unberthing plans
• Anchoring in various conditions
• Heavy weather operations
• Search and rescue coordination

Commercial Aspects:

• Charter party interpretation
• Bill of lading issues
• Cargo claims handling
• Owner/charterer disputes

Leadership and Management:

• Crew management scenarios
• Emergency response leadership
• Port State inspection handling
• ISM Code implementation

Legal Responsibilities:

• Master’s overriding authority
• Drug and alcohol policies
• Environmental compliance
• Accident investigation

Common Oral Questions

1. COLREGS Scenarios:

   • “You’re overtaking vessel in TSS. Actions?”
   • “Vessel NUC ahead showing lights. Your action?”

2. Ship Handling:

   • “Describe berthing port side to, wind 30 knots off berth”
   • “Anchor dragging in crowded anchorage. Actions?”

3. Commercial:

   • “Charterer orders you to sail with insufficient bunkers”
   • “Cargo damage discovered during discharge”

4. Emergency:

   • “Fire in accommodation - comprehensive actions”
   • “Grounding at night in unknown waters”

5. Legal:

   • “Master’s right to deviate from voyage?”
   • “Drug found onboard - your procedures?”

Recommended Books

Navigation

1. Admiralty Manual of Navigation (Vol 1 & 2)
2. Bridge Procedures Guide - ICS
3. BRM Course Manual

Ship Handling

1. Ship Handling - House
2. Shiphandling for the Mariner - MacElrevey
3. Anchoring and Mooring Techniques - Houghton

Stability

1. Ship Stability - Barrass & Derrett
2. Damage Stability - Van Dokkum
3. Grain Loading Manual

Maritime Law

1. Maritime Law - Chorley & Giles
2. Chartering and Shipping Terms - Brodie
3. International Maritime Law - Healy & Sharpe

Management

1. Bridge Resource Management - Swift
2. Human Factors in Marine Safety - Barnett
3. Master’s Handbook - Capt. Alberti

Preparation Strategy

6-Month Preparation Plan

Months 1-2: Foundation

• Review Mate FG knowledge thoroughly
• Begin Ship Handling and advanced Navigation
• Daily calculation practice

Months 3-4: Core Subjects

• Damage stability mastery
• Maritime law and commercial topics
• BRM principles and applications

Months 5-6: Oral Preparation

• Intensive oral question practice
• Study groups for mock orals
• Review all subjects rapidly

Daily Study Schedule

Time	Activity
0600-0800	Stability calculations
0900-1200	Law and commercial topics
1400-1700	Ship handling scenarios
1900-2100	Oral questions practice

Command Assessment

Many companies require command assessment in addition to Master (FG) certificate:

Assessment Components

1. Technical Assessment - Written test by company
2. Simulator Assessment - Ship handling evaluation
3. Interview - Senior management panel
4. Sea Assessment - Supervised voyage as Master

Preparation for Command Assessment

• Study company-specific procedures
• Review previous Masters’ experiences
• Practice simulator exercises
• Develop commercial awareness

After Passing Master (FG)

Certificate Issuance

1. Apply to DG Shipping
2. Submit all documents
3. Pay prescribed fees
4. Receive Master (FG) certificate

First Command Preparation

1. Complete company’s command assessment
2. Study vessel-specific documentation
3. Review commercial aspects
4. Mental preparation for responsibility

Challenges and Tips

Common Challenges

1. Breadth of knowledge - Everything from navigation to law
2. Oral pressure - Extended intense questioning
3. Practical scenarios - Real-world decision making
4. Time management - Balancing work and study

Success Tips

Written Exams:

1. Practice damage stability calculations daily
2. Memorize key charter party clauses
3. Understand BRM principles deeply
4. Review COLREGS exhaustively

Oral Exam:

1. Speak with authority - you’re future Master
2. Think through scenarios before answering
3. Use bridge procedures guide references
4. Relate answers to shipboard experience

Pass Rates and Retakes

Pass Requirements

• 50% minimum in each written paper
• Satisfactory oral examination

Statistics

• First attempt pass rate: 40-50%
• Overall eventual pass rate: 80%+

Retake Policy

• Failed papers can be reattempted
• Oral can be reattempted if failed
• Unlimited attempts within validity period

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to prepare for Master FG?

Typically 4-6 months of dedicated study, ideally while on leave.

Can I sail as Master immediately after passing?

No, most companies require command assessment and may assign you as Chief Officer first.

What’s the hardest part of Master FG?

The oral examination is most challenging due to its comprehensive nature and pressure.

Is Master FG internationally recognized?

Yes, Indian Master FG certificate is recognized worldwide under STCW Convention.

Reach the Pinnacle of Your Career

Master FG represents years of dedication and learning. With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can achieve this prestigious qualification and take command of vessels sailing the world’s oceans.

Need expert guidance for Master FG preparation? Chat with SailorGPT for comprehensive exam strategies and command career advice.

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• DG Shipping Exams Guide 2026