Mate (FG) Examination 2026: Complete Preparation Guide

The Mate (FG) or Second Mate (FG) examination is your first Certificate of Competency examination after completing deck cadet training. Passing this examination grants you the Second Mate Foreign Going certificate, allowing you to serve as Third Officer or Second Officer on any ship worldwide.

Examination Overview

Conducting Authority

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

Eligibility Criteria

1. Approved pre-sea training (B.Sc Nautical Science or DNS)
2. Minimum 12 months approved sea service as deck cadet
3. STCW certificates in order
4. Valid medical fitness certificate

Examination Centers

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

Written Examination Structure

Paper 1: Navigation

Topics	Marks	Duration
Coastal Navigation	25
Ocean Navigation	25
Passage Planning	25
Tide and Tidal Calculations	25
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Chart work and position fixing
• Celestial navigation (Sun, stars, planets)
• Great circle and composite sailing
• Tidal calculations and predictions
• Passage planning methodology

Paper 2: Meteorology

Topics	Marks	Duration
Weather Systems	30
Tropical Revolving Storms	25
Ocean Currents	20
Weather Forecasting	25
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Atmospheric pressure and wind systems
• Cloud formations and frontal systems
• TRS characteristics and avoidance
• Ice navigation basics
• Weather routing

Paper 3: Cargo Handling and Stowage

Topics	Marks	Duration
General Cargo	25
Bulk Cargo	25
Container Operations	25
Dangerous Goods	25
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Cargo care and stowage principles
• Ventilation requirements
• Cargo securing arrangements
• IMDG Code basics
• Loading computer use

Paper 4: Ship Stability

Topics	Marks	Duration
Basic Stability	25
Stability Calculations	30
Trim and List	25
Damage Stability	20
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• GM, GZ curves interpretation
• Free surface effect
• Inclining experiment
• Stability criteria compliance
• Intact and damage stability

Paper 5: Ship Construction

Topics	Marks	Duration
Hull Construction	30
Ship Types	25
Surveys and Maintenance	25
Drawings Interpretation	20
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Ship structure components
• Welding and riveting
• Classification society requirements
• Drydocking procedures
• Steel renewal criteria

Paper 6: Maritime Law

Topics	Marks	Duration
SOLAS Convention	25
MARPOL Convention	25
STCW Convention	25
MLC 2006	25
Total	100	3 hours

Key Topics:

• Ship safety regulations
• Pollution prevention
• Seafarer certification
• Working conditions
• ISM and ISPS Codes

Oral Examination

Format

• One-on-one with DG Shipping surveyor
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Covers all practical aspects

Topics Covered

1. Bridge Operations - COLREGS, watchkeeping, emergencies
2. Cargo Operations - Loading, discharging, documentation
3. Safety - Fire fighting, LSA, damage control
4. Stability - Practical calculations, loading computer
5. Navigation - Pilotage, restricted visibility, traffic
6. Ship Handling - Mooring, anchoring, basic maneuvering

Common Oral Questions

• Explain COLREGS Rules 5-19
• What actions for ship not under command?
• Describe main engine types and differences
• How to check compass error?
• Fire in engine room - actions?
• Man overboard procedure?

Recommended Books

Navigation

1. Nicholls’s Seamanship and Nautical Knowledge
2. Norie’s Nautical Tables
3. Brown’s Nautical Almanac
4. Admiralty Manual of Navigation

Meteorology

1. Meteorology for Mariners - Met Office
2. Weather Routing - Wismar
3. Tropical Storms - Buchan

Cargo

1. Thomas’ Stowage - O.O. Thomas
2. Kemp & Young Cargo Work
3. IMDG Code

Stability

1. Ship Stability - Kemp & Young
2. Ship Stability for Masters & Mates - Rhodes
3. Understanding Ship Stability - Barrass

Ship Construction

1. Ship Construction - D.J. Eyres
2. Ship Knowledge - KnowledgeShip
3. Classification Rules (DNV, Lloyd’s)

Maritime Law

1. Maritime Law - Chorley & Giles
2. IMO Convention Texts
3. Merchant Shipping Act

Preparation Strategy

6-Month Preparation Plan

Months 1-2: Foundation

• Complete one subject thoroughly
• Focus on Navigation and Stability (hardest subjects)
• Daily 4-5 hours study

Months 3-4: Expansion

• Cover Meteorology and Cargo
• Continue Navigation practice
• Start solving previous papers

Months 5-6: Revision & Practice

• Ship Construction and Maritime Law
• Intensive revision of all subjects
• Mock tests and oral preparation

Daily Study Schedule

Time	Activity
0600-0800	Navigation calculations
0900-1200	Theory subjects
1400-1700	Stability/Cargo problems
1900-2100	Revision and notes

Study Tips

1. Make concise notes - For quick revision
2. Practice calculations - Daily Navigation and Stability
3. Draw diagrams - Ship construction, weather systems
4. Use mnemonics - For COLREGS, conventions
5. Form study groups - Discuss with fellow aspirants

Examination Tips

Written Papers

1. Read all questions first - plan time allocation
2. Attempt easy questions first
3. Draw neat diagrams - they carry marks
4. Show all calculation steps
5. Review answers if time permits

Oral Examination

1. Dress formally - first impression matters
2. Carry all required documents
3. Speak confidently - even if unsure
4. Don’t argue with examiner
5. Admit if you don’t know - don’t bluff
6. Relate answers to shipboard experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Written Exams

1. Not reading questions completely
2. Poor time management
3. Illegible handwriting
4. Missing units in calculations
5. Not showing working steps

Oral Exams

1. Arriving late or unprepared
2. Not carrying required documents
3. Being overconfident
4. Contradicting the examiner
5. Rambling answers

Pass Percentage and Retakes

Pass Requirements

• 50% minimum in each paper
• All papers cleared within 2 years

Retake Policy

• Failed papers can be reattempted
• Fees applicable for each attempt
• Unlimited attempts within validity

After Passing Mate (FG)

Certificate Issuance

1. Apply for Certificate of Competency
2. Submit all documents to DG Shipping
3. Pay prescribed fees
4. Receive Second Mate (FG) certificate

Employment Options

• Third Officer on any merchant vessel
• Second Officer (after 12 months experience)
• Eligible for worldwide sailing

Preparation Resources

Online Resources

• DG Shipping website - Previous papers
• IMO publications
• YouTube nautical channels

Coaching Institutes

Many institutes offer Mate FG preparation courses. Research thoroughly before enrolling.

Study Groups

Join online communities of aspirants for:

• Paper sharing
• Doubt clearing
• Motivation support

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to prepare for Mate FG?

Typically 4-6 months of focused preparation while on leave. Some candidates study onboard during free time.

What is the pass percentage?

Approximately 50-60% clear on first attempt. Proper preparation significantly improves chances.

Can I appear for Mate FG while on ship?

No, you must be on leave to appear for written and oral examinations in India.

Is coaching necessary?

Not mandatory, but helpful for structured preparation. Self-study with good books also works.

Start Your Preparation Today

Mate FG is the gateway to your deck officer career. Thorough preparation ensures you clear the examination confidently and begin your journey as a navigating officer.

Need personalized guidance for Mate FG preparation? Chat with SailorGPT for exam tips, study strategies, and book recommendations.

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