Tips for clearing Chief Mate (FG) exam - DG Shipping India

Just cleared my Chief Mate Foreign Going exam on my second attempt! Here are my tips for those preparing:

**Study Material:**
- Capt. Subramaniam books are the bible - read them cover to cover
- Nutshell series for quick revision
- Past papers from the last 5 years (available on various maritime forums)

**Subject-wise approach:**
- Navigation: Focus on great circle sailing, tides, and celestial navigation
- Cargo: Know the IMSBC Code inside out, grain loading, container securing
- Meteorology: Tropical revolving storms, weather routing
- Safety: SOLAS chapter by chapter, LSA Code, FSS Code

**Exam day tips:**
- Write diagrams wherever possible
- Time management is critical - 3 hours goes fast
- Answer all questions, don't leave any blank

Feel free to ask specific questions. Happy to help fellow officers preparing.

2345 views 4 replies

R

Rajesh Kumar Chief Officer

1 years ago

#1

Great tips! I cleared mine on first attempt. One thing I'd add: practice celestial navigation calculations until you can do them in your sleep. I was doing 5 sights per day during my preparation. Also, the examiner loves it when you draw neat diagrams. Invest in a good geometry set.

A

Arjun Desai Second Officer

1 years ago

#2

Currently preparing for mine. How important is Stability? I find it the most difficult subject. Any recommended resources specifically for stability calculations? The Capt. Subramaniam book covers it but I feel I need more practice problems.

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John McGregor Captain

1 years ago

#3

Stability is crucial - it comes up in every exam. I recommend the KSI stability booklet for extra problems. Also, practice the stability booklet of your current vessel - examiners love practical questions. 'Explain how you would load grain in your vessel' type questions require real stability knowledge.

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Vikram Singh Chief Officer

1 years ago

#4

Failed my first attempt on Navigation. The examiner asked about ECDIS cyber security requirements which caught me off-guard. Make sure you know the latest MSC circulars on ECDIS. It's not just about chartwork anymore. Cleared on second attempt after studying the digital navigation aspects more thoroughly.