INTRODUCTION

Once a Merchant Navy Officer has acquired sufficient sea service, he or she may present themselves as a candidate for the examination for the rank of Master Mariner. Such a position carries with it the ultimate responsibility of taking command of a ship at sea. As such, the qualification must take account of all the aspects of management of the vessel as well as the day-to-day manoeuvring, voyage economics, navigation aspects, discipline, health and safety to name but a few of the functional requirements.

The examination can be expected to be unlike previous encounters with the Marine Examiner. Yes, there will be searching questions asked, meant to reflect the overall knowledge held by the candidate. However, the examiner is making an overall assessment of the candidate's ability to command the ship, the crew and all likely operations that may affect the well-being of the vessel.

To this end discussion and debate into any form of emergency must be anticipated by candidates. It should also be realised that each and every emergency will differ, and therefore no 'pat' answer can be expected to fit every situation. The examiner is also trying to assess if the candidate can think practically, if he or she can think while under pressure and if he or she can address marine problems in a safe and logical manner.

The ethos of 'command' has been discussed and written about for decades, with many views contributing towards what makes the ultimate commander. What is that vital spark...