INTRODUCTION

Many marine topics are common to one or more grade of certificate or qualification. Also, it should be borne in mind that the examiners can be expected to ask questions on previous qualification grades to ensure that the candidate's prior knowledge and his/her competence as a Junior Officer is evident.

The details expected when answering certain questions must also be anticipated as being a variable. As such an examiner may expect a very comprehensive answer from say a Master Mariner, whereas a more limited answer could be equally acceptable on the same question when directed to an Officer of the Watch (OOW).

Neither can every question easily fall to a single rank. Different ship types tend to generate selective operational questions, i.e. Tankers and Roll on Roll off (Ro-Ro), vessels. The obvious area of guidance must therefore be the respective syllabuses for the relevant examination. Hence, this section on miscellaneous questions includes a variety of topics effecting various ship types and scenarios, which must be considered as being within the realm of 'fairness'.

As with any assessment, it must be fair and it must be valid. Marine examiners are aware of these parameters when carrying out examinations and usually ensure that questioning of the candidates always falls within the categories of fairness and validity. They are equally aware that no one man or women can expect to know all the answers to every topic and question. Clearly, within the conduct of any examination a level of common sense must be...