Oral Exam Prep

SV Chief Engineer (<500 GT / <3,000 kW) — Oral Exam Preparation

SV-CE<500

Modules
4
Lessons
28
Questions
140

Independent study. xplor is not an accredited training provider and awards no certificate or Certificate of Competency. The SV Chief Engineer CoC also requires qualifying SV EOOW sea service, the MCA-approved Chief Engineer Statutory and Operational Requirements and Auxiliary Equipment Part II modules and examinations, the ancillary courses in MSN 1904 section 6 (including HELM (Management)), and an oral examination conducted by an MCA examiner. AI-drafted content pending subject-matter-expert review.

Drafted from MSN 1904 (M+F) (published 21 December 2022), section 4.9 and sections 6 and 9 to 11; MIN 642 (M+F) (published 19 December 2022, updated 9 June 2025, stated expiry 1 December 2025); the MCA Chief Engineer Officer <3000 kW <500 GT unlimited area oral examination syllabus and the <9000 kW <3000 GT syllabus (both published 11 June 2018, gov.uk collection 'Small Vessel (SV) Engineering Oral Examination Syllabuses'); the MCA UK seafarer careers guidance index (updated 13 April 2026); MIN 690 Amendment 6 (updated 13 May 2026); STCW Code section A-VIII/1 and Table A-III/2; the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers 2026 edition (MIN 688 (M) Amendments 4 and 5), chapters 14, 15, 20, 24 and 34; MGN 659 (M+F) Amendment 3 (6 January 2026) on SI 2022/96; the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/42), (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/621) and (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/2924); MARPOL Annexes I, IV, V and VI including resolution MEPC.251(66) and the Mediterranean SOx ECA in force 1 May 2025 (IMO); BSH's summary of MARPOL Annex I discharge rules; FSS Code chapter 5 as amended by MSC.206(81); IACS Unified Requirements M9 and M10; SOLAS V/26 (secondary summary); the ISM Code; the Maritime Labour Convention 2006; and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A and Common Annexes G, I, M and N, July 2024 edition..

Rule notes (12)

  1. Recent change

    OneOcean harassment module for all UK CoC holders by 31 March 2027

    MGN 718 requires everyone holding a UK CoC or CoP, and anyone whose PSSR certificate is dated before 1 January 2026, to complete OneOcean module 0900 by 31 March 2027. It reverses MIN 729 (December 2025), which had said existing PSSR holders needed nothing more. The module is free, online, takes about one hour and gives a digital Verification of Training. Do it now: missing it may hold up your next revalidation.

    Sources

  2. Sources disagree

    PSC&RB and AFF refreshers for OOW (Yachts): the notices disagree

    MSN 1865 Amendment 1 Annex A lists only PST and FPFF refreshers for the OOW (Yachts) <3000 GT CoC. MSN 1858 Amendment 2 section 6 lists PSC&RB for that CoC with five-yearly updating, and MSN 1861 Amendment 1 lists PSC&RB and AFF refreshers for every revalidation. Updating PSC&RB also means updating PST, and AFF means FPFF. Until the MCA settles it, keep PSC&RB in date.

    Sources

  3. Not confirmed

    MIN 643 short-course rules expire on 30 September 2026

    MIN 643 sets which foreign short-course certificates the MCA accepts and which courses may be taught online. The December 2022 edition carries an expiry of 30 September 2026 and no replacement had been confirmed. Under it, PST, FPFF, PSC&RB and FRB refreshers cannot be done online or peripatetically. Check gov.uk for the successor before booking a course abroad.

    Sources

  4. Not confirmed

    Y-ticket conversions rest on MIN 642, which expired on 1 December 2025

    MIN 642 sets the routes from Y1–Y4 yacht engineer CoCs to Small Vessel CoCs. Its gov.uk note says it was extended to 1 December 2025; on 26 September 2026 it was still listed, not withdrawn and not replaced. It also cites the Chief Engineer <3000 kW oral as STCW III/2 where MSN 1904 says III/3. An MCA-approved college says Y-tickets can still be revalidated every five years, so conversion is optional for yacht work. Confirm the route with the MCA before paying for modules.

    Sources

  5. Recent change

    Old ML5 form accepted only until 31 December 2026

    The ML5 form MSF 4112 Rev 02/23 is accepted for new referrals only up to and including 31 December 2026; use Rev 01/26 after that. Certificates already issued on the old form stay valid until expiry. A commercial endorsement needs an ML5 or an ENG1.

    Sources

  6. Sources disagree

    GOC or ROC for Chief Mate and Master (Yachts)?

    As printed, the ancillary table in MSN 1858 Amendment 2 marks both GOC and ROC against the Chief Mate and Master (Yachts) columns. The ROC will not satisfy the OOW (Yachts) route. Hold a GOC for any yacht deck CoC until the MCA says otherwise.

    Sources

  7. Recent change

    Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code replaced MGN 280 on 12 December 2025

    The Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code applies from 12 December 2025 and replaces the Yellow, Blue and Red Codes, MGN 280 for sport or pleasure vessels and the Intended Pleasure Vessels code, with a transition for existing vessels. The Master (Code Vessels <200 GT) oral syllabus still names MGN 280 and LY3, so know both old and new references.

    Sources

  8. Recent change

    GMDSS certificates now issued by the MCA directly

    Since 12 May 2025 the MCA approves GMDSS courses and issues certificates itself, on form MSF 4354. Exams are run by the training centre with a separate trainer and assessor, and a failed candidate may be allowed one resit within 2 weeks. The fees in MIN 716 (£77 issue, £54 standalone revalidation) come from a notice that expired on 31 May 2026; check current fees.

    Sources

  9. Recent change

    EPIRB and PLB registration is now mandatory on UK vessels

    MGN 665 Amendment 1 (24 March 2026) makes registration of EPIRBs and 406 MHz PLBs on UK ships and watercraft mandatory, and failing to register is an offence. Check the yacht's beacons and any crew PLBs are registered with the UK Beacon Registry and the details are current.

    Sources

  10. Not confirmed

    MSN 1858 Amendment 2 cites notice amendments not yet published

    MSN 1858 Amendment 2 refers to MSN 1865, MSN 1862 and MSN 1864 Amendment 2, but gov.uk showed only Amendment 1 of each when checked. xplor courses follow Amendment 1. If a later amendment appears, its requirements override what is taught here.

    Sources

  11. Recent change

    Accident reporting: new UK Regulations from 15 May 2026

    The Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/430) came into force on 15 May 2026 and revoke the 2012 Regulations. Serious injury means incapacitation for more than 72 hours starting within seven days. Evidence, including VDR data, must be preserved, normally for 30 days after notification.

    Sources

  12. Recent change

    Mediterranean SOx ECA: 0.10% sulphur fuel since 1 May 2025

    The Mediterranean became a SOx Emission Control Area on 1 May 2025, with a fuel sulphur limit of 0.10% m/m. Engineers bunkering or changing over fuel for Mediterranean passages must plan to that limit.

    Sources

SV-CE<500-M1 · Marine engineering at the management level

9 lessons

SV-CE<500-M1-A Voyage planning and the propulsion plant of a smaller yacht: diesels, gearboxes and shafting, fuel, lubrication, cooling, manoeuvring, compressed air and performance monitoring.

In preparation
SV-CE<500-L1.1Determining voyage needs: fuel, lubricants, water, stores and expendablesThe first line of the syllabus, and the first thing an owner asks a sole engineer: **can we make it, and what do we need?**PreviewSV-CE<500-L1.2Marine diesel engines: working principles and constructionThe syllabus asks for **working principles and constructional details** of marine engines. On a small yacht that means high-speed, turbocharged, four-stroke diesels, often with common rail and an electronic control unit.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.3Gearboxes, clutches, shafting and propellersThe syllabus names **gears, clutches and ancillary equipment**. Between the flywheel and the water there is a lot that can stop a yacht.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.4Fuel oil systems and fuel managementThe syllabus asks for fuel systems with **filters, pumps, heat exchangers and controls**. At chief level add the management: grade, quality, contamination and the paper trail.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.5Lubricating oil systems and oil analysisOil is the engine's report card. A sole engineer who **samples, trends and acts** on oil analysis finds most failures before they happen.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.6Cooling, charge air and exhaust systemsMost yacht engine failures start with heat. The syllabus asks for **cooling systems, heat exchangers and controls**; the examiner will add the wet exhaust, because it floods engines.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.7Manoeuvring: bridge control, variable pitch propellers and thrustersThe syllabus asks for **methods of manoeuvring, including bridge control systems, variable pitch propellers and bow thrusters**. On a yacht, the engine room is usually empty when the boat is manoeuvred.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.8Air compressors, air receivers and associated equipmentThe syllabus asks for **working principles and constructional details** of compressors and receivers. Yachts use compressed air for starting, whistles, services and, often, breathing air for diving.LockedSV-CE<500-L1.9Performance monitoring and fault diagnosisThe syllabus asks for **safe and efficient operation and maintenance of marine engines and propulsion systems**. The examiner tests this with faults: here are the symptoms, what is wrong?Locked

SV-CE<500-M2 · Electrical, electronic and control engineering at the management level

4 lessons

SV-CE<500-M2-A Planning and protecting the electrical plant, safe isolation, control and alarm systems, and the emergency controls a sole engineer must know and prove.

In preparation
SV-CE<500-L2.1Electrical plant management: generators, shore power, batteries and emergency powerOn a small yacht the chief engineer is also the electrician. The examiner wants to know you can **plan and protect** the electrical plant, not just start a generator.LockedSV-CE<500-L2.2Safe isolation and electrical workThe syllabus lists **permit to work for electrical work**. A sole engineer isolates, proves dead and signs his own permits: the examiner checks you would do it properly when nobody is watching.LockedSV-CE<500-L2.3Control systems and alarm panels: testing and fault rectificationThe syllabus asks for **operational testing and fault rectification of basic control systems and alarm panels**. On a yacht with an unattended engine room, the alarm system is your watchkeeper.LockedSV-CE<500-L2.4Emergency controlsThe syllabus lists **emergency controls** on a line of their own. The examiner wants to know where each is, what it does, who uses it and when it was last tested.Locked

SV-CE<500-M3 · Maintenance and repair at the management level

5 lessons

SV-CE<500-M3-A Planned maintenance and records, sailing with defects, steering, thrusters and stabilisers, pumping systems, and running budgets, spares and yard periods.

In preparation
SV-CE<500-L3.1Routine maintenance, records and planned maintenance systemsThe syllabus asks why routine maintenance is necessary and **why records of machinery and its performance are kept**. The honest answer is that records are how a sole engineer proves the yacht is seaworthy.LockedSV-CE<500-L3.2Sailing with machinery inoperative: consequences and riskThe syllabus asks for the **consequences of sailing with certain items of machinery inoperative and the risks involved**. The examiner will name an item and ask whether you would sail.LockedSV-CE<500-L3.3Steering gear, bow thrusters and stabilisersThe syllabus asks for **care and management of steering systems and bow thrusters**. On a yacht, stabilisers sit on the same hydraulics and the examiner will ask about them too.LockedSV-CE<500-L3.4Pumping systems: care and managementThe syllabus asks for **care and management of pumping systems**. The examiner means bilge, fire, fuel transfer, fresh water and sewage: what they must do, why they stop doing it, and how you know before it matters.LockedSV-CE<500-L3.5Budgets, spares, overhaul planning and yard periodsA chief on a small yacht runs a department: **money, parts, contractors and the yard**. Examiners use this to test whether you can plan beyond the next watch.Locked

SV-CE<500-M4 · Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level

10 lessons

SV-CE<500-M4-A Bunkering, fire organisation, detection and equipment, stability and damage control, MARPOL, safe working and enclosed spaces, and the SMS, survey and legislative framework.

In preparation
SV-CE<500-L4.1Bunkering: the chief engineer's responsibilitiesThe syllabus asks for the **chief engineer's responsibilities and duties concerning bunkering or refuelling**. At this level you own the plan, the people, the paperwork and the outcome.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.2Fire on board: methods, preventing spread and organising the fire partyThe syllabus asks for **methods of dealing with fire, prevention of spread, and the organisation and direction of fire-fighting and lifesaving parties**. On a yacht with eight crew, you may be the fire party leader and the only engineer.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.3Fire detection and preventionTwo lines of the syllabus: **fire detection and prevention**. Most yacht fires start in machinery spaces, galleys, laundries and battery charging areas, and most could have been prevented.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.4Construction, maintenance and operation of fire-fighting equipmentThe syllabus asks for the **construction, maintenance and operation** of fire-fighting equipment. Yachts under 500 GT often protect the engine room with **water mist or a clean agent** rather than CO2; know yours and how it works.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.5Stability, watertight integrity, free surface effect and damage controlThe syllabus asks for **principles of stability, watertight integrity, free surface effect and reserve buoyancy**. The engineer controls the tanks, the bilges and the watertight boundaries: all three affect stability.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.6Oily water separator, MARPOL Annex I and oil managementThe syllabus asks for **care and management of oily water separator equipment**. At chief level the examiner also wants the rules above and below 400 GT, and how you keep the system honest.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.7MARPOL Annexes IV, V and VI and their implementationThe syllabus asks for **knowledge of MARPOL Annexes and implementations**. For a yacht chief that means which certificates the yacht needs, what your engines must comply with, and what you may discharge where.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.8Safe working practices, risk assessment and permit to workThe syllabus names **Codes of safe working practices, risk assessment, permit to work (enclosed space, hot work, electrical work)**. As chief you are usually the authorised officer who issues permits, and on a small yacht you may also be the person doing the work.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.9Dangers of entering enclosed spaces and managing entryThe syllabus lists **the dangers of entering enclosed spaces** separately from permits. At chief level you also manage the drills, the equipment and the list of spaces.LockedSV-CE<500-L4.10ISM, safety management, legislation and the chief engineer's responsibilitiesThe syllabus closes with **routine operational duties and the effect of legislation on engine room operations** and **basic understanding of ISM**. This is where the examiner checks you understand the framework you work in.Locked