Oral Exam Prep

Chief Mate and Master (Yachts Unlimited) — Oral Exam Preparation

M-Y-UNL

Modules
6
Lessons
28
Questions
140

Independent study. xplor is not an accredited training provider and awards no certificate or Certificate of Competency. The academic modules for this route can only be completed at a nautical college approved under Annex G of MSN 1856, and the oral examination can only be taken with an MCA Notice of Eligibility. AI-drafted content pending subject-matter-expert review.

Drafted from MSN 1858 (M+F) Amendment 2 (published 18 May 2026), section 4 and sections 5, 6, 10-12; the MCA oral examination syllabuses for Chief Mate Yachts Unlimited and Master Yachts Unlimited (STCW Code II/2), listed on the gov.uk 'Deck officer yacht oral examination syllabuses' page (updated 17 June 2026); the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral syllabus for comparison; MIN 690 Amendment 6 (updated 13 May 2026); MSN 1856 Amendment 1 (Annex G, as referenced); Red Ensign Group Yacht Code July 2024 edition, Part A, Part B and Common Annexes (G, H, L, M, N); the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/430); STCW Convention and Code Table A-II/2; SOLAS 1974 (III/19, V, IX, XI-2); the ISM and ISPS Codes; MARPOL Annex VI; BWM 2004; MLC 2006; the IAMSAR Manual Vol III; the 1989 Salvage Convention; and the York-Antwerp Rules..

Rule notes (13)

  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

    Yacht Unlimited CoCs: a new route the MCA calls interim

    MSN 1858 Amendment 2 (May 2026) created Chief Mate and Master (Yachts) Unlimited under STCW II/2, with no tonnage limit stated. The MCA calls it an interim solution that meets the unlimited standard except cargo competencies. Entry to Chief Mate is from Master (Yachts) <3000 GT, or OOW Unlimited plus 12 months yacht OOW service (6 seagoing) on yachts of 500 GT or more and NAEST (M). The notice prints "II/1" for the <3000 GT Master, which looks like a slip.

    Sources

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

M-Y-UNL-M1 · The Yacht Unlimited route and the oral

2 lessons

M-Y-UNL-M1-A What MSN 1858 Amendment 2 actually requires, how the two orals are built, and how they differ from the <3000 GT orals.

In preparation
M-Y-UNL-L1.1The Yacht Unlimited route: entry, modules and exemptionsMSN 1858 Amendment 2 section 4 opens an **STCW II/2 route with no tonnage limit** for yacht officers. Know the entry points cold, because examiners start with who you are and what you are about to command.PreviewM-Y-UNL-L1.2How the examiner works: syllabus structure, NOE, resits and the <3000 GT gapBoth Yacht Unlimited orals follow **STCW Table A-II/2 in full**. Knowing the structure, the NOE rules and what is new compared with the <3000 GT oral lets you prepare for the right exam.Locked

M-Y-UNL-M2 · Navigation at the management level: planning, position and bridge systems

6 lessons

M-Y-UNL-M2-A Voyage planning, fix accuracy, compasses, watchkeeping arrangements, radar and ECDIS as the syllabus sets them for command.

In preparation
M-Y-UNL-L2.1Voyage planning, routeing and reporting at management levelThe examiner wants a **strategic** plan: why this route, what the statistics say, which reporting systems apply, and when you will change the plan.LockedM-Y-UNL-L2.2Position fixing by all means and assessing its accuracyThe syllabus requires celestial, terrestrial and electronic fixing **with an assessment of accuracy**. Expect the examiner to ask how you know the GNSS is right.LockedM-Y-UNL-L2.3Compass errors, gyro systems and the deviation cardBoth syllabuses test magnetic and gyro principles; the Master syllabus adds **compass correctors and building a deviation card** from a distant object.LockedM-Y-UNL-L2.4Establishing watchkeeping arrangements and applying the COLREGsThe competence is to **establish** the watch, not just keep it. The examiner will test your standing orders, bridge manning decisions and a thorough grasp of the Collision Regulations.LockedM-Y-UNL-L2.5Radar, ARPA, blind pilotage and bridge equipmentBoth syllabuses include **blind pilotage planning** and the use of BNWAS, VDR/S-VDR, rate-of-turn indicators and NAVTEX. On yachts of 3000 GT and over, the REG Code adds a second radar and VDR.LockedM-Y-UNL-L2.6ECDIS at management levelAt Unlimited level ECDIS is a **management system**: licences, updates, versions, backups, logs and playback. The syllabus lists six management items; expect questions on each.Locked

M-Y-UNL-M3 · Navigation at the management level: weather, emergencies, SAR and shiphandling

6 lessons

M-Y-UNL-M3-A Forecasting, navigational emergencies, search and rescue, helicopter operations and handling a large yacht in all conditions.

In preparation
M-Y-UNL-L3.1Forecasting weather, tropical revolving storms and ocean currentsThe syllabus asks you to **forecast**, not just receive forecasts: interpret a synoptic chart, detect a TRS, avoid the dangerous quadrant and use tidal and current data.LockedM-Y-UNL-L3.2Navigational emergencies: collision, grounding, beaching and loss of steeringExpect a sequence of 'what next?' questions. The examiner wants **priorities**: people, watertight integrity, stability, pollution, communications, and the survey afterwards.LockedM-Y-UNL-L3.3Coordinating search and rescue: IAMSAR Vol III and passenger yacht SAR plansThe competence is to **coordinate**. Expect to be appointed on-scene coordinator in the examiner's scenario and asked for search patterns, communications and recovery.LockedM-Y-UNL-L3.4Helicopter operations and assisting aircraft in distressLarge yachts have helidecks, and SAR helicopters winch from yachts. The syllabus names **safety during helicopter operations** and rescuing the crew of a **ditched aircraft**.LockedM-Y-UNL-L3.5Manoeuvring large yachts: pilots, tugs, squat, interaction and propulsion controlsThe manoeuvring competence has **18 numbered items**. Know your own ship's data and be ready to handle a large yacht with pods, thrusters or CPP in a tight Mediterranean port.LockedM-Y-UNL-L3.6Anchoring, heavy weather, ice and launching boats in a seawayAnchoring a 4,000 GT yacht in deep water, keeping a disabled vessel out of the trough, ice accretion and launching a rescue boat in bad weather are all on the list.Locked

M-Y-UNL-M4 · Controlling the operation of the ship: stability, structure and safety systems

6 lessons

M-Y-UNL-M4-A Trim, stability and stress; damage control; fire and life-saving systems; emergency plans and seaworthiness at management level.

In preparation
M-Y-UNL-L4.1Intact stability of large yachts: criteria, free surface, lifts and lollThe syllabus requires stability 'maintained within safe limits at all times', knowledge of **IMO stability recommendations** and, for Master, **loll, free surface and stiff and tender conditions**. Expect numbers.LockedM-Y-UNL-L4.2Damage stability, flooding and damage controlBoth syllabuses require the effect on trim and stability of flooding a compartment and **application of damage stability information**. Know the REG standard and the SOLAS-derived extents for yachts of 85 m and over.LockedM-Y-UNL-L4.3Ship construction, hull stress, heavy weather and dry-dockingThe syllabus asks for fundamentals of ship construction, stress-calculating equipment, **dry-dock preparation** and, for Master, the effect of heavy weather on structure. Expect the critical period in docking.LockedM-Y-UNL-L4.4Fire prevention, detection and fighting on a large yachtExpect the examiner to set a fire - galley, engine room, lithium batteries in a toy store - and ask you to **organise and direct** the response, then maintain the systems.LockedM-Y-UNL-L4.5Life-saving appliances, drills and abandoning shipThe examiner will ask how you would **launch, manage and ensure survival** in survival craft, recover them, and how you maintain and drill the LSA - on a yacht that may carry davit-launched lifeboats.LockedM-Y-UNL-L4.6Seaworthiness, load line, emergency plans and decision supportPreparation for sea, load line items, contingency plans and the **decision support system** are where the examiner checks that you run the ship before the emergency, not only during it.Locked

M-Y-UNL-M5 · Controlling the operation of the ship: legislative compliance

5 lessons

M-Y-UNL-M5-A The REG Yacht Code, certificates and surveys, pollution prevention, ISM, security, and flag, port state and accident reporting.

In preparation
M-Y-UNL-L5.1The REG Yacht Code, certificates and surveys for yachts over 3000 GTThe syllabus names the **Large Commercial Yacht Code** - today the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code. Know what applies to your yacht, which certificates she must hold at each tonnage, and how they are surveyed.LockedM-Y-UNL-L5.2MARPOL, air emissions and ballast water at management levelExpect to be asked **which Annexes apply to your yacht, which records you keep, what you do about a spill** and the master's liabilities. The syllabus adds the **BWM Convention**.LockedM-Y-UNL-L5.3The ISM Code on a large yachtEvery REG Code yacht of **500 GT and over** complies with SOLAS IX (REG 23B.1). The examiner wants the master's responsibilities, **overriding authority**, the DPA, non-conformities and the audit cycle.LockedM-Y-UNL-L5.4Security: ISPS, stowaways, smuggling and piracyREG Part A 31.1 applies the **ISPS Code to yachts of 500 GT and over**. The syllabus adds the master's responsibility for **stowaways**, **smuggling** and **precautions against terrorism, piracy and armed robbery**.LockedM-Y-UNL-L5.5Flag, port state control, MAIB reporting and health and safety lawThis lesson covers the enforcement side: **PSC inspections**, **improvement and prohibition notices**, the **MAIB** duty to report under the 2026 Regulations, the **Official Log Book** and the Code of Safe Working Practices.Locked

M-Y-UNL-M6 · Controlling the operation of the ship: commercial matters, people and medical care

3 lessons

M-Y-UNL-M6-A Pilotage, towage, salvage and damage in port; leadership, MLC and crew management; organising medical care on board.

In preparation
M-Y-UNL-L6.1Commercial and legal: pilotage, towage, salvage, general average and putting into port with damageThe syllabus lists **obligations with respect to pilotage, towage and salvage agreements**, **putting into port with damage from business and technical points of view**, and maritime declarations of health. Yacht answers need the owner, manager, insurers and class in the picture.LockedM-Y-UNL-L6.2Leadership, crew management, MLC and hours of restThe syllabus gives leadership a full STCW competence: **task and workload management, resource management, decision-making and SOPs**, plus personnel management, discipline and hours of rest. The MLC applies in full on a 500 GT+ commercial yacht.LockedM-Y-UNL-L6.3Organising and managing medical care on boardThe final competence requires a **thorough knowledge** of the International Medical Guide for Ships, the medical section of the International Code of Signals and the **MFAG**, and use of radio medical advice.Locked