Below you will find a comprehensive list of the equipment, stationary and books that will help you in Deck Officer College studies and throughout your seagoing career. There list is split into essential equipment that you must get and highly recommended which although not absolutely required will increase your chances of exam success. Thankfully all of these items can be purchased online. Experience has shown that Ebay provides the best value for money and I’ve included a link to purchase each item to make your life easier.
Essential:
2B Mechanical Pencil
– 2B pencils are mandatory for chartwork. I recommend purchasing a mechanical pencil as the last think you want during an exam is to waste time having to sharpen a broken lead.
Steadtler Triplus Pens 0.3mm
– A good selection of coloured pens is required for drawing diagrams.
Scientific Calculator
– This always causes some debate. There is two versions Natural Display and Non Natural Display. Many people feel that the Non Natural Display is easier to operate when completing complex calculations as bracketing is less complex. Personally this has never caused me any issues so I have included links to both variations to let you decide what is best for yourself.
Parallel Rule
– I recommend purchasing two. One smaller sized 15″ or 18″ for general chartwork use and a larger 22″ or 24″ for large waypoint chartwork questions. During SQA examinations the chartwork questions will sometimes require you to connect two positions on the chart that are spaced further apart than a 18″ parallel ruler. Whilst it is possible to extend the line using an 18″ ruler this can result in reduced accuracy and wasted time when under exam conditions. The larger 24″ rule is perfect for these situations ensuring accuracy is maintained at all times.
Chartwork Dividers
– For chartwork dividers the one handed type is recommended.
30cm Steel Ruler
– A 30cm Steel or solid plastic ruler.
Clear pencil case
– For certain exams, particularly SQA exams, only clear pencil cases are allowed into the exam room.
Maths compass
– Required for Chartwork and a number of other subjects.
A Seaman’s Guide Pocket Book of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea
– A pocket size book containing all of the COLREGS and Annexes.
Stabilo boss highlighters
– Essential for all subjects and exams.
Pencil Eraser
– Essential for all subjects and exams.
Lever Arch File
– Essential for collating your work for all subjects and exams.
Recommended:
Navigation flip cards
– These are available for Buoyage, Rule of the Road, Morse Code and the Inernational Code of Signals (Flags). I personally used these for studying these areas and can’t recommend them enough.
Erasable black ink pen
– During examinations only ink pens can be used. Present your work neatly by investing in some erasable ink pens.
Mariners Handbook 2015 edition
– This provides in superb guidance on almost all areas of Deck Officers knowledge. You may be able to obtain a copy from your nautical college library but investing in a personal copy will pay off in the long run.
Norie’s Nautical Tables
– Used for celestial navigation calculations and can also be applied to sailings calculations.
Seamanship Techniques David House
– Seamanship Techniques covers the knowledge of seamanship required by seafarers. Its content is relevant all the way from Deck Cadet to Master Mariner rank.
A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road by J.W.W. Ford
– This book describes the practical application of The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Reeds Maritime Meteorology
– An excellent meteorology textbook covering all aspects of the subject for Cadets right through to Masters.
Folder Dividers
– Keep your work organised with a set of folder dividers.
Further Reading:
Hatch Covers – Operation, Testing and Maintenance by Mike Wall – The book was written by Mike Wall, Managing Director of Kiwi Marine Consultants Limited and a qualified mediator. Mike has 20 years experience in hull, machinery, cargo and condition surveys in the USA, New Zealand, Fiji and South East Asia and proved an excellent commentator on the matter.
Report Writing for Marine Surveyors by Mike Wall – A comprehensive book which provides a solid framework for marine surveyors to develop their report writing skills.
The Role of The Marine Engineering Superintendent by Mike Wall – This publication is intended for those who may be considering becoming a marine engineering superintendent, the aim being to pass on as much information as possible to prepare the marine engineer for his new role.
Running a Successful Marine Survey Company by Mike Wall – This is essential reading for all marine surveyors who really want to know what it is like to start a business from scratch. For those who are already marine surveyors but who still wonder why the competition is doing better than they are, this book is also indispensable.
Report Writing For Professional Marine Engineers by Mike Wall – Report Writing for Professional Marine Engineers aims to transmit the methodology for properly formatted reports with technical information presented in an easily readable and understandable manner.
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