Preparing for Chief Mate FG starts with knowing what belongs in each phase. Use this guide to organise your subjects, choose the right study material and turn a broad syllabus into a manageable revision plan.
Quick answer: Chief Mate FG syllabus
Phase 1: 5 written subjects
Phase 2: 5 written subjects
The DG Shipping TEAP examination framework lists five written subjects in each phase. These form part of the wider competency and assessment requirements.
Chief Mate FG Phase 1 subjects
| Written subject | Main study areas |
|---|---|
| Terrestrial and Celestial Navigation | Position fixing, ocean passages and astronomical navigation. |
| Meteorology | Weather systems, oceanography, tides and routeing. |
| Cargo Handling and Stowage | Cargo calculations, cargo care, securing and hazards. |
| Naval Architecture — Paper I | Ship construction, trim and stability. |
| Ship Safety, Emergencies, Maintenance and Managerial Skills | Safety equipment, emergency planning, maintenance and leadership. |
Chief Mate FG Phase 2 subjects
| Written subject | Main study areas |
|---|---|
| Navigational Aids Including Compasses | Electronic navigation, magnetic compass and gyrocompass. |
| Bridge Watchkeeping, Search and Rescue, Ship Handling and Emergencies | Watchkeeping, COLREGs, manoeuvring and emergency response. |
| Engineering Knowledge, Instruments and Control Systems | Propulsion, auxiliaries, controls and fuel consumption. |
| Naval Architecture — Paper II | Further ship construction, stability and damage considerations. |
| Maritime Legislation | Maritime law, pollution prevention, certificates and liabilities. |
The Engineering Knowledge paper forms part of the deck-officer examination framework.
Official reference: DG Shipping TEAP Part B, pages 135–140.
This is a subject overview. Use the full official syllabus and current examination notices to check detailed requirements and amendments.
Where to begin with Phase 1 Cargo calculations
For Hindship problems, build a consistent method before attempting a complete question. A useful learning sequence is:
- Identify the forward, aft and midship drafts.
- Understand draft-mark corrections and the given trim.
- Calculate the required mean draft and mean of means.
- Read and interpolate the relevant hydrostatic values.
- Follow the selected method for trim and density corrections.
- Account for cargo, ballast, fuel, fresh water and other weight changes.
- Check that the final answer addresses the quantity asked for.
Keep the formula beside each calculation. Show the units, explain the correction sign and record where each hydrostatic value came from. This makes your working easier to check and helps you identify the step that needs more practice.
Practise Hindship problems with WayToMasters
Need help turning the method into a complete solution?
The WayToMasters Chief Mate Cargo Hindship course brings together nine solved problems, with written solutions and accompanying video explanations. The Formulas and Common Mistakes material supports revision before you work through the problems.
Use it for focused practice in this part of your Phase 1 Cargo preparation.
View the Hindship Cargo courseHow to use this syllabus as a study plan
Create one checklist for each written subject. Under every topic, track four stages: understand, practise, check and revise.
For a numerical question, first attempt it without looking at the solution. When checking your answer, identify whether the difficulty was the method, a table value, a unit conversion or arithmetic. Repeat the question after correcting the cause.
For a theory question, write a short answer from memory, then check it against your reference. Add a labelled diagram where it helps explain the answer.
Keep a separate list of mistakes to revisit. This gives your next revision session a specific purpose.
Before booking your examination
Check your applicable syllabus, eligibility, required courses and certificates, assessment requirements and current booking notice with the maritime administration or your approved training institute.
Check official nautical examination information
WayToMasters provides independent examination study material. Its Hindship course supports a specific part of Cargo preparation; approved competency training and certification requirements remain separate.