The MCA has officially confirmed the new Yacht Unlimited CoC pathway — a long-awaited step forward for yacht officers. For years, crew hit a ceiling at Master 3000, but that’s changing fast. With LY3 removing the 3,000 GT cap and yachts only getting bigger, this new ticket opens the door to larger vessels without switching to commercial routes. Time to dust off those plotting tools — it’s official!

The MCA are making changes to the oral exam booking system and they want your feedback. Instead of just putting up with a system that doesn’t work, this is our chance to help fix it.

From May 2025, the MCA is taking over GMDSS certification from AMERC — and the application process is changing. Whether you're applying for your CoC or need your GOC sooner, this guide breaks down exactly what to do (and which form to use) to save time, money, and stress.

Discover how Fred's Oral Prep evolved from a legendary in-person course to an even more successful online program, maintaining a 92% first-time pass rate while offering greater flexibility for maritime professionals.

Step-by-step guide to applying for your Certificate of Competency (COC) after passing your MCA exam. Includes the latest 2024 update about accepting scanned documents for first-time applications. Your complete roadmap from exam success to certification.

Needing some Pre-study? Let me help you. Get started on your maritime certification journey with our comprehensive pre-study guides for OOW, Master 500/3000, and M200 courses. Perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation before committing to full exam preparation. Access tailored study lists designed to set you up for success.

Important update: The MCA has restructured M200 and OOW Unlimited examinations into a two-part system. Learn about the new format featuring an online proctored exam (Part A) and face-to-face oral exam (Part B). Essential guidance on timing your exams and understanding the MCA's reasoning for these changes.

Discover the personalised factors that determine your maritime oral exam study timeline. From vessel experience to understand the key elements that impact your preparation needs. A practical guide to assessing your individual study requirements and creating a tailored study plan.

Discover why Fred's weekly webinars are essential for maritime exam success. From real-time practice with exam-style questions to personalised feedback and study buddy connections, learn how these interactive sessions can transform your exam preparation. Perfect for candidates seeking structured, accountable, and effective study methods.

Discover why a comprehensive approach to maritime exam preparation is essential for success. Learn how our structured, no-shortcuts method covers the entire syllabus, ensuring you understand not just the 'what' but the crucial 'why' behind every concept.

Discover why mastering exam technique is just as crucial as knowing the content for your maritime oral exam. Learn how to understand examiner expectations, use the right terminology, and deliver precise answers with key words that examiners are looking for. Transform your content knowledge into exam success with our proven techniques.

Discover why having study buddies is a crucial part of maritime exam preparation. Learn how collaborative learning enhances your exam readiness through practice sessions, mutual support, and the power of talking out loud. With organised study groups and comprehensive resources, transform your solo study into an effective group learning experience.

Essential guide to correctly completing your Training Record Book (TRB) - a critical document for your maritime certification. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, understand key sections, and maintain proper documentation that meets examiner requirements. Includes recent updates about scanning requirements and self-assessment options.

Discover why past exam papers are crucial for MCA oral exam success. With Fred’s extensive past paper collection, over 1200 pages of curated content and insights from 60+ examiners - learn how strategic practice with real exam questions can transform your preparation and boost your confidence.

Discover how the Slater Fund can provide up to £20,000 in financial support for UK maritime certifications. Learn about eligibility requirements, covered certificates, and how to apply for this career-changing scholarship opportunity.

I’m currently on pause while we wait for the MCA to release the updated syllabus, which was due in 2022 but still hasn’t been finalized. Since course development takes 6–12 months, I want to make sure it’s aligned with the most current standards.

Part A of the course is stable, but Part B will need major revisions—removing outdated content like Loran C and parts of Differential GPS. I checked in June 2024 and was told updates are coming, but the process is just now beginning.

As soon as the new syllabus is confirmed, I’ll move forward. Until then—appreciate your patience and happy studying!

Behind the scenes look at creating effective maritime training videos. Learn why Fred invests 28+ hours per video to deliver complex topics in an engaging, easily digestible format that helps students succeed.

Master the art of creating effective flashcards for maritime exams. Discover how to transform detailed maritime concepts into effective study tools. Learn the science behind memory retention and how to create focused flashcards that help you master critical exam topics.

Understanding the science behind stress and memory, and how maritime professionals can use scripts and acronyms to maintain performance under pressure. Includes practical examples from ColRegs and radar plotting.

Failed your maritime exam? Get back on track with our comprehensive 6-step recovery plan. Learn how to process, analyse, and bounce back stronger with practical steps for your next attempt.