Sea of Competency

Expert MCA Oral & Written Exam preparation for Deck, Engine & ETO. From Cadets to Senior Officers, we support candidates across the Small Vessel and Unlimited routes.

Get expert, 1-to-1 tuition from experienced seafarers. We provide targeted prep for Deck, Engine, and ETO exams that goes beyond the syllabus.

Learn to handle Flag, Class, and Project Managers while you study. Gain the confidence to pass the first time and the practical knowledge to lead in rank.

  • Merchant Navy Cadet epaulettes for Deck, Engine, and ETO officers on a chart table - MCA oral exam preparation tuition.

    Cadet Tier: (Deck, Engine & ETO)

    Transitioning from Cadet to Officer of the Watch is the biggest step in your career. We are here to make sure you land on your feet.

    SeaOC is committed to raising the standard of new officers entering the industry. To support this, we offer a subsidised tuition rate exclusively for candidates completing their first Certificate of Competency. This is not just exam prep; it is mentorship from experienced officers to help you step up into your first rank with authority

    Apply for Cadet Support
  • Successful candidate celebrating passing MCA Oral Exam for Deck or Engine after 1-to-1 tuition.

    1-to-1 MCA Oral/Written Prep (Deck, Engine & ETO)

    Our flagship service. Get private, 1-to-1 coaching with an expert tutor dedicated to your success.

    We focus on building your confidence through understanding, not just memorisation. By linking exam topics to real-world scenarios—like dealing with Class Surveyors, Project Managers, and Flag State audits—we help you see the bigger picture. You will learn exactly what the examiner wants to hear, and why it matters for your future role as a senior officer.

    Secure Your 1-to-1 Sessions
  • Expert tutor guiding a Management Level engineer through MCA Written EK (Engineering Knowledge) exam topics.

    Written EK Exam Workshops (Group Sessions)

    Join our intensive 2-week workshop designed to turn complex theory into clear, high-scoring answers.

    We don't just review past papers; we deconstruct them. Our tutors break down difficult Motor and General topics—from Marine Electrics and Naval Architecture to Diesel Propulsion—ensuring you understand the engineering principles, not just the memorised answer. You will learn to write with the technical precision and authority expected of a Senior Engineer, giving you the edge to handle any question the examiner throws at you.

    Limited group size for maximum attention

    Secure Your Seat

Testimonials

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  • "I worked with Ben from SoC during the run up to my EK written and class two oral exam. I highly recommend SoC to anyone looking to sit there exams. Ben is able to break down technical concepts and has a firm understanding of the MCA’s requirements.I look forward to working with SoC for my Chief Oral exam"

    — Lewis Crossley, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

  • “Fully recommend using Sea of Competency, it helped me get a good insight to the questions that like to be asked by the examiners and to make sure you’re hitting the key areas. Also having a marine professional talk to helps hone delivery of your answers. Wouldn’t have been able to pass my 2nd Engineers unlimited without it.”

    — Rhys Colling, Stena Line

  • “Would highly recommend anyone looking for oral prep, The class timings are flexible and tailored to you, all at reasonable rates. A must for future students looking to pass their MCA orals. Lecturers are professional and knowledgeable with timely guidance and responses to all your questions”

    — Mukund Baraiya, Carnival UK

  • "I used Ben for some one to one tuition when preparing for my 2nd engineers unlimited oral exam and I couldn’t recommend him enough. Really nice guy and easy to get along with as well as being very knowledgable across a variety of vessels. The sessions were either 1 or 2 hours and tailored to me and the things I was struggling with - Ben was very flexible with his time and was always available on WhatsApp outside of the sessions we did. I’ll definitely be using him again when I come to do my chiefs"

    — Phillip Binks, Stena Line

  • "Ben gave some me some tutoring to assist with passing my chief engineer oral exam. Top work from a top guy, thank you. Anyone looking to do the same shouldn’t have any doubts."

    - Peter Weddell, CE Super Yacht

  • "I enlisted Ben’s services when preparing for my 2nd Engineers oral exam. Ben is consummate professional with extensive knowledge in multiple areas of maritime engineering and legislation. Any organisation would greatly benefit from Ben’s expertise."

    - Callum Morris, Helix Energy Solutions Group

  • "Would highly recommend Ben for any oral preparation sessions, helped me massively and managed to get a lot fitted in at short notice."

    - Rhys Sim, Stena Line

  • "Ben helped me pass my 2nd’s oral first time. Was very helpful and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone who’s looking for some extra help."

    - Dean Stevenson, Acta Marine

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