2ND MATE FG Complete Knowledge Guide
by Awanish Chauhan
From OS to Captain — the maritime knowledge every deck seafarer should master. Essential shipboard knowledge explained simply and practically, all in one book.
Inside the Book
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Why This Book Exists
During their careers, many seafarers face the same problem while learning maritime subjects. Information is often:
- Spread across multiple books and manuals
- Written mainly for exams rather than practical understanding
- Difficult for beginners to understand
- Too technical without explaining the real onboard application
Because of this, many seafarers struggle to connect theory with real ship operations.
2ND MATE FG was written to make this learning easier. It brings together essential knowledge for the deck department in one structured and practical guide.
What You Will Learn
This book covers important topics that every seafarer working on the deck side should understand.
Navigation & Chart Work
Basic navigation principles, chart work, passage planning, and voyage planning used in safe ship navigation.
Lights, Shapes & Signals
Understanding COLREG navigation lights, day shapes, and sound signals used to identify vessel movements and avoid collisions.
Bridge Equipment & GMDSS
Clear explanations of important bridge equipment including:
- RADAR
- AIS
- ECDIS
- Steering systems
- GMDSS communication systems
Watchkeeping
Responsibilities during bridge watchkeeping, lookout duties, and maintaining safe navigation.
Seamanship
Practical deck knowledge, including mooring operations, anchoring procedures, rope handling, and general seamanship practices.
Cargo Planning & Operations
Understanding cargo loading, discharge procedures, cargo ventilation, and cargo monitoring.
Ship Stability
Simplified explanation of stability concepts used during daily ship operations.
Meteorology
Basic weather knowledge and understanding how weather conditions affect navigation.
Safety & Emergency Response
How to respond to common shipboard emergencies, such as:
- Fire onboard
- Collision
- Grounding
- Man overboard
- Other emergency situations
Emergency Equipment
Understanding the use of life-saving appliances and firefighting equipment onboard ships.
Maritime Regulations
Important international maritime conventions including:
- SOLAS
- STCW
- MARPOL
Ship Documentation
Important ship records, logbooks, and operational documentation used onboard.
Medical Care
Basic medical care and first aid knowledge required at sea.
MMD Oral Preparation
Common questions and explanations to help candidates prepare for MMD oral examinations.
Interview Preparation
Guidance and frequently asked questions to help seafarers prepare for maritime job interviews.
Why This Book Is Different
Most maritime books are written mainly for exams or academic study. 2ND MATE FG takes a different approach.
Other Books
- closeWritten mainly for exams or academic study
- closeToo technical for everyday onboard use
- closeDifficult for beginners to follow
- closeTheory without real onboard context
2ND MATE FG
- checkFocused on practical understanding of ship operations
- checkClear and simple language for every rank
- checkSuitable from OS to Captain
- checkConnects theory with real onboard application
Whether you are an OS, AB, Deck Cadet, Officer, or Captain, the purpose of this book is simple:
🚢 To help seafarers understand their work better and progress faster in their maritime careers.
Who This Book Is For
This book is useful for every seafarer working in the deck department.
Ordinary Seaman (OS / AB)
Finds it useful because it covers topics like watchkeeping, seamanship, cargo basics, lights, shapes and signals, and even job interview preparation.
Deck Cadet
Finds it helpful because it explains topics related to Function 1, Function 2, and Function 3, along with MMD oral questions and interview preparation, which are important during the early stages of a maritime career.
Deck Officer
Can use it to strengthen understanding of maintenance planning, crew handling, operational procedures, and emergency situations onboard.
Captain
Can use the book as a quick reference guide for important deck department topics.
Whether you are starting your maritime journey or already sailing, this book will help you build a stronger understanding of ship operations.
About the Author
Awanish Chauhan
Second Officer, Merchant Navy
Awanish Chauhan is a maritime professional who has sailed as a Second Officer. During his time at sea, he worked on various ship operations including navigation, watchkeeping, cargo handling, and deck management.
Through his sailing experience, he realized that many seafarers struggle to understand maritime subjects because available study materials are often too technical or difficult to follow.
The 2ND MATE FG book was created to simplify maritime knowledge and make it easier for every seafarer in the deck department to learn and understand.
Start Strengthening Your Maritime Knowledge Today
Whether you are preparing for exams, improving your onboard knowledge, or advancing your career — this book will help you build a stronger maritime understanding.
Order Your Copy Now🚢 One book every deck seafarer should carry onboard.