The Naval exams
 

I'm reading up on the Commander 2.6 and it said something about don't install it while on patrol (I assume you can instal it while docked though). The instructions said you run the risk of loosing your campaign ... you'll have to do all the naval exams again.

Is it necessary to do the exams? I tried them once but after another installation of SHIII I've never bothered.

What am I missing if I don't do the exams?

You do not have to complete the exams, but finishing them all does give you some extra starting renown. The amount of renown you get depends on your performance in the exams. I did quite well and always start off with 1500+ renown. It helps in getting a top crew from the start. You can hire an extra officer, perhaps one with two or three qualifications! Or you could enlist experienced petty officers that can be qualified later on, after they've competed a patrol.

Note: you only have to complete the exams once. After that, every career you start will automatically have the bonus renown.

Kind regards,

Eichenlaub