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Exam-day conditions: no feedback until you submit, each module scored separately like the real test, with a full question-by-question review at the end.
The real exam is passed module by module: Rules of the Road requires 90%, most other modules 70%. Chart-plotting modules are taken on paper and not included.
The free sample gives you 20 to 30 questions per module. The full bank contains every available official question, with written explanations on the popular small-vessel credentials, one-off $29, lifetime access on up to 3 devices, all credentials included.
You must pass each module separately. Rules of the Road requires 90%; most other modules require 70%. Chart-plotting modules are worked on paper.
The exam covers 2 modules: Navigation General – Rules of the Road, Deck General – Safety.
This page includes free sample questions drawn from the official USCG sample examinations, with a full bank of around 89 questions across all modules available with lifetime access.
Every question comes from the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center's published sample examinations, which are U.S. government works in the public domain. Wheelhouse Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
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A selection of free questions from the official USCG sample examinations. Use the interactive modules above for timed, scored drills.
INLAND ONLY You are underway in a narrow channel, and are being overtaken by another power-driven vessel. The overtaking vessel sounds the signal indicating his intention to pass you on your starboard side. What is your signal of agreement?
Why: Under Inland Rule 34(c), agreement in overtaking is shown by sounding the same signal the proposing vessel used, here one short blast for a starboard-side pass. The prolonged-short-prolonged-short signal is the International narrow-channel agreement.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel nearing a bend where other vessels may be obscured is required to sound which signal?
Why: Rule 34(e): approaching a bend where other vessels may be obscured, sound one prolonged blast; a hidden approaching vessel answers with the same signal. Short blasts are maneuvering signals for vessels in sight.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in fishing while at anchor shall sound which fog signal?
Why: Rule 35(c): a vessel engaged in fishing sounds one prolonged and two short blasts at intervals not exceeding two minutes whether underway or at anchor; she does not switch to ordinary anchor signals while fishing.
Which statement is TRUE of a gasoline spill?
When bunkering is complete, which is the correct procedure concerning the bunker hoses?
When is a lookout permitted to leave his station?
Why: The lookout's duty is continuous, so the station may be left only when properly relieved. Even at the end of the watch, the relief must actually take over first.
What is the minimum standard for making an eye splice in a wire to be used as cargo gear?
Which of the signals listed is required to be displayed at night while bunkering at a dock?
Fueling results in the collection of waste oil in drip pans and containers. Which is an approved method of disposing of the waste oil?
What can be done to prevent small oil spills on deck from going overboard?
Who has the authority to grant an alternate procedure for oil transfer operations?
Why: Under 33 CFR 156.107 the Captain of the Port may consider and approve alternatives to the required oil transfer procedures when they provide an equivalent level of safety and pollution protection.
Which is the correct procedure for anchoring a small to medium size vessel in deep water?
Where are buoys and day beacons exhibiting a yellow triangle or square painted on them used?
What is NOT a characteristic of cardinal marks?
Which part of the patent anchor performs the same function as the stock of an old-fashioned anchor; that is, forces the flukes to dig in?
Why: On a stockless (patent) anchor, the tripping palms are flat projections that bear against the seabed and force the flukes to rotate downward and dig in, doing the job the stock did on an old-fashioned anchor.
What is the cause of most minor spills of oil products?
Why: Most minor oil spills come from human error, mistakes like unattended transfers, misaligned valves, or overfilled tanks, rather than equipment failure or major casualties. That is why transfer procedures and checklists exist.
What does the helm command "shift the rudder" mean?
Why: 'Shift the rudder' orders the helmsman to swing the rudder to the same angle on the opposite side, for example from right 15° to left 15°. It is used to check a swing quickly.
Which is a feature of a special daymark?
Why: Special marks have no lateral significance and are yellow. The daymark form is a yellow diamond. Squares and triangles in green or red are lateral shapes; a red-and-white octagon is safe water.
Geographic range is the maximum distance at which a light may be seen under which conditions?
Why: Geographic range assumes visibility permits and is limited purely by the curvature of the Earth, the horizon distance set by the heights of the light and observer. Luminous range deals with intensity and existing visibility.
A cardinal mark showing an uninterrupted quick-flashing white light indicates the deepest water is located in which quadrant?
Why: An uninterrupted (continuous) quick-flashing white light identifies a north cardinal mark, think of a clock face with no number breaks at the top. Safe, deepest water lies north of the mark; pass on its north side.