Revise with instant feedback: the moment you pick an answer you see whether it was right, with the explanation where available. Untimed — ideal before you sit a mock exam. Questions you miss keep coming back until you know them.
Exam-day conditions: no feedback until you submit, each module scored separately so you can see your weak areas, plus an overall score against the pass mark, 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 is 49 questions, spread across every module in the same proportions as the real exam. The full bank contains every question from the NMC's current published sample examinations for this credential, with written explanations on the popular small-vessel credentials, one-off $29, lifetime access on up to 3 devices, all credentials included.
| Delivered by | US Coast Guard National Maritime Center; exams are sat at Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (RECs) |
|---|---|
| Official exam | Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsement examinations |
| Questions | Set per credential in your Approval to Test letter; the NMC does not publish module question counts |
| Time | Each module is sat in a 3½-hour examination period; modules are taken in consecutive periods |
| Passing score | Rules of the Road 90%; Deck General and Deck Safety 70% (NMC notice, January 2018) |
| Exam fee | Set by 46 CFR 10.219: for an original officer endorsement, evaluation $100, examination $95 (lower level) or $110 (upper level), issuance $45 |
| Pre-licensing or eligibility | Apply to the Coast Guard first; you need the NMC's Approval to Test letter before you can book. The application stays valid for 12 months |
| Book your exam | dco.uscg.mil/nmc/Examinations |
Checked 11 October 2026 from the official sources below. Rules and fees change, so confirm with US Coast Guard National Maritime Center; exams are sat at Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (RECs) before you book.
Wheelhouse is a $29 question bank built from the Coast Guard's own sample exams, not an approved course. Here is how it compares with the courses and tools mariners usually consider, including where they are the better choice. See the comparison with Mariners Learning System, Sea School, MPT and others.
You must pass each module separately. Most modules require 70% to pass.
The exam covers 4 modules: Deck General, Deck Safety, Navigation General – Near Coastal, Navigation General – Oceans.
This page includes free sample questions drawn from the official USCG sample examinations, with a full bank of around 190 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.
No. The free practice tests work in your browser with no signup. Your score history is saved on your own device.
Last updated 12 June 2026. The bank is refreshed whenever the Coast Guard publishes revised sample examinations.
A selection of free questions from the official USCG sample examinations. Use the interactive modules above for timed, scored drills.
How long must a "Declaration of Inspection" be kept on board?
Which action(s) is/are included in crane operations?
Which is the region containing 3/4 of the mass of the atmosphere and to which are confined such phenomena as clouds, storms, precipitation and changing weather conditions?
Which defines the term relative humidity?
The principal vertical circle is that great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through which of the following?
The path that a vessel is expected to follow, represented on a chart by a line drawn from the point of departure to the point of arrival, is known by which term?
What is the function of wearing rings found on some centrifugal pumps?
While taking weather observations, you determine that the wind is coming from the west. In the weather log, how would you record the wind direction?
Which of the following is a standard correction applied to the reading of an aneroid barometer?
What is a system of reservoirs and connecting tubes in a gyro compass called?
You are 15 feet off a pier and docking a vessel using only a bow breast line and stern breast line. Once the slack is out of both lines you begin to haul in on the bow breast line. What is the effect on the vessel?
You have determined the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel by taking the radar ranges and bearings of an isolated light while making a turn. The results are listed in illustration D035DG. Based on this data what is the tactical diameter of the turning circle?
What is a common unit of measure for atmospheric pressure?
What does the numeral in the center of a wind rose circle on a pilot chart indicate?
Annex V to MARPOL 73/78 contains requirements pertaining to the discharge into the marine environment of which item?
What must be accurately determined to assess the potential for progressive flooding after a vessel has been damaged?
Inflatable liferafts are provided with which item?
Which is TRUE concerning Spring tides?
Which term defines the strainer at the bottom of a bilge suction pipe to prevent clogging?
A common class of wire rope is the 6X37 class. What does the 37 represent?
Which may indicate the proximity of pack ice?
What is a CORRECT reply to a pilot's request, "How's your head"?
When instructing a crew member concerning the right way to lift a weight, how should you instruct him/her?
A tug placed at which location would have MINIMAL effect steering a large vessel?
A vessel's Classification Certificate is issued by which organization?
Which type of fixed fire-extinguishing system is approved for use on board uninspected vessels?
How should the letter "D" be pronounced when spoken on the radiotelephone?
The self-contained breathing device should not be used in which situation?
An aluminum powder fire is in which fire classification category?
How may the change in trim of a vessel be found?
You have taken another vessel in tow. Which is an indicator that the towing speed is too fast?
Your vessel has been damaged and is taking on water, but you do not require immediate assistance. How would you preface a message advising other vessels of your situation?
To lubricate the swivel or remove corrosion from a fire hose coupling, which should be used?
Angular motion about the longitudinal axis of a vessel is known by which term?
In a water-tube marine type boiler, after the steam leaves the generating tubes, in what part of the boiler is temperature of the steam increased?
As you enter a U.S. channel from seaward, which is TRUE concerning the numbers on the buoys?
Which is a characteristic of a port side daymark?
A mooring buoy, if lighted, shows which color light?
You are underway in the North Sea on course 216°T when you sight a buoy bearing 021° relative. Under the IALA Buoyage System, you are in the best navigable water if the buoy has which of the following characteristics?
You are on course 222°T and take a relative bearing of a lighthouse of 025°. What is the true bearing to the lighthouse?
You take a bearing of 191° and 313° to two objects. Which bearing of a third object will give the best fix?
Which is a characteristic of the weather preceding an approaching warm front?
A line of position from a celestial observation is a segment of which choice?
Which navigational mark may only be lettered?
The Light List indicates that a light has a nominal range of 14 miles and is 42 feet (12.7 m) high. If the visibility is 16 miles and your height of eye is 20 feet (6.1 m), at which approximate distance will you sight the light?
IN REGION A of the IALA Buoyage System, when entering from seaward, how would the starboard side of a channel be marked?
Which of the following describes the difference between true heading and magnetic heading?
Which of the sources contains information on Northern Right Whales?
In a weather report, which defines the term "visibility"?