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 67 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 265 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.
What is the period of validity of a Safety Management Certificate?
Which document lists all the lifesaving equipment required for a vessel?
Which is TRUE of the term negative slip on a vessel?
How are chart legends which indicate a conspicuous landmark printed?
When trying to sight a lighthouse you notice a glare from a town in the background. How does this affect the range at which the light may be sighted?
Radar makes the most accurate determination of the __________.
What is the period of validity of a Merchant Mariner Credential?
The velocity of the apparent wind can be more than the true wind, and come from the same direction, if certain conditions are present. One condition is that the __________.
You have replaced the chart paper in the course recorder. Which statement is TRUE?
What does the description "Racon" beside an illustration on a chart mean?
A ship is on course 195° at a speed of 15 knots. The apparent wind is from 40° on the port bow, speed 30 knots. What are the direction and speed of the true wind?
Which term is given to a light that has a light period shorter than its dark period?
In shallow water, waves that are too steep to be stable, causing the crests to move forward faster than the rest of the wave. This occurrence describes which term?
What is a system of reservoirs and connecting tubes in a gyro compass called?
You are transporting dangerous cargo on your vessel. Who is required to sign the Dangerous Cargo Manifest acknowledging the correctness of the document?
Carbon dioxide cylinders which protect machinery spaces, paint lockers and tanks may be located within those spaces when the amount of carbon dioxide does not exceed which amount?
Your tank barge requires repairs that include welding. Who normally would issue a gas-free certificate?
A vessel that has which of the following will ensure that it will keep its draft at or below the load line mark?
To determine the number of able seamen required on an inspected vessel, you should check which document?
What power source actuates a solenoid valve?
When hoisting a boat on gravity type davits using an electric motor driven winch, the davit arms should be brought up to which position?
What is the characteristic of a quick flashing light?
What type of clouds are associated with a cold front?
The magnitude of three stars is indicated. Which star is the brightest?
According to Buys Ballot's law, when an observer in the Northern Hemisphere experiences a northwest wind, where is the center of low pressure located?
The apparent wind's speed can be zero, but only when two conditions are present. One condition is that the true __________.
What must be accurately determined to assess the potential for progressive flooding after a vessel has been damaged?
How are buoys which mark isolated dangers painted?
Which publication would give detailed information on the commercial vessel traffic reporting system for connecting waters from Lake Erie to Lake Huron?
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?
Which condition would most likely result in fog?
Which characteristic is an advantage of a butterfly valve as compared to a gate valve?
Which statement is TRUE concerning a Mercator projection?
You are underway on course 120°T and can make 12 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 150°T at 120 miles. The hurricane is on course 295° at 20 knots. What course should you steer at 12 knots to have the maximum CPA?
Which type of portable electrical equipment is permitted for use in a compartment that is not gas free?
You are transferring a cargo of ethyl chloride and a small amount spills into the water around your vessel. What does the Chemical Data Guide indicate is the solubility of ethyl chloride in water?
What is the meaning of a flag hoist consisting of the code letters "WM" (Whiskey Mike) when displayed by an icebreaker?
What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 1 as shown in illustration D029DG below?
The turning circle of a vessel making a turn over 360 degrees is the path followed by which item?
Which term defines "An electronic or electric device that indicates the rate of turn of a vessel"?
Under normal weather and sea conditions when securing a stack of containers with non-locking fittings, lashings are required when the tier exceeds what height?
To launch a liferaft by hand, you should take which actions?
The "trimming arm" of a vessel is the horizontal distance between which two points?
Which advantage does dry chemical have over carbon dioxide (CO2) in firefighting?
You have abandoned ship and are in charge of a liferaft. How much water per day should you permit each occupant to drink after the first 24 hours?
After each reading of an oxygen indicator, the instrument should be purged with __________.
What is the lifesaving signal for "You are seen - Assistance will be given as soon as possible"?
How often are inflatable liferafts required to be overhauled and inspected at a U. S. Coast Guard approved service facility?
Which type of hull damage should be repaired FIRST?
A fire hose with a nozzle attached must be connected to each hydrant except when exposed to heavy weather or when the __________.
In illustration D012SA below, what will be released when pulling on line number 5?
CO2 cylinders must be recharged when the weight of the charge in the cylinder is less than what percent of the stamped full weight of the charge?
What is the report identifier code for an AMVER deviation report?
If a firefighting situation calls for low-velocity fog which action would you take?
You are inbound in a channel marked by a range. The range line is 309°T. You are steering 306°T and have the range in sight as shown in illustration D047NG below. The range continues to open. What action should you take?
In the Northern Hemisphere, when the center of a high-pressure system is due east of your position, you can expect winds from which direction?
You take a bearing of 176° of a lighthouse. What bearing of another object would give the best fix?
What is the name of the region of high pressure extending around the Earth at about 35°N latitude?
Your vessel is steering 283°T at 10 knots. At 0538 a light bears 350°T, and at 0552 the same light bears 002°T. What will be your distance off abeam?
You have been observing your radar screen and notice that a contact on the screen has remained in the same position, relative to you, for several minutes. Your vessel is making 10 knots through the water. Which statement is TRUE?
In the celestial equator system of coordinates, what is comparable to latitude on the terrestrial sphere?
In a tropical cyclone, in the Northern Hemisphere, a vessel hove to with the wind shifting counterclockwise is located in which position?
Which clouds is a thin, whitish, high cloud popularly known as "mares' tails"?
What describes a flood current?
In the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, what is a red and white vertically-striped buoy used to indicate?
Which document is NOT required by law to be posted aboard a vessel?
Which causes the Earth's irregular heating?