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 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. Most modules require 70% to pass.
The exam covers 1 module: Navigation and Deck General – Safety.
This page includes free sample questions drawn from the official USCG sample examinations, with a full bank of around 66 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.
A selection of free questions from the official USCG sample examinations. Use the interactive modules above for timed, scored drills.
Which is the best method to stop a vessel from dragging anchor in a sand bottom?
Why: Paying out more cable flattens the pull on the anchor, keeping the shank horizontal so the flukes dig in, and the extra chain weight absorbs surges. Shortening cable or backing down would break the anchor out further.
Regulations require that prior to departure on a three-day voyage, the steering gear, whistle, and communications system between the bridge and engine room must be tested prior to departure no earlier than __________.
An annual inspection of a tank vessel shall be made between which of the following months while the Certificate of Inspection is valid?
Which is TRUE of the term negative slip on a vessel?
How would the exhaust of a properly operating diesel engine appear?
Why: A properly operating diesel burns its fuel completely, so the exhaust is nearly invisible. Blue smoke means burning lube oil, black means overload or incomplete combustion, and white can mean water or unburned fuel.
What is the objective of shoring a damaged bulkhead?
All personnel on board a vessel should be familiar with the rescue boat's __________.
Why: In an emergency anyone aboard may need to launch, board, or operate the rescue boat quickly, so all personnel must know its boarding and operating procedures, not its maintenance or technical details.
Your vessel is taking on fuel when a small leak develops in the hose. You order the pumping stopped. Before you resume pumping, you should __________.
According to the Lifesaving regulations in Subchapter W, fire and abandon ship drills must be held within 24 hours of leaving port if the percentage of the crew that has not participated in drills aboard that particular vessel in the prior month exceeds which percentage?
Why: Subchapter W requires fire and abandon-ship drills within 24 hours of leaving port whenever more than 25 percent of the crew did not participate in drills aboard that vessel during the previous month.
What does the lubber's line on a magnetic compass indicate?
Why: The lubber's line is the fixed mark on the compass bowl aligned with the vessel's fore-and-aft line. Reading the card against it gives the vessel's compass heading, not north or any bearing.