Third Mate Unlimited Practice Test (Near Coastal)

The first officer license on ships of any size: container ships, tankers, car carriers, cruise ships. Most academy cadets sit this one. Coast Guard exam code ONC02.

220 real questions from the Coast Guard National Maritime Center's public sample exams, free. Rules of the Road needs 90%. Every other module needs 70%.

Passing score: Coast Guard pass marks module by module, and the retest rules

What's free: daily rounds, the Brig, the drills and the Pass Meter, for every license. Your first module test is free too. After that, the full Exam Room is $19, once. No subscription.

What's on the test

The Q115 Chart Plot (chart 13205 TR) and Q116 Navigation Problems module is done on a paper chart at the exam, so it isn't here. Practice it with the chart and tools.

10 sample questions

1. For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "Inland Waters" includes which of the following?

   • A.The coastline of the United States out to one mile offshore
   • B.The Great Lakes on the United States side of the boundary
   • C.The waters surrounding any islands of the U.S.
   • D.Any lakes within state boundaries
   Show answer

   B. The Great Lakes on the United States side of the boundary

   Q100, Rules of the Road: International & Inland

2. How should manila lines in which the strands are right-hand laid be coiled?

   • A.Manila line should be coiled in a clockwise direction
   • B.Manila line should be coiled in a counterclockwise direction
   • C.Manila line should never be coiled
   • D.Manila line may be coiled either clockwise or counterclockwise
   Show answer

   A. Manila line should be coiled in a clockwise direction

   Q160, Deck General

3. Assuming an even transverse distribution of weight in a vessel, which condition could cause a list?

   • A.Empty double bottoms and lower holds, and a heavy deck cargo
   • B.Having a small positive righting arm
   • C.Having KG smaller than KM
   • D.Flooding the forepeak to correct the vessel's trim
   Show answer

   A. Empty double bottoms and lower holds, and a heavy deck cargo

   Q161, Deck Safety

4. Under the IALA Buoyage Systems, which is TRUE of safe water marks?

   • A.They may show a quick-flashing, Q(9)15s, white light
   • B.They must show a composite group-flashing, Fl(2 + 1), green light
   • C.They may show a composite group-flashing, Fl(2 + 1), red light
   • D.They may show a white Morse (A) light
   Show answer

   D. They may show a white Morse (A) light

   Q171, Navigation General: Near Coastal

5. A law enforcement vessel patrolling a marine regatta may exhibit a flashing blue light or which of the following alternates?

   • A.two amber lights in a horizontal line
   • B.a fixed green light over a red flashing light
   • C.a high intensity flashing white light (strobe)
   • D.an alternately flashing red and yellow light
   Show answer

   D. an alternately flashing red and yellow light

   Q100, Rules of the Road: International & Inland

6. When passing a moored vessel in a narrow channel which actions will help minimize wake damage?

   • A.Stay on outside of channel and make a notation in the log book
   • B.Reduce speed and make a notation in the bell book
   • C.Check the rudder several times while passing the vessel
   • D.Go half astern when abeam of the moored vessel
   Show answer

   B. Reduce speed and make a notation in the bell book

   Q160, Deck General

7. On a small boat, if someone fell overboard and you did not know over which side the person fell, which action should you take?

   • A.Immediately reverse the engines
   • B.Increase speed to full to get the vessel away from the person
   • C.First put the rudder hard over in either direction
   • D.Stop the propellers from turning and throw a ring buoy over the side
   Show answer

   D. Stop the propellers from turning and throw a ring buoy over the side

   Q170, Deck General / Safety

8. What is indicated when slanted letters are used to spell the name of a charted object?

   • A.The object is a hazard to vessels drawing 20 feet draft
   • B.The object is always visible
   • C.The position is approximate or doubtful
   • D.The object is underwater or floating
   Show answer

   D. The object is underwater or floating

   Q171, Navigation General: Near Coastal

9. A commercial vessel engaged in public safety activities may display a(n) identity light(s). Which of the following is appropriate for these activities?

   • A.alternately flashing red and yellow light
   • B.flashing yellow light
   • C.alternately flashing blue and red light
   • D.flashing blue light
   Show answer

   A. alternately flashing red and yellow light

   Q100, Rules of the Road: International & Inland

10. When making way in heavy seas you notice that your vessel's screw is being lifted clear of the water and racing. Which action will correct the situation?

    • A.Decrease the vessel's speed
    • B.Shift more weight forward
    • C.Increase the vessel's speed
    • D.Shift the rudder back and forth several times
    Show answer

    A. Decrease the vessel's speed

    Q170, Deck General / Safety

What the study guide does

• Short daily rounds of 10 questions, with a streak.
• Practice tests built like the real one, scored with the real pass marks (first one free, then $19 once for the full Exam Room).
• The Brig: questions you miss come back until you get them right twice.
• Pass Meter: your chance of passing every module if you sat it today, worked out from your own answers.
• Lights, shapes and sound signal drills (Rules 21-35).